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Roundup: Five Fabulous Dorm Room Makeovers

by on Aug 18, 2015


It occurred to me this morning that we’ve never had a dorm room makeover roundup here on Curbly. Heck, I’m not sure we’ve even had ONE before and after of a dorm room. Perhaps it’s so as finding good examples is rather difficult. (Students too busy or too broke, I suppose.) Because of this, these makeovers (actually, they’re more like moving in with style) span several years. No matter what their age, they’re still fabulous! 

One thing a drab dorm room has going for it is it’s a blank palette, right? Take this ‘before’ for example:

A bare dorm room before decorating with two twin beds and a desk.
Alabama-based Moxii Design Studio was responsible for the ‘after.’ Among their hints for dorm room design: hide the floor, layer linens (as occupants will have little control over the room’s temperature), and decorate with your accessories (they’ll add color and personality). For more Moxii tips, visit this slideshow on My Home Ideas.
 
A cool, cute dorm room after decorating.
Danny did this room for Cosmogirl Magazine back in the day. cosmobefore
Here’s Danny’s after. Some of the highlights are the giant paint swatches from Yolo Colorhouse and Flor modular carpet tiles. For other tips, visit this page on Daily Danny.cosmoafter
This dorm room belonged to two Boston Architectural College interior design grads. It had a lot going for it, like beautiful wood floors, high ceilings and a fireplace.

 

There are two empty beds along with desks and chairs in the dorm room.
But even with all its advantages, the room still needed some life. The vantage point has changed as we are now looking toward the fireplace, but, yes, it’s the same room. For more details, visit Lovely Undergrad.
Fabulous ideas for dorm room makeover.
This makeover was actually a promo for a dorm room makeover giveaway. http://uscoop.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SerenaLilyBeforeMale.jpg
Its after, however, it totally legit. For more images, head on over to uscoop
http://uscoop.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SerenaLilyMale4.jpg
To close, we have this bold example. Not sure how many institutions would allow you to paint the walls of a dorm room, but if they DID just look what a dark rich color does to a cramped cubbyhole. It makes it look larger, as evidenced from designer Brian Patrick Flynn‘s makeover. For 10 tips for decorating your dorm room, visit Atlanta Bargain Hunter.

Turn your boring dormitory into a colorful living space. Photos: Brian Patrick Flynn

 

For more great dorm room ideas check out our Dorm Section!

 

This Curbly post was originally published in August 2012. We’re resharing because it’s back to school season!

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1 Comments

  1. Many of those dorm rooms are much larger than mine was.  We had to bunk the beds in order to have any real floor space unless you lucked out and got a corner room.  We also had the disadvantage of having built-in desks.  The beds and dressers were moveable, but again, not a lot of space reduces your options.