C
ollege students are ditching the drab dorm rooms of yesteryear for high-end designs that reflect their unique style. As part of a national trend, students are convincing their parents to shell out thousands for custom-designed spaces that rival luxury homes.

    For University of Alabama senior Madison Williams, her dream dorm room became a reality when her mother hired Decorilla, an online interior design service. Williams wanted her small space to feel "warm and welcoming," with pops of turquoise, teal, and purple. The result is a cozy retreat featuring a velvet headboard, multifunctional desk area, and clever storage solutions.

    The project cost around $4,000 and took two weeks to plan, followed by a month for delivery and installation. Williams credits the space with easing her transition into college, saying it felt like home from day one.

    A similar story played out for University of Mississippi freshmen Madi Baker and Brittyn Wheeler, who collaborated on designing their dream dorm room with Mary Margaret Designs. The pair wanted a space that reflected their shared love of green and Texas charm. The result is a vibrant room featuring patterned wallpaper, a painting of a girl and dog, and elegant window treatments.

    The trend is particularly prevalent in the South, where students are used to seeing beautifully designed dorm rooms. According to designers, budgets can range from several thousand to over $10,000, depending on the level of customization and quality of materials.

    As one designer noted, parents are often involved in the planning process, but ultimately want their children to make their own decisions about the space. Even though these custom-designed dorms may be temporary, designers advise students to choose classic pieces that will transition seamlessly into their future apartments and homes.