This Sophomore’s Nature-Inspired Room Is “Full of Personality” — And a DIY Vine Wall!

Mahogany McDougle (@_mahoganymcdougle on IG; @mahoganymcdougle on TikTok) nailed the “peaceful” vibe she was after in the bedroom of her on-campus apartment that she shares with three roommates. The Grand Canyon University sophomore recently moved into her new space that she says is “happy and completely me.” 

Check out how Mahogany achieved this by incorporating earthy tones and nature-inspired decor. 

How’d you end up in this space? I found my apartment through word of mouth after hearing it was one of the best spots on campus.

Now that you’ve made the space your own, what specifically do you love about it? It’s the first place I’ve been able to decorate completely with everything I love, which makes it feel truly personal and special.

What’s your space best known for? Being aesthetically pleasing, clean, and incredibly cohesive. Every detail, from the color scheme to the decor, is thoughtfully chosen to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is the kind of space that feels balanced — not too cluttered, but full of personality — and it reflects my style perfectly. 

Define your personal home style: Light earth-toned, bright, and welcoming. I use a lot of greens and yellows throughout my space, which gives it a vibe. The overall look is pretty minimalist, but I’ve added thoughtful touches, like wall vines and woven basket-style decor, that bring in texture and softness.

What’s your favorite element of your space? The area around my bed, including the pictures above it and the window beside it. The space feels peaceful and put-together. I have three bright and happy posters hanging above my bed that set the tone for the room, and right outside my window is a beautiful palm tree. My bed has checkered pillows and a green and white checkered blanket that tie everything together with the colors in the posters and the natural view outside. It all flows really nicely and creates such a calming and joyful vibe — it’s easily my favorite part of the room.

What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? My vine wall. I think it looks super cute and adds a natural, fresh vibe that flows perfectly with the rest of my decor. I’m planning to get another pack of vines soon so I can make it taller, but so far I’m really loving how my DIY vine wall has turned out.

In an effort to remove the stigma associated with talking about money in college, we’re asking students to share how they plan and budget for their space.

How much does your housing cost per semester? $4,000.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? No.

Do you pay for your living expenses? Yes.

How much did it cost to decorate your space? About $800 to $1,000.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? Sometimes my mom buys stuff for me that she thinks would look nice, but I pay for my college decorations myself most of the time.

How do you earn your income? Full-time job.

What was your best budget find for this space? I focused on finding affordable pieces that still looked good and fit my style without breaking the bank. I’ve created a space that feels both stylish and comfortable while staying within my budget. 

What was your biggest splurge for this space? The most expensive items were my mini-fridge, my TV, and my desk. Those pieces really helped make the space feel more comfortable and complete.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? The moving process. I was exhausted from a week-long trip, and on top of that I was moving in 100-degree weather. I transitioned straight from a dorm to an apartment, so I had to buy everything new with barely any time to prepare. After the initial move, the next challenge was decorating and picking up all the essentials. I was missing things like pots, pans, and supplies to hang up my wall decor. 

What’s your best tip for optimizing a small space? Keep things simple and intentional. I focus on using multifunctional items, like baskets, that not only store things but also add to the room’s decor. Vertical space is key, so I use wall hooks and shelves to keep surfaces clear and make the most of every inch. Staying consistent with a color scheme helps keep the space feeling open and cohesive instead of cluttered.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

Share your style: Dorm Tour Submission Form