I Sent Photos of My Messy Dorm to an Interior Designer — Here’s What She Said to Fix

I like to think of my college experience as a time for learning, growing, and discovering myself, but dorm life often adds a healthy dose of chaos and stress to the mix. From my crowded closet to my cluttered desk, the limited space in my dorm room has been a constant source of frustration. Between cramming for exams and catching up on sleep, finding the time to organize my space has felt impossible.

Determined to make my dorm feel more like a cozy sanctuary and less like an overstuffed storage unit, I decided to consult an expert. I sent photos of my room to interior designer Emily Harmatz, owner of Just the Right Piece in Warren, New Jersey. I asked Harmatz for advice on how to maximize my space for both functionality and style without a big budget or heavy lifting — and she delivered.

For many students, including myself, college is their first experience living away from home, which can make it an exciting and anxious time — and all the more essential to create a warm, welcoming dorm room. The thing is, Harmatz says dorms often come with some common layout challenges, like limited square footage, shared living spaces, and immovable campus-provided storage (case in point: the shelves above my bed and built-in closets), so you have to get a little creative in how you lay things out.

To give Harmatz a good idea of what my setup was like, I sent her a few photos of my dorm room, highlighting my problem areas: limited floor space, poorly placed furniture, and a small closet. After reviewing my photos, Harmatz shared some practical, low-cost solutions tailored to my setup, focused on improving flow and functionality while adding a touch of style.

Most dorm rooms are extremely small, so Harmatz emphasizes organization as the key to creating a functional space. She recommended nightstands with drawers and charging ports, storage bins for below my bed, and organizational desk pieces, which can all play a big role in maximizing the functionality of a dorm room. 

She also suggested adding above-fridge storage, like bins or shelves, for snacks and my small kitchen appliances. Harmatz also loves double-duty pieces like a structured ottoman that acts as storage and a stepstool (when you can safely use it). 

Even if your room is spotless, clashing decor can detract from the sanctuary vibe you’re after. If possible, Harmatz encourages coordinating some items with your roommate to create a cohesive look. This could include matching under-bed storage bins, pillows, or small accessories. However, this may depend on your relationship with your roommate and your differing tastes. She also recommends using long bed skirts or shams to conceal under-bed storage, helping the space feel less like a storage unit.

Finally, Harmatz is all for personal touches. Adding photos, artwork, or fun lighting to your desk, walls, or other surfaces can make your dorm feel more like home. Bonus points for incorporating a consistent color palette to create a sense of flow throughout the room.

After collaborating with Harmatz on a new floor plan, my roommate and I rearranged our tiny dorm room. We moved our beds to opposite corners and designated another corner for our desks. By positioning the beds perpendicular to each other — rather than parallel, as they had been before — we created two distinct spaces within the room.

After rearranging the furniture, I immediately felt like the room was bigger. I could see more of my cute pink rug, and the center of the room was more open and inviting. The new layout makes the space more functional and gives me a greater sense of personal space. According to Harmatz, that’s exactly what should happen! She says that a more thoughtful layout in small spaces like dorms helps students feel more at home in their environment.

Sharing photos of my dorm (and my mess!) with a professional was intimidating, but the advice was worth it. Harmatz’s suggestions helped me see my space in a new light. Small changes to our layout went a long way; I am thrilled with my new setup and excited to shop for more storage solutions.

If you’re struggling with a cluttered dorm room, take inspiration from these pro tips. You don’t need a designer to experiment with furniture placement or to find stylish, functional storage options. With a little creativity, even the smallest dorm can feel like home.