The Cutest Decor Gem in This University of Alabama Dorm Only Cost $10 (and It’s a DIY!)

Blue and pink run through nearly every corner of Gretchen Belle’s (@gretchenbelle on TikTok, @gretchen.belle on Instagram) University of Alabama dorm room. From the bedding, to the rug, to the pictures framed throughout the space, this room is color-coordinated to perfection — and I’m here for it. 

The palette gives the room a soft look that’s instantly calming after a long day of classes, but the detail that really defines the room hangs above the window: a giant pink bow. It looks like something you’d buy at a boutique, but in reality Gretchen’s mom made it for about $10. The bow anchors the freshman’s 10-by-11-foot suite-style dorm, turning the small space into a playful, personality-filled bedroom.

How did you end up in this space? I found my dorm through the university’s housing page. I was drawn to this suite-style dorm because I get to have my own room and space, but I also have three other amazing suitemates who I spend a lot of time with.

What do you love about your space? I love my space because the blue tones calm me after my classes during the week. I love my wallpaper because it makes me feel like I’m not living in a dorm. I really wanted my dorm to feel like a space where I could always feel relaxed — no matter what else was going on in my life. I love bows, so my mom made the giant pink bow above the window, which adds a lot to the room. I also really love my lounge chair and footrest by my window so I can look outside during the day. Overall, I love my dorm room so much and love being in it.

What is your room best known for? My space is best known for hanging out with friends, getting ready, movie nights, studying, and overall just chilling. 

How would you define your personal home style? I would define my room style as “girly.” I love pink and blues because of how well they work together. I’ve always loved bows since I was little, so adding them to my room gave me a sense of a home away from home. 

What’s your favorite element of your space? My favorite element is my wallpaper. I feel like it adds so much to my room. I get so many compliments from my friends. It makes my room look bigger and more put-together.

Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration for my room was from Pottery Barn catalogs and LoveShackFancy. I also looked at other people’s dorms who go to my school, to get some inspo from them. 

What’s your proudest DIY hack? My proudest DIY hack is definitely the giant pink bow above my window. It adds so much to my room and only cost about $10 to make. Many companies sell them for much more money, but my mom made it herself (which saved us a lot).

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? About $5,000.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? Yes.

How much did it cost to decorate your space? About $700.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? Yes.

Do you pay for your living expenses? Partially.

How do you earn your income? Side hustle.

What was your biggest splurge for this space? My biggest splurge was my bedding from the Pottery Barn Teen x LoveShackFancy collection.

What was your best budget find? The giant pink bow above my window because my mom made it herself. The material was only about $10, compared to buying one pre-made, which would be much more expensive.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? My biggest challenge was trying to figure out what layout I was going to do before moving in. I was always looking at measurements of furniture before purchasing to make sure it would fit where I wanted it to go. I overcame this by taking the measurements of the dorm and the provided furniture and then figuring out what additional items would fit in the remaining space.

Where are the best places to get started finding decor ideas? My biggest advice to incoming freshmen is to look on TikTok and Pinterest for inspiration. I got almost all of my inspiration from those two apps. I would recommend looking around a lot before buying things, and taking your time before making purchases.

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

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