This Retro-Meets-Modern University of Michigan Dorm Room Feels Like California in the Midwest

Despite the quirks of a dorm room layout, Tessa created a space that feels polished while spotlighting her taste and interests for authenticity. Here’s what she had to say about her room.

How did you find this space? I was randomly assigned to a double, and my first impression was that it felt pretty basic and a little outdated — more functional than inspiring. But I saw potential in the layout, especially the wall space between the beds, and used that as a focal point to completely transform it. 

Now that you’ve made it your own, what specifically do you love about your space? I leaned into symmetry with matching furniture and lighting, built a cohesive gallery wall that mixes school pride with personal style, and swapped the harsh overhead light for warmer lamps to make it feel more like home. Now, what I love most is how intentional and elevated it feels compared to where it started: It’s cozy, balanced, and really reflects my aesthetic while still functioning as both a relaxing space and something that photographs well and connects with people online.

What is your space best known for? My room has definitely become the go-to spot for getting ready, hanging out, and taking pictures because the lighting is really good and the aesthetic is super cute, so everyone always wants photos in here.

It’s less of a quiet study space and more of a social, fun environment. My friends are always coming in to hang out, play music, talk, and just get ready together. At the same time, when everything slows down, it still feels like a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a long day.

What was the biggest challenge in decorating your space? The layout of the room was a little weird at first because of how the beds were originally positioned, which made it hard to figure out where everything should go and how to make the space feel balanced. 

On top of that, moving in and out was a bit of a process, so I tried to keep things relatively simple and easy to rearrange. I focused on creating one main focal point (my gallery wall) and used symmetry to make the space feel more intentional despite the layout. I also chose decor that was lightweight and easy to hang or adjust, so I could change things without damaging the walls. 

How would you describe your personal home style? I would describe my personal home style as colorful, eclectic, and mid-century modern with a clean, curated feel. I like mixing bold prints and bright colors with more structured furniture, so the space feels fun but still put together. I’m really drawn to symmetry and balance, like matching lamps and a centered gallery wall, because it makes everything feel intentional.

Where do you get the inspiration for your decor? A lot of my inspiration comes from The Endless Summer and California coastal vibes, mixed with a slightly retro feel. I love pieces that feel personal — like posters, books, and small items that reflect my interests — because they make the space feel lived-in instead of staged. I’m also inspired by social media and design trends that mix vintage and modern elements, but I always try to make it feel like my own rather than copying one specific style. Overall, I want my space to feel warm, energetic, and personal — somewhere that reflects my personality but still feels calm and comfortable to come back to.

What is your proudest DIY or product hack? I used double-sided heavy-duty tape and adhesive strips to hang all of my photos and posters, since everything had to be removable without damaging the walls. This project was all about turning my dorm into a space that felt personal and put together, even with typical dorm limitations. 

A big part of the process was working with my mom, who is an interior designer. She helped guide a lot of the decisions — from layout to balance to choosing pieces that would work well together — so the space would feel cohesive and intentional rather than random. My roommate was really easygoing and let us have full control over the space all summer, which gave me the freedom to fully design and plan everything out.

What small space decorating tips do you have? One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to make the most of vertical space. Instead of cluttering surfaces, I used wall space for my gallery wall, which adds personality without taking up any room. It makes the space feel decorated but still clean and open. 

Another helpful tip is sticking to a cohesive color palette. It keeps everything looking put together, even if you have a mix of different items. That was something my mom really emphasized: When your colors and layout are consistent, the space automatically feels more intentional.

Overall, the biggest hack is balancing function and aesthetic — everything should look good but also have a purpose so the space stays livable and not overwhelming.

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

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