See How This Freshman Upgraded Her Dorm Desk with a Clever DIY (It’s So Cute!)

When initially designing her University of Oklahoma dorm room, Kate Stocksen (@katestocksen on IG; @kate_elyse_ on TikTok) was torn between coastal and cottagecore aesthetics. Having her own bedroom as part of a four-bedroom suite meant she had a “personal space” she could really “make feel like home.” Kate decided on a minimal, coastal look, and she even created her own scalloped detailing to level-up her desk and study area

How’d you end up in this space? I chose to live in this dorm because I really liked the idea of having my own room. I liked having the opportunity to have a personal space that I could decorate and make feel like home.

Now that you’ve made the space your own, what specifically do you love about it? My dorm includes a living room that I share with three other girls. This is a great space for hosting game nights, watching movies, and spending time with friends. At the same time, I also love having the ability to close my door and enjoy the quiet when I need to focus on homework or just recharge. It’s the perfect balance of social and peaceful.

What’s your space best known for? A go-to hangout spot for my friend group. It has been so fun to host movie nights, study sessions, and casual get-togethers in a space that feels comfortable and inviting. 

Define your personal home style: I was inspired by the Pottery Barn x Love Shack Fancy collaboration, and knew I wanted to create a space that reflected that aesthetic. Although I loved the collection, it was quite expensive so I decided to purchase just the bedding and then found more affordable pieces that complemented it. While I usually love bold colors, for this room I focused on soft blues and pastel brights to keep the space light, cheerful, and cohesive.

What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? My favorite DIY project was transforming my plain desk by adding a scalloped trim. The desk provided with the dorm was a plain brown desk, so I personalized it by applying white contact paper to the surface of the desk. I purchased a white shelf and attached scalloped wood trim, which I painted white and secured to the hutch using Command Velcro strips. To make the trim, I painted and cut wood beams to size. I have always loved scallop detailing, and this simple addition turned an ordinary piece into a unique and charming feature that fit perfectly with the overall look of my room.

What’s your favorite element of your space? The pair of sconces and the large monogrammed picture frame above my bed. They add a personalized and elegant touch that makes the space feel uniquely mine. 

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? $5,930

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My parents and grandparents.

Do you pay for your living expenses? No.

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

How much did it cost to decorate your space? Around $2,000.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? My job.

What was your best budget find for this space? My desk mirror was only $30.

What was your biggest splurge for this space? My bedding was around $300.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? Decorating a room I had never seen in person. It was difficult to know if the furniture and decor I selected would fit properly or work well together in the space. I spent a lot of time measuring and guessing, hoping that everything would come together once I arrived. 

What’s your best tip for optimizing a small space? Using organizers inside drawers. They made it so much easier to keep small items in place and avoid clutter. I also learned the value of only bringing what I knew I would actually use and leaving everything else at home. Being intentional with what I packed helped keep my space functional, organized, and much less overwhelming.

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

Share your style: Dorm Tour Submission Form