This Junior Created a Relaxing Oasis That Makes Her Space Feel Like “Endless Summer”
The University of Tampa
Coastal
Colorful
Tampa, Florida
Kayla Brown (@kayssslifee on TikTok) had never seen her junior year apartment before moving in. She didn’t even have measurements. Instead, the marketing major turned to TikTok and Pinterest to find decoration inspiration, hoping it would all fit and make the space feel like home. Though she said it took some adjusting, Kayla was able to create a relaxing, functional space.
Kayla’s Space
How’d you end up in this space? What initially drew me in were the single bedrooms, which offered a sense of privacy and personal space that’s hard to find in student housing.
Now that you’ve made the space your own, what specifically do you love about it? Since moving in, we’ve added our own touches with colorful decor that really brings the space to life and makes it feel like home. It’s a vibrant, welcoming environment that perfectly balances comfort and style. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room flooded the entire area with natural light, creating an open, airy feel that I instantly loved.
What’s your space best known for? Where I go to relax and unwind. I try to do homework and study outside of the room, so when I come back I can just relax and watch a movie.
Kayla’s Style
Define your personal home style: Bright, airy, and cozy. It has a beachy, relaxed feel that blends soft neutral colors with gold accents and pops of pink and blue. I love incorporating natural textures, like woven baskets and driftwood-inspired décor, to bring in a coastal charm. It’s all about creating a space that feels welcoming, peaceful, and just a little playful — with a light, breezy energy that makes it feel like an endless summer.
What’s your favorite element of your space? The floor-to-ceiling windows. I’ve never seen another dorm with windows like these, and they make the space feel incredibly special.
What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? I created my own canvas that went above my TV. I designed it on Canva with my own pictures and the song quote “How Lucky Are We” from Zac Bryan’s song, “28,” to go over it.
Kayla’s Budget
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? $5,000
Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My parents.
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 $500.
Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? My parents and my roommates.
What was your best budget find for this space? My lamp with shelves. It was around $30.
What was your biggest splurge for this space? My fridge. It was $180.
Kayla’s Advice
What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? Moving into a space I’d never seen in person. I didn’t know exactly how big (or oddly shaped) my room would be until move-in day. That uncertainty made it tricky to know how to decorate or what to bring. To overcome it, I picked pieces that were versatile and could work in different configurations, and made sure everything followed the dorm’s rules.
What’s your best tip for optimizing a small space? Cord control might not sound glamorous, but it makes a huge difference in a tiny room. I bundle phone and lamp chargers with simple Velcro ties and stick them to the back of my furniture. Not only does it look neater, it also makes dusting around my desk and nightstand much faster.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.
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