extraordinary dorm room makeover

Dorm rooms tend to be dull and unimpressive, with standard-issue twin beds and identical desk-and-chair sets. Instead of wasting time in a prefab setting, reform your dorm by following a few key guidelines. With the help of domino’s Elaina Sullivan, Amanda Greene—a soon-to-be freshman at the University of Wisconsin at Madison—received a cozy, personalized space.

In Greene’s room at the Statesider (a sweet off-campus residence hall), Sullivan builtmatching canopies, which help camouflage the track lighting and make the room live larger than its square footage.

“Your dorm room should feel like home,” says Sullivan. “When you’re working hard in school, you should have an oasis to retreat to.”

“I wanted to feel very comfortable and at home in my dorm room,” Greene says. “I love how it turned out. It’s very modern and not too over the top.”

Drab and boring.

Dull and unimpressive.

In order to keep the look of your dorm cohesive, it’s important to discuss colors and themes with your roommate before decorating. Don’t worry—if your tastes vary, you can each accessorize your own designated space. Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match your linens, says Sullivan. “It’ll make your bed more elegant and less expected.”

“My dorm-room pet peeves are posters and Christmas lights, because both feel very temporary,” says Sullivan. In lieu of transitory wall adornments, find (or make!) an art piece with staying power.

Chic patterns can conceal unsightly pieces. With bold geometric Diane von Furstenberg prints, Sullivan made new valances for the windows, headboard covers for the beds, and even a durable slipcover for the mini fridge.