Transforming College Dorms: Shelly Gates’ Journey in Interior Design

Transforming Dorm Rooms: The Art of College Interior Design with Shelly Gates

When you think of college dorm rooms, what comes to mind? Perhaps cramped spaces, bland walls, and a lack of personality? Well, Shelly Gates, the creative force behind Mary Margaret Designs, is on a mission to change that narrative. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Shelly specializes in transforming college dorm rooms into stylish sanctuaries that reflect the personalities of their young inhabitants. With over 17,000 followers on TikTok, her journey from a concerned mom to a sought-after interior designer is as inspiring as it is fascinating.

A Passion Ignited

Shelly’s love for design was always there, but it truly blossomed in 2020 when she decorated her daughter’s dorm room at Mississippi State University. After sharing photos on Facebook, she was pleasantly surprised when her daughter’s room won a “Dorm Room of the Year” contest in a local mom group. This recognition sparked a newfound confidence in Shelly, leading her to explore the world of dorm room design.

"Dorm rooms are easy, small, and pretty uniform compared to bigger design projects," she explains. With that in mind, she began to dip her toes into the world of interior design, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

A Growing Portfolio

Fast forward to today, and Shelly has successfully designed 20 dorm rooms across various universities, including Ole Miss, Southern Methodist University, and even Mizzou. Each project presents its own unique challenges, from understanding the layout of the space to managing the expectations of both students and their parents.

"I started with a design fee, and then I charge hourly for installation," she shares. The average cost for a complete dorm room makeover hovers around $5,000, a price that reflects the meticulous attention to detail and personalized service she provides.

The Design Process

Shelly’s design process is both thorough and innovative. Months in advance, she begins by researching the specific dorms her clients will be living in, often using TikTok to find inspiration and layout ideas. "I always start with the fabric the student wants," she says, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in her designs.

From there, she scours Pinterest and Instagram for additional inspiration, but she also prides herself on coming up with original ideas. Her designs go beyond aesthetics; they include practical elements like organization and storage solutions, ensuring that each room is not only beautiful but also functional.

Smart Spending

When it comes to budgeting, Shelly has a keen eye for where to splurge and where to save. "I spend more money on bedding and lamps because they can carry over to new spaces well," she explains. Art is another area where she encourages investment, as it adds character and can easily transition to future living spaces.

However, she advocates for more economical choices when it comes to rugs. "Rugs are always gross at the end of the year, and you should just throw those away," she laughs. Instead, she finds great deals on affordable rugs, often around $100, which are perfect for the transient nature of college life.

Overcoming Criticism

With her growing popularity on social media, Shelly has faced her fair share of criticism. Some commenters deem her designs as "over the top," but she remains unfazed. "In the South, we kind of do everything over the top. It’s just what we want," she asserts. For her, the ultimate goal is to create spaces that make students feel at home, a refuge where they can thrive during their college years.

"I read hate comments sometimes and think, ‘Well, I don’t really tell you where to spend your money, right?’" Shelly adds, emphasizing that her clients are happy with the results, and that’s what truly matters.

Looking Ahead

As Shelly continues to grow her business, she dreams of transitioning into full-time interior design. Currently, she balances her passion with a full-time job teaching fourth grade. "I would love to hire additional designers and expand my business," she shares, her enthusiasm palpable.

In a world where college dorm rooms are often overlooked, Shelly Gates is proving that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, these small spaces can become vibrant reflections of the students who inhabit them. Whether it’s through TikTok videos or her stunning designs, she is redefining what it means to live in a dorm, one room at a time.

So, the next time you think of a dorm room, remember Shelly’s mission: to create a beautiful, personalized space that feels like home, no matter how small.