Parents Go All Out for College Dorm Makeovers: Inside the Booming Industry of Dorm Decor
As the world slowly returns to normalcy, parents are eagerly preparing their children for their return to in-person school after more than a year of missed milestones. With homecomings, proms, and graduations put on hold, families are going all out to ensure their kids have a memorable and comfortable college experience. This surge in spending has led to a dorm room makeover trend that is taking the industry by storm.
According to Deloitte’s 2021 back-to-college survey, consumer spending on dorm furniture and supplies is expected to reach $3 billion this year, a 5% increase from the previous year. Entrepreneurs in the dorm-makeover industry are seizing this opportunity to cater to the growing demand for stylish and practical dorm decor.
One such success story is Dormify, an online store founded by Amanda Zuckerman and her mom, Karen, in 2013. What started as a solution to the overwhelming task of shopping for dorm essentials has now grown into a multimillion-dollar company offering a wide range of products, from upholstered headboards with charging stations to wall prints designed by students. Dormify’s success can be attributed to its strategic partnerships with college influencers and its social media presence, which has driven a 40% year-over-year revenue growth.
Another player in the dorm-makeover industry is Dawn Thomas, the interior designer behind After Five Designs. Thomas specializes in designing and installing sophisticated dorm interiors, offering a personalized touch that sets her apart from the competition. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Thomas’s business has thrived, with more clients reaching out for her services each season.
Jen Abrams, a New Jersey interior designer, took a different approach to the dorm-makeover trend by launching Resident Style, a business that offers custom-designed dorm rooms for college students. With a focus on personalized design and attention to detail, Abrams has seen a significant increase in demand for her services, catering to clients from Big Ten schools to the Ivy League.
As parents and students continue to invest in creating a comfortable and stylish living space, the dorm-makeover industry shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s through online stores like Dormify, personalized installation services like After Five Designs, or bespoke design packages from Resident Style, families are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their children feel at home in their college dorm rooms. After all, as Abrams puts it, “This is your new home, and every day when you open your eyes, you should be surrounded with the things that represent who you are and make you feel your best.” And in the end, that’s priceless.