Transforming Dorm Rooms: How Shelly Gates Turned a Passion for Design into a Thriving Business

Transforming Dorm Rooms: The Inspiring Journey of Shelly Gates

When you think of college dorm rooms, what comes to mind? A small, cramped space filled with mismatched furniture and a few personal touches? For many, that’s the reality. But for Shelly Gates, a 49-year-old teacher from Mississippi, dorm rooms are an opportunity for creativity and design. Her journey from a proud mom decorating her daughter’s dorm room to a sought-after interior designer specializing in college spaces is nothing short of inspiring.

A Dorm Room to Remember

In 2020, Shelly took on the challenge of designing her daughter’s dorm room at Mississippi State University. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for design, she transformed the space into a cozy and stylish retreat. After posting photos on Facebook, her work caught the attention of other parents, leading to a flurry of requests for her design services. Suddenly, Shelly found herself not just a mom, but a burgeoning entrepreneur.

Southern Charm Meets Design

In the South, the culture of dorm room decoration is vibrant and often extravagant. Shelly explains that creating a beautiful dorm room is part of Southern tradition. “We kind of do everything over the top,” she says. For many parents, it’s about giving their children a space that feels like home, a refuge where they can thrive as they embark on their college journey.

With her newfound confidence, Shelly began to take on more projects. By her second year, she had designed seven dorm rooms, and she quickly learned the intricacies of working within the constraints of small spaces. “Dorm rooms are easy, small, and pretty uniform compared to bigger design projects,” she notes, making them an ideal starting point for her design business.

The Design Process: From Concept to Creation

Shelly’s design process is meticulous. She starts months in advance, using platforms like TikTok to gather information about room dimensions and layouts. “The measurements that the university provides are not always to scale,” she explains. This attention to detail ensures that each design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

Once she has the layout, Shelly collaborates with students to choose fabrics and colors that reflect their personalities. She scours Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, but she also brings her own creative ideas to the table. “I want the process to be streamlined for the parents and for the dorms to feel pretty much turnkey,” she emphasizes.

Balancing Quality and Budget

When it comes to budgeting, Shelly prioritizes quality items that can transition with students as they move from dorms to apartments or sorority houses. “I splurge on bedding and art because they have a shelf life and stay in good shape,” she explains. However, she also knows the importance of practicality, opting for inexpensive rugs that can be easily replaced at the end of the year.

Her design philosophy is clear: create beautiful spaces that are also functional and budget-friendly. “These are 18-year-old kids — they don’t need a Persian rug,” she quips, highlighting her understanding of her clientele.

Embracing Criticism and Celebrating Success

As with any creative endeavor, Shelly has faced her share of criticism, especially on social media. “I don’t let mean comments on my TikTok videos get to me,” she says. Instead, she focuses on the joy her designs bring to students and their families. “My ultimate goal is to create a space that they love,” she adds.

Her success has allowed her to expand her business beyond dorm rooms, designing condos for parents of college students as well. Shelly’s passion for design and her commitment to her clients have positioned her as a leader in this niche market.

A Bright Future Ahead

While Shelly currently teaches fourth grade full-time, her dream is to grow her design business into a full-time venture. “Hopefully soon, I can hire additional designers and grow my business,” she shares, looking forward to the future with optimism.

In a world where college can often feel overwhelming, Shelly Gates is making a difference, one beautifully designed dorm room at a time. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and the desire to create spaces that feel like home. Whether you’re a parent preparing for your child’s college journey or a student looking to personalize your space, Shelly’s work serves as an inspiring reminder that a little design can go a long way in making a dorm feel like home.