Page 189 - AmericasMart: Market Magazine July 2017

FURNITURE, RUG & HOME ACCENTS
HOME AWAY FROM
HOME
Designers, manufacturers and retailers head to college
Dorm décor has moved beyond twin beds with matching spreads. Today’s rooms are beautifully designed living spaces, a trend that has more interior designers, home goods manufacturers, and retailers focusing on the college crowd.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Hallie Ward got into the dorm design business when her daughters went to Ole Miss. She wanted their dorm rooms to be inviting, comfortable and “feel like home.” “There’s a lot of stress in college and having a nice, stable environment can make the transition easier,” she says.
With her daughters’ input, she added carpeting, custom
white linen bedcovers and padded head boards, small tables, mirrors, lamps and pillows for a Bohemian chic look.
It was such a hit that she now has a side-business (W Decor) designing dorm rooms and apartments for students. After discussing style and color preferences, she orders custom bedding, curtains and headboards, then shops for furnishings, wall art and accent pieces with the coeds. “This trend is spreading like wildfire,” she says. “The rooms are getting more elaborate every year.”
SAVVY, SMART SHOPPING
Clients asked Terie Shields, interior decorator and owner of Terie Shields Interiors (in Meridian, Miss.) to design dorm rooms. “The teens know what they like. I help them find the things they need, and pull it all together,” says Shields. A dorm room is small, so every item is focused on function, storage and comfort.”
Since it can get pricey ($2,500 to $6,000 plus), designers discuss budget up front. “There are ways to save money, and I also try to steer the girls to things that they can carry with them to the next room or their first apartment,” says Shields.
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