After 15 years of working with a local family on two homes and a South Bethany, Delaware, beach house, interior designer Kate FitzGerald-Wilks found herself taking on another job—one more daunting than she expected. “In some ways, designing a dorm room is even trickier, because the student might not see the space until a week or two before the semester starts, and the measurements need to be precise,” says FitzGerald-Wilks, whose firm is based in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. “It requires us to work meticulously to merge functionality and the comforts of home on a much smaller scale.”
Perhaps the most important factor in dorm room design: storage, storage and more storage. Sometimes the solution is to go vertical. “We love bookcases for their height and ability to hold many things at one time,” says FitzGerald-Wilks, who recommends baskets on shelves as an aesthetically pleasing way to keep things organized.
Multifunctional pieces like storage benches and nightstands keep clutter out of sight, and furniture with hidden compartments can make a room feel more open and organized while providing additional seating options. Also be sure you grab a set of bed risers. All that space underneath comes in handy, and a storage bench or small ottoman can double as a stepstool for the lofted bed.
“Boxes and plastic containers are often a necessity but throw off the aesthetics of the design,” says FitzGerald-Wilks. “We recommend keeping them out of sight under the bed.”
And don’t forget a few touches from home—pictures, a favorite blanket or (dare say) a cherished stuffed animal.
Related: This Program Gives Delaware Students a Chance to Help Their Communities
