A sophomore at the University of Alabama, Kyla Lemons, recently gave a glimpse into her creatively designed sorority room on TikTok, which quickly gained traction online. Alongside her roommate, Jaelyn Hanna, the pair dedicated several months to conceptualising and executing a blue-and-green-themed decor that reflects both their personalities and serves as an inviting space for friends.
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Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Lemons is currently pursuing a marketing degree with a minor in sales. From the outset, she and Hanna established a shared vision for their room’s colour palette. “We knew we wanted to incorporate blue and green from the very beginning,” Lemons explained in a conversation with PEOPLE. “Our goal was to create a space that felt as much like home as possible.”
Over the summer, the duo invested approximately 100 hours into the project, focusing on detailed planning and the creation of various handcrafted decor elements. Once the academic year began, it took the pair about six hours to set everything up in their new room.
The transformation was largely inspired and designed by Hanna’s sister, Jillian, who played a significant role in bringing their vision to life. Lemons recounted, “My roommate’s sister did an incredible job with the design, and she truly made our dream a reality!”
While some items were already owned by the roommates—such as neon signs and picture frames—most of the decor was specially purchased for the makeover, leading to a total expenditure of approximately £5,045. Major costs included £560 for two large paintings, £350 spent on 12 gold frames, and £260 for a shared dresser positioned between their beds.
Additional expenses comprised £260 for a compact blue refrigerator and £260 for two entryway chairs. The roommates also sprang for an entry rug that measured 8-by-8 feet, costing £215, alongside a smaller rug for £130. Decorative pillows significantly impacted the budget as well, with various styles and types costing a combined total of approximately £490.
Moreover, the impressive room adornments extend beyond mere aesthetics. Lemons and Hanna were thoughtful in their design, prioritising seating arrangements to accommodate the constant flow of visitors. “We love having our friends over, but we don’t want everyone sitting on our beds,” Lemons shared, highlighting their emphasis on creating a social atmosphere.
After unveiling the final look of their room on TikTok, Lemons was surprised to see the video garner over 300,000 views. The popularity of their design has sparked curiosity among viewers, some of whom questioned the lack of desks in their room. However, Lemons clarified the practicality behind the arrangement, noting the availability of common study areas within the sorority house, which alleviated the need for personal desks.
The overwhelming response has been appreciated by the duo, particularly the intrigue surrounding their cohesive design choices. Lemons remarked on the comments that noted the impeccable coordination of their decor and revealed that they had known each other prior to moving in together. “It’s funny how people don’t realise that past relationships can help with planning a room,” she said.
For those looking to craft their own college bedrooms, Lemons advocates for embracing one’s individuality. “Make it feel like you,” she advised. “Even if it feels a bit extra, those unique touches define the space.”
Though the sorority room is a temporary setting, Lemons hinted that some of the decor might be repurposed for future living arrangements, signifying that a touch of home can be carried on well beyond the university experience.