**Freshman Transformation: Bennett Gould’s Dream Dorm at Ole Miss**
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Bennett Gould, an 18-year-old student from Boulder, Colorado, has transformed her living space into a vibrant oasis as she begins her college journey at the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss. Working with interior designer Shelly Gates, Gould’s dorm room has been tailored to reflect her tastes and preferences, making it an inviting home away from home.
The journey began when Gould’s grandmother sought a meaningful graduation gift. As Gould prepared to embark on her collegiate experience, her grandmother discovered Gates’ business, Mary Margaret Designs, which specialises in creating bespoke dorm room interiors. Recognising the potential for a unique gift, she reached out to Gates, who has a reputation for transforming dorm spaces into stylish retreats.
Gates, a former elementary school teacher turned full-time designer, has dedicated her career to helping students navigate their new living environments. With over 13 years of experience, she collaborates with numerous students, particularly at Ole Miss, the University of Alabama, and Louisiana State University, to create aesthetically pleasing and functional dorms. Her design fees can range between £4,000 and £16,000, covering everything from furniture and carpeting to curtains, with a dedicated team to handle installations.
The design process kicked off with a series of discussions between Gould and Gates. They aimed to infuse a beachy, Lilly Pulitzer-inspired vibe into the room, which is situated within one of the university’s oldest residential halls. As they reviewed various colour swatches, a palette comprising blues, pinks, greens, and whites began to take shape. One of Gould’s standout requests was for a decorative umbrella after being inspired by an example she had seen, providing a summery touch to the overall look.
Gates praised Gould for her exceptional taste and willingness to explore creative ideas as they set about revitalising the less glamorous dorm room. “The dorm that she’s in might be the oldest, most unattractive dorm known to man, and I felt like we were able to give it a transformation that really made it feel more like a refuge and not a cinder block prison cell,” Gates explained.
As the installation day approached, Gates and her team meticulously arranged each piece of the décor to ensure that every detail was perfect. Given that Gould had been clear about her aversion to orange, the design process largely revolved around her confidence in Gates’ creative direction, with few stipulations beyond that.
The moment of reveal turned out to be a highlight for both Gould and Gates. Upon entering her newly designed room for the first time, Gould was left speechless. “It’s mind-blowing. It’s nicer than my room at home,” she exclaimed, describing the overall experience as “incredible” and “a dream come true”. Gates, who witnessed the reveal via FaceTime, shared that she often finds herself in tears as she watches students’ reactions, saying, “There has not been a reveal yet that I have not cried.”
One week after settling in, Gould reflected on the positive impact of her new environment, noting how she has even adopted a routine of making her bed—something she hadn’t done before. She described the layout of her room as “great” and commented on the attention it garnered from her peers, including a resident assistant who dropped by just to see the coveted umbrella.
Gould’s first week at Ole Miss has been bustling with activities, including rushing events, and she expressed her enthusiasm for the college experience thus far. “We’ve had a fun week with rush and everything, so we’re all just in the thick of it right now. It’s just been such an incredible experience,” she shared.
With her stylish dorm room as a backdrop, Bennett Gould has embraced her new chapter in life. The collaboration with Shelly Gates showcases the positive intersection of creativity, comfort, and community as students like Gould embark on their educational adventures. The transformation of her dorm room not only highlights personal style but also speaks to the essential need for students to feel at home in their living spaces.