Marissa Wingerter’s Mississippi State University dorm room is a testament to the power of southern charm and interior design. The twin beds, adorned with matching white headboards, green bedskirts, and pink duvets, are a sight to behold. The room’s third-place win in the Facebook group Dorm Rooms of Mississippi and Beyond contest has sparked a movement, inspiring parents to create beautifully decorated dorm rooms for their children.
Founded four years ago by Tamara Wingerter and Stephanie Knight, the group has gained over 74,000 followers. People magazine recently featured the group, highlighting the unique blend of southern culture and style that defines these dorms. “People are mesmerized by how beautiful the rooms are in the South,” Knight said.
Wingerter, an advertising manager, created the room’s design using a formula she learned from perusing photos and posts. The key elements include tall headboards, wall ornamentations, hutches, seating areas, and custom vanities with mirrors and lighting. She shopped for items over several months, taking advantage of sales to gather materials for her daughter Marissa’s dorm room.
The group has become a community of parents who share tips, measurements, and information on creating dorm designs. They also provide guidance and support to one another, even after their children have moved out. Wingerter says, “A designer room doesn’t mean you have to have a designer. You can do this room on a budget.”
The group has spawned interest in other states, prompting Wingerter to create a new group called Dorm Rooms of Mississippi and Beyond. The online community has also become a source of residual income for Wingerter, who sells shopping links through an Amazon storefront and partners with companies to offer dorm products.
As Wingerter’s daughter Marissa begins her freshman year, the empty nester is focusing on managing the group and sharing her knowledge. With another dorm room in store for her sophomore year, Wingerter remains committed to inspiring parents to create beautiful, budget-friendly dorm spaces for their children.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/person-of-the-day-tamara-wingerter-mississippi-mom-co-creates-resource-hub-for-dorm-room-decor