This UAB Sophomore's Boho-Glam Dorm Is So Chic, It Looks Like a Studio Apartment (It Has a Mini Dining Room!)

Sadie Cho

Fri, August 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM UTC

5 min read

UAB sophomore Deonna Nichols combined boho chic and modern glam aesthetics in her dorm room at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, creating a space dedicated to self-care and personal growth.
Deonna's dorm room features a customized LED sign, pampas grass decor, and a color scheme of ivory, brown, and dusty rose, embodying her chic and girly personal style.
Deonna's parents entirely funded both her housing costs and the $500 minimum budget for decorating her dorm room, with her biggest splurge being a pink fluffy sofa with a footrest.

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This UAB Sophomore's Boho-Glam Dorm Is So Chic, It Looks Like a Studio Apartment (It Has a Mini Dining Room!)

Cozy bedroom featuring a leopard print bolster pillow, decorative pillows, a vanity with lights, and a wall art of a leopard. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Cozy bedroom featuring a leopard print bolster pillow, plush bedding, and decorative wall art with a neon sign. — Dusty Pink Throw Pillow , $11.99 on Amazon; White Mirror/Jewelry Cabinet , $69.81 on Amazon; Ruched Comforter Set (Queen Size) , $49.99 on Amazon; 100 Pieces of Pampas Grass , $9.88 on Amazon; Faux Fur Throw Blanket , $35.99; win XL 5 Inch Memory Foam Mattress , $80.63 on Amazon Credit: Deonna Nichols

A cozy bedroom corner featuring a leopard print wall art, a cream lamp on a white nightstand, and soft pink curtains. — Gold Picture Light , $24.99 on Amazon Credit: Deonna Nichols

Cozy corner featuring a textured beige armchair with decorative pillows, a vanity with lights, and a soft rug. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Cozy living room with a pink bag on a table, a plush chair, TV, and warm lighting from floor lamps. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

<span><a href= — Tree Floor Lamp , $59.99 on Amazon Credit: Deonna Nichols

Cozy dining area with a wooden table, two chairs, a decorative bowl, and a textured rug, illuminated by warm lighting. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Dining table set with gold-rimmed plates, leopard print napkins, and a decorative bowl on a textured runner. Cozy living area in background. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Living room scene featuring a TV displaying — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Small bathroom featuring a white sink, a mirror, a gold shelving unit with woven baskets, and a white toilet. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Deonna Nichols ( @deonnarizarra on Tiktok) combined two dorm aesthetics you might not think to pair in her sophomore year single at The University of Alabama at Birmingham — boho chic and modern glam — yet they go together seamlessly. One great example of the combo: her customized LED sign that spells out her name. It hangs above her bed and is framed by pampas grass and flanked by gold leopard-print posters. The light also works perfectly with her color scheme of ivory, brown, and dusty rose. Describing the room as a space "dedicated to self-care, relaxation, and personal growth," here's what else Deonna has to say about her dorm.

Deonna's Space

What do you like about your space?This space was actually an accommodation due to housing issues I had the year prior. At first, I was hesitant because there was no separation between the bedroom and living room, but it worked out perfectly because I rarely have guests over and ended up falling in love with the studio apartment feel and openness.

What is your space best known for?This space is truly dedicated to self-care, relaxation, and personal growth. I don't have visitors often, but every now and then I invite friends over just to relax and spend time together. As a pre-med student, most of the time I spend in my room is focused on low-energy activities like studying, watching my favorite shows, listening to music, and trying out new recipes.

What was the biggest challenge in decorating your space?My biggest challenge was the layout of the room and trying to arrange the included furniture with the larger pieces I bought. During the summer I had pre-planned a layout, but because I had a headboard which had to go against the wall, it caused the bed to poke out into the living area space more than I expected. Overall, having to be flexible with my already established ideas was the biggest challenge.

Deonna's Style

How would you define your personal home style?Chic and girly. My style is inspired by my favorite color and current trends .

What is your favorite element of your space?My favorite element of my space is the view, especially when it rains, and being able to lie in my bed and listen to the cars pass by.

<span> Credit: Deonna Nichols</span> — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Deonna's Budget

How much does your housing cost per semester?$5,025.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing?My parents fund my housing entirely, in addition to any scholarships I receive.

How much did it cost to decorate your space?It cost a minimum of $500 to decorate my space. I bought many new pieces, but I also used a lot of the same pieces from my freshman dorm.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor?My parents fund my decor entirely.

Do you pay for your living expenses?No.

How do you earn your income?I am a full-time student and do not have a job. I do earn some money through content creation, but not a significant enough amount to fund my living arrangements.

What was your biggest splurge for this space?My biggest splurge for this space was my pink fluffy sofa with the included footrest, which cost $179.99.

What was your best budget find for this space and how much did it cost?My best budget find was my TV stand from Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium for $29.

Cozy bedroom featuring a leopard print pillow, a plush bedspread, a vanity with a mirror, and decorative wall art. — Credit: Deonna Nichols

Deonna's Advice

What small space tips do you have?Buy a jewelry mirror! A full-body mirror is a necessity in your room, and a jewelry mirror is great because it also gives you a place to store your loose jewelry. Also, loft or raise your bed slightly. Even slightly raising creates so much more space for storage.

What is your proudest DIY or product hack?It is very hard to choose my proudest DIY project, but my headboard, my desk hutch, and my DIY name sign are easily my favorite pieces. The time, intention, and people involved in making them give them a lot of meaning, and they make the space feel less like a dorm and more like a room that's truly mine. When admiring my room I always remember the memories associated with the pieces: the endless Lowe's trips with my grandpa, the smell of paint, and the sound of the saw.

This submission's responses were edited for length and clarity.

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