A new trend has emerged where parents are spending up to $20,000 to transform their children’s college dorm rooms into lavish, Instagram-worthy spaces. Consultants and interior designers are cashing in on the viral “dorm goals” phenomenon, replacing standard university furniture with plush, color-coordinated decor. While the average family spends $598 on dorm items, according to a RetailMeNot poll, a subset of parents are investing heavily to create dazzling social media backdrops. As one expert notes, “This is not decorating. This is dorm culture.” The elaborate makeovers reflect the growing importance of social media presence, with students seeking to impress their peers. However, some question whether these curated dorms distract from the core academic purpose of college. As one commentator remarked, “If the desks are gone, where are these kids studying?” (People)
