UNC Chapel Hill sophomores Maryvan Gardner and Mae McCloskey have one of the best-decorated rooms on campus, but it didn’t have to break the bank! Maryvan’s mom designed the entire Shortbread Lofts bedroom only using decor she already had mixed with thrifted finds from Goodwill. Amidst the frenzy of designer dorm rooms, Mae’s and Maryvan’s room proves you can do designer on a budget.
Maryvan Gardner’s and Mae McCloskey’s desks are pushed together under their mirror; the wallpaper is left over from Maryvan’s bedroom at home, and the mirror, as well as the bulletin board, are from Goodwill. The frames above are old Carolina Alumni review covers that Gardner’s mom held on to.Maryvan’s and Mae’s beds are nestled under upholstered, monogramed cornice boards. Since their Shortbread Lofts bedroom doesn’t have a window, the elongated upholstery makes for the illusion of window frames. Maryvan’s bedside table features some decorative books as well as the room’s bar cart. The flower sculpture on the wall was purchased from Goodwill for $8.00, and the drink tray is an old drawer box that Gardner’s mom spray-painted green.Maryvan Gardner on the left and Mae McCloskey on the right proudly sit on Maryvan’s bed, dressed in their North Carolina sweatshirts. Courtesy: Maryvan Gardner.
