H by Amy Sullivan
Poppy Faughn Adds Flair to Her Home Away from Home
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CCRACKEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2021 GRADUATE Poppy Faughn may not be majoring in interior design, but she definitely displayed her freshman flair when she moved into Martin Hall at Ole Miss in August. While 1980s college gals may remember poster-puttying a “big hair band” rock poster or Tiger Beat pull-out and hanging a lone string of lights on their cinder block walls, that drab décor is so yesterday. These days, TikTok and Instagram-inspired dorm elevations feature gorgeous artwork, custom-made cabinets and headboards, plush bedding, a seating area for guests, dazzling drapery, and even personalized neon light-up signs. The goal: an evolution from “dormy” to beautiful and roomy, a true “home away from home.” At the University of Mississippi, many girls plan their room
designs months ahead of move-in. Some go as far as hiring professional interior designers who choose colors, accents, wall hangings, furniture, and more, delivering and placing everything while students are out and then hosting a “big reveal” for residents. Décor reflects personal preferences and styles, with some students aiming for a subdued and relaxing environment while others strive for comfort and practicality. Poppy Faughn, fully aware of Ole Miss’s longstanding tradition of extravagant dorm decorating, was excited to plan and transform her new residence. But she wanted to incorporate her unique ideas to truly make it her own. “I’m a very expressive person,” Poppy states. “Our entire room is a burst of loud color. It’s very hippie chic. All the girls in our hall have light-colored décor—blue or pink and white—but ours is absolutely filled with color. Our table is bamboo, and we have lots of baskets and boho elements that set it apart from the traditional expectations of an Ole Miss dorm room.” Poppy’s roommate, Marina Trejo, also a freshman, is from Mississippi. The two were fortunate to connect after each had experienced roommate conflicts close to registration deadline. They both learned they liked things clean, they each had a boyfriend, and they wanted their space to be welcoming to their guys or a small group of friends. With that much already in common, they decided to room together. While many girls at Ole Miss coordinate their bedding so that both sides of the room are mirror images,
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