Soldier Transforms Barracks into Cozy Homes

Upon arriving at Fort Bliss in December 2020, Sergeant Briyana Taylor faced challenges in building a social network. She redirected her energy into personalizing her barracks room. Taylor replaced standard military-issue furniture with her own selections, incorporating a queen-sized bed, dresser, nightstand, and full-length mirrors in black.

She brightened the space with lamps, floor-to-ceiling curtains, faux plants, and wall art. Contact paper transformed the floor tiles to mimic hardwood, complemented by an area rug. Her revamped room earned recognition, including an Army Achievement Medal in 2023. A before-and-after video of her barracks posted on TikTok gained significant traction, leading to her interior design side hustle.

Taylor’s business aims to improve soldiers' mental health and daily living, especially crucial given the nearly 40% increase in mental health diagnoses among active-duty troops between 2019 and 2023. She now charges clients approximately $300 per room, plus decor costs. Her work provides soldiers with comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living spaces, fostering a sense of pride and relaxation away from military stressors.