Kelly Dawson

Deputy Editor

Kelly Dawson is the deputy editor at Apartment Therapy. Her writing has appeared in almost every major American design publication, most notably as a longtime contributor to Architectural Digest and Dwell, and she's also been published in places like The New York Times, AFAR, and Vox, to name a few. Kelly is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with lots of natural light and books.

Shea McGee’s New Class Is Offering You a Shot at Her Design Wisdom

Style

The interior designer is sharing her best tips.

Kelly Dawson

May 16, 2023

7 Accessories to Bring "Quiet Luxury" into Your Home for Under $100

Style

Think “old money” style on a budget.

Kelly Dawson

May 15, 2023

I Trust This Container Store Pick When Buying Multiple Woven Baskets

Style

You’ll get cohesion every time.

Kelly Dawson

May 12, 2023

This Two-Second Tweak Instantly Made My Nightstand Vignette Look More Stylish

Style

And I didn't have to buy anything else to make it happen.

Kelly Dawson

May 9, 2023

Imani Keal's 4 Secrets for Manifesting the Perfect Apartment in D.C.

Real Estate

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Kelly Dawson

May 6, 2023

This Online Plant Seller Helped Me Fake Having a Green Thumb

Home Projects

I’m a newly reformed plant serial killer.

Kelly Dawson

Apr 27, 2023

B&A: A Clever IKEA Hack Makes This Open Entryway Much More Practical

This smart entryway redo is from YouTuber Alexandra Gater’s first book — and she gave Apartment Therapy an exclusive look at the project.

Kelly Dawson

Apr 25, 2023

B&A:A Tired Bedroom Wakes Up with DIY Paneling in a Surprising Shade

Home Projects

There’s a smart IKEA hack in this bedroom redo, too.

Kelly Dawson

Apr 22, 2023

B&A: A Plain Spare Room Transforms into a “Disco Cocoon” Media Lounge

Home Projects

The new space is a grown-up secret clubhouse that goes all-out with bold design.

Kelly Dawson

Apr 21, 2023

B&A: A “Dark and Dingy” 1990s Bathroom Brightens Up with a $4,000 Redo

This reno only took five days.

Kelly Dawson

Apr 20, 2023

Doing This One Thing Has Made It Possible to Maintain a 25-Year Friendship

Living

It's a short-and-sweet way my friend and I stay in touch.

Kelly Dawson

Feb 28, 2023

Designer to DIY: This Potentially Free Idea for Your Powder Room Is Pro-Approved

Designer Marie Trohman discusses how she put her own spin on the space above her powder room's vanity.

Kelly Dawson

Feb 24, 2023

Here's Why You Should Rethink the Design Details in Your Home

These six options will make your home's most basic details look more intentional.

Kelly Dawson

Feb 15, 2023

I Thought This $6 Kitchen Tool Was Unnecessary, Until I Trusted My Mom

This small detail would provide peace of mind.

Kelly Dawson

Jan 30, 2023

The Simple (but Essential) Resolution Every Homeowner Should Make This Year

This habit will help you save time and money in the short- and long-term.

Kelly Dawson

Jan 5, 2023

4 Home Remodeling Trends Contractors Secretly Hate

Some home upgrades aren't worth adding to your to do list.

Kelly Dawson

Jan 4, 2023

4 Tips for Completing a Home Reno Project in the Short, Dark Days of Winter

Don't let an early sunset dissuade you from tackling your home improvement checklist.

Kelly Dawson

Jan 3, 2023

B&A: A Cheerful Kids' Room Gets a New Life as a Grown Up Office and Guest Room

Home Projects

When this DIYer's kids outgrew their bedroom and moved into a bigger one, she wanted to give the space that they left behind a new, more sophisticated look.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 29, 2022

The 10 Best Bedroom Redos of 2022 Prioritize Comfort and Clutter-Busting Fixes

Want great sleep in 2023? It might be time for a bedroom upgrade. Let these 10 amazing transformations give you the inspiration to get started.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 28, 2022

The 10 Best Living Room Redos of 2022, from Minimalist Havens to Bold Hangouts

These living room redos will inspire you to take another look at your own space.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 26, 2022

The 10 Best Bathroom Redos of 2022, from Serene Escapes to Dramatic Jaw-Dropp

Bold wallpaper? Quirky vintage tile? Spa-like atmosphere? These bathrooms have it all.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 23, 2022

10 of the Best Entryway Redos We Saw in 2022, Starting at Under $120

These makeovers feature clever organizing ideas, bold color choices, smart DIYs, and more.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 21, 2022

The 5 Home Projects Workers You Should Tip, and the 2 You Can Skip

Want to show your appreciation for a job well done? Here's your complete guide on who and how to tip.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 20, 2022

5 Designer-Approved, No-Reno Ways to Make Your Front Door More Accessible

These steps will help your home feel more welcoming to all your guests.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 16, 2022

10 of the Best Kitchen Redos We Saw in 2022, from Rental-Friendly to Gut Reno

We saw a lot of kitchen makeovers this year, but these 10 are among our very favorites for their clever design tricks, cool color schemes, and impressive DIYs.

Kelly Dawson

Dec 14, 2022

B&A: Dreaming of Warmer Weather? Let This Stunning Patio Redo Inspire You

This family's yard redo offers multiple hangout spots that help them take full advantage of their outdoor space.

Kelly Dawson

Nov 6, 2022

5 Kitchen Design Trends That Can Make Your Kitchen More Accessible

According to an interior designer!

Kelly Dawson

Oct 24, 2022

The 7 Best YouTube Channels for Homeowners, According to Reddit

Home Projects