Our TeamLauren Wicks

About Me

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. She writes for brands such as VERANDA, Well + Good, Southern Living, and EatingWell, covering all things lifestyle from interior design to food to travel.


Latest Stories

What Colors Go with Dark Green? Try These 17 Gorgeous Color Combos
There are myriad ways to decorate with this popular color, whether you love Scandinavian design or consider yourself a maximalist.
Sep 20, 2024
18 Ways to Squeeze Extra Storage Out of a Small Closet
Living in a little apartment can have its own special joys, but small closets aren't one of them.
Jul 30, 2024
13 Ways to Fake Natural Light When You Really Don't Have It
Fake it till you make it. (Literally.)
Jul 29, 2024
Here’s How Long You Can Leave Wet Clothes in the Washer, According to a Laundry Expert
Cleaning
Whether it's purposeful or accidental, what's the real truth about this practice?
Jun 10, 2024
17 Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S. Where You Can Actually Live
If you want to live that salt life all year round, moving to a beach town isn’t an unattainable dream.
Apr 9, 2024
31 Genius Tips for Organized Kitchen Counters
Okay we're totally inspired now.
Mar 26, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Complementary Colors
Did you know that there's actually scientific evidence supporting the idea that certain colors look good together?
Mar 25, 2024
16 Colors that Go Flawlessly With Red, According to Designers
The fiery hue has met its match.
Feb 29, 2024
20 Design-Centric Ways to Create a More Romantic Bedroom
No satin sheets in sight!
Feb 13, 2024
What Colors Go With Green? Here are 16 Gorgeous Pairings
Go green! You won't regret it.
Jan 31, 2024
The 25 Best Hacks, Tips, and Products for Storing Christmas Decorations
Decorating for the holidays? Awesome. Putting it all back into storage afterwards? Not so much — but these products and DIY projects can help.
Jan 4, 2024
The 25 Best Hacks, Tips, and Products for Storing Christmas Decorations
Decorating for the holidays? Awesome. Putting it all back into storage afterwards? Not so much — but these products and DIY projects can help.
Jan 4, 2024

Latest Stories

25 Wall Christmas Trees That Save Space But Maximize Holiday Cheer
You don't have to forgo a tree just because you have a small space! Here are plenty of ways to buy or DIY this festive decor.
Dec 20, 2023
56 Fun, Unique, and Affordable Winter Date Ideas
Life
These dates are fresh and *not* wildly expensive.
Dec 9, 2023
50 of the Best Bathroom Organizing Ideas We've Seen
Clutter be gone.
Nov 30, 2023
It's Official: These are the Very Best Paint Colors for Your Bathroom
Pack a punch in your bathroom, thanks to these standout shades.
Nov 15, 2023
The 59 Best Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas of All Time
You need to tailor your storage decisions to the ways that will best serve you and how you work in the kitchen. So here are over 50 real photos for inspiration.
Nov 10, 2023
15 Brilliant Hat and Coat Storage Ideas If You’ve Run Out of Closet Space
When you don’t have a dedicated coat closet or efficient hallway storage solution, your entryway can quickly devolve into a jumble of coats, hats, and shoes that you’re tripping over. If you’re working with an especially cramped corner or narrow hall instead of a proper entryway, then it can be especially difficult to squeeze in some coat storage. That’s why it pays to explore other storage options to make the most of your limited square footage.
Oct 11, 2023
20 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas That Take Barely Any Effort
You probably have these costume supplies already.
Oct 4, 2023
8 Easy Pumpkin Carving Designs No One Else on Your Block Will Have
Stand out from the crowd with one of these easy DIYs.
Sep 30, 2023
30 Gray Kitchen Ideas That are Timeless and Charming — And Anything But Boring
We're still team gray, at least when it comes to the kitchen.
Sep 6, 2023
12 Ultra-Cool Bedroom Ideas That Will Inspire Your Next Project
Is your bedroom in need of a major refresh? Instead of following the latest trend that will be here today and gone tomorrow, consider taking notes from timeless sleep spaces that are still plenty Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re working with a narrow bedroom or the confines of a studio apartment, these cool bedroom ideas are sure to inspire.While this 750-square foot New York City apartment is short on space, it maximizes style and storage at every corner.
Mar 30, 2023
13 Modern, Stylish Ways to Display Family Photos Throughout Your Home
Without them looking awkward!
Mar 29, 2023
What is a Trundle Bed? All Your Questions, Asked and Answered
Trundle beds are a must-have for making the most of a small bedroom, or creating the ultimate bunk space for epic sleepovers. The term originates from the British phase “truckle bed,” which has been traced back as far as the Elizabethan Age where Shakespeare himself uses it in his 1602 play, “The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Mar 20, 2023

Latest Stories

10 Yellow Bedrooms Suitable for Any Design Personality
Yellow has long been a popular choice for designing a gender-neutral nursery or kid’s room, but this versatile color is sophisticated enough to use at any age. Whether you’re looking to give your small bedroom a sunny, energizing refresh or are jonesing to create a more sophisticated and soothing retreat, there are plenty of shades to choose from to provide just the feel you’re looking for.
Mar 17, 2023
These Clever Nightstand Ideas Will Save Space and Amplify Style
You only think you don't have room for a nightstand.
Feb 21, 2023
6 Brilliant Ways to Make the Most of a Narrow Bedroom
There’s small and then there is narrow. A narrow bedroom can be difficult to work with as this space traditionally calls for multiple pieces of furniture, such as nightstands on both sides of a bed and a dresser or armoire that may be difficult to squeeze in comfortably. This shape of room can also be difficult to work with design-wise as extra-long walls on two sides can feel endless and may lack visual interest.
Feb 17, 2023
Who is the Groundhog? The Quirky History of Punxsutawney Phil
The Quirky History of Punxsutawney Phil
Meet Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who “predicts” how much longer the winter temperatures will persist based on the presence of his shadow — or lack thereof.
Jan 31, 2023
8 Warm Weather Winter Destinations for a Sunny Getaway
Winter is the perfect season for a rejuvenating getaway, as the colder weather makes everyone want to stay in and hibernate. People love to use this quieter time of the year to take a warm-weather getaway, whether that’s a Caribbean island, bustling city, or off-the-beaten path destination. That’s why I’m sharing eight distinct destinations around the world for every budget that will offer more than just a sunny escape.
Jan 25, 2023
What Exactly Is Brown Noise? Try These 5 Ways To Tune In at Home
You might be familiar with using “colored noises” such as white, pink, and green noise to aid with sleep. Brown noise, a deeper, lower-frequency sound (think the sound of an airplane in mid-flight), is one of the latest mental health trends to take over TikTok — the hashtag #brownnoise currently has over 107 million views and counting.
Jan 25, 2023
12 Clever Small Space Ideas to Steal from IKEA
These Swedes know small spaces.
Jan 14, 2023
Wondering How to Start Journaling? Here Are Some Expert Tips
Here's how to make the highly beneficial practice a healthy habit in no time.
Jan 3, 2023
10 Clever Ways To Decorate Your Balcony for the Christmas Season
While front door decorations may be a top priority for exterior decorating, the balcony is a perfect place to transform into a cozy winter wonderland for the season, especially if you're short on space.
Dec 24, 2022
These Are the 14 Best Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
Whether you’re seeking to please everyone at family movie night (yes, it’s possible!) or gathering with friends in your living room, here’s exactly what to watch this holiday season. 
Dec 23, 2022
10 Chic Christmas Color Schemes to Deck the Halls Like a Designer
We’re sharing a mix of cozy, elegant Christmas color schemes that fit a wide variety of styles whether you're sticking to classic red and green or want to step outside of the box.
Dec 22, 2022
Here’s Absolutely Everything You Need to Bring Some Hygge to Your Apartment
Make no mistake about it: Hygge is an international design movement that's here to stay.
Dec 20, 2022