Our TeamMarlen Komar

Marlen Komar

    About Me

    Marlen is a writer first, vintage hoarder second, and donut fiend third. If you have a passion for finding the best taco joints in Chicago or want to talk about Doris Day movies, then she thinks an afternoon coffee date is in order.

    Latest Stories

    15 Ways to Create Combo Living Dining Rooms
    These spaces show you can have the best of both worlds.
    Marlen Komar
    Jan 28, 2026
    17 Extendable Tables That Are Perfect for Cramped Dining Areas
    These tables are a no-brainer, especially when it comes to holiday entertaining!
    Sarah Lyon
    Dec 9, 2025
    Behold: My Grandma’s Dust-Busting Cleaning Secret
    You'll dust way less frequently with this trick I learned from my Polish grandmother.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 2, 2025
    A History of Hexagon Tile, the 1920s Bathroom Trend
    I grew up in a pre-war bungalow house in Belmont Cragin, which is a bungalow belt neighborhood in Chicago (think: squat little houses with bay windows lining the entire block, harkening back to a time of streetcars and phonographs). The homes there were mainly built between 1910 and 1930 to accommodate an exploding middle-class population, per this local encyclopedia.
    Marlen Komar
    Aug 21, 2025
    13 Ways to Make Your Windowless Bathroom Less Dreary
    Ditch the gloom and doom for these cheery alternatives.
    Marlen Komar
    May 30, 2025
    51 Ways to Decorate Above Your Bed That'll Transform Your Space
    Stumped on what to do above your headboard? We've got some ideas for you to try.
    Marlen Komar
    May 1, 2025
    Here’s What to Do if You Bought an Uncomfortable Sofa
    It happens, and here's how to fix it.
    Marlen Komar
    Apr 2, 2025
    17 Comfortable Office Chairs That Are Perfect for Working from Home
    These stylish office chairs will help you work smarter — and cozier.
    Marlen Komar
    Mar 1, 2025
    6 Ways to Style a Throw Blanket That Doesn't Fully Cover Your Bed
    Without it looking awkward!
    Marlen Komar
    Dec 13, 2024
    This Is the Best Way to Get Butter Out of Clothes
    No more grease stains!
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 18, 2024
    7 Great Sources for Buying Authentic Turkish and Moroccan Rugs on Etsy
    Ready to move from mass-produced to something a little more authentic? These shops are for you.
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 14, 2024
    5 DIY Tricks That Can Make Your Indoor Furniture Outdoor-Friendly
    Get the most out of your furniture with these expert-approved weatherproofing tricks.
    Marlen Komar
    Aug 1, 2024
    The 5 Best Etsy Shops for Antique & Vintage Rugs
    Shopping
    There's no better way to add character to a room than with a one-of-a-kind vintage rug.
    Marlen Komar
    Jul 8, 2024
    10 Great Budget Sources for Buying Plants Online
    Get your plant shopping done from the comfort of your home.
    Marlen Komar
    May 9, 2024
    The 13 Best Houseplants for Your Bathroom, According to Plant Experts
    Here's the dirt on which plants thrive in bathrooms (and which don't).
    Marlen Komar
    Feb 21, 2024
    13 Smart and Useful Closet Organizers You Can Buy on Amazon
    Shopping
    If you're done with opening your closet and being met with an avalanche of shoes and not-so-folded sweaters, then you might be ready to upgrade your wardrobe experience.
    Marlen Komar
    Jan 19, 2024
    20 Budget-Friendly Bedroom Ideas for a Chic Space
    Try these transformative tips and tricks.
    Marlen Komar
    Dec 27, 2023
    7 Tips to Organize Your Chest Freezer
    Follow these simple steps and you’ll have an easier time keeping track of what you have in stock.
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 6, 2023
    35 White Kitchens That Are Anything But Bland & Basic
    Let’s face it: the fresh, clean aesthetic of the white kitchen isn’t going anywhere soon. This classic look can vary from all-white everything from floor to ceiling to a kitchen with white countertops to a bold, contrasting cabinet and colorful walls. Perhaps the best thing about a white kitchen is the ability to morph to fit whatever aesthetic you choose. While some people automatically assume a white kitchen must be a minimalist space, that isn’t always the case.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 24, 2023
    7 Smart Ideas for Decorating the Space Under the Stairs
    We love a good nook.
    Marlen Komar
    Sep 5, 2023
    60 Fall Decorating Ideas to Help Ring in the Season of Pumpkin Spice
    Grab your pumpkin spice latte, and prepare to be inspired.
    Marlen Komar
    Aug 31, 2023
    How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack
    In just three steps!
    Marlen Komar
    Aug 15, 2023
    10 Wallpaper Ideas for Small Spaces
    Most people's knee jerk reaction is to douse the room with as much white as possible to make it feel bigger and more airy. But that rule doesn't always ring true.
    Marlen Komar
    Jul 31, 2023
    These Costco Bins Solved My Small Shared Basement Space Problem
    Organize & Clean
    They have been a simple, functional solution to my tricky storage issue.
    Marlen Komar
    Jun 12, 2023
    Does Putting Aluminum Foil in Your Dishwasher Really Remove Water Stains?
    I asked a chemist, just to be sure.
    Marlen Komar
    May 21, 2023
    How I Finally Got My 100-Year-Old Bathroom Floor Clean
    My go-to cleaner for tile and grout.
    Marlen Komar
    May 19, 2023
    This TikToker Found a Brilliant Way to Tackle Her Cord Clutter Problem
    Organize & Clean
    And I had to try it for myself!
    Marlen Komar
    Apr 14, 2023
    I Tried My Grandmother’s Technique for Cleaning Stainless Steel & I’m Never Using Anything Else
    You’re left with a lovely sheen — and you won’t have to buy any extra cleaning products! It’s a win-win.
    Marlen Komar
    Mar 14, 2023
    Where to Buy Those IKEA Items That Got Away
    Style
    It's not too late.
    Marlen Komar
    Feb 26, 2023
    2 Expert-Approved Ways to Clean a Microfiber Couch
    Here are the methods experts swear by.
    Marlen Komar
    Jan 3, 2023
    Bar Soap vs. Body Wash? Here’s When to Use Each One
    No matter your bathroom design style, everyone has their preferences when it comes to the shower. Some people like to lather up with sudsy body wash and a shower cap, while others like a utilitarian bar of soap and a loofah. But is it all just a matter of preference, or is there a difference between using bar soap and body wash? It turns out that each method has its own set of pros and cons, and depending on your skin goals and needs, one might be better to use than the other.
    Marlen Komar
    Dec 24, 2022
    How to Clean Your Fish Tank (And Keep It That Way)
    Even though our aquatic friends make low-maintenance pets, it’s important to regularly clean their fish tanks so they stay comfortable and happy.
    Marlen Komar
    Dec 23, 2022
    How I Finally Got the Musty Smell Out of My Vintage Rug
    Goodbye, smelly odor!
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 30, 2022
    Our 25 Absolute Favorite Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for 2023
    If you want to try something new this year but aren't exactly sure what.
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 28, 2022
    The Unexpected Way Selling My Stuff Online Has Helped Curb My Clutter
    I've become more critical of my shopping habits.
    Marlen Komar
    Nov 20, 2022
    Here's How to Clean That Gorgeous Wall Tapestry Without Damaging It
    Keep it dust-free without damaging it.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 25, 2022