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

    My Housekeeper Mom’s Trick for Keeping Baseboards Clean Has to Be the Easiest Method Ever
    It's shockingly simple.
    Marlen Komar
    Jun 4, 2026
    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
    May 7, 2026
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    How to Clean Textured Lamps and Home Decor
    This is the best way to remove dirt and dust from uneven, coarse surfaces.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 22, 2022
    Before & After: This Grandparents' Kitchen Staple Upgrades a DIY Cabinet
    A little fabric can conceal a lot.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 9, 2022
    I Tried My Mom's Cleaning Hack to Remove Permanent Marker Stains — and It Works
    You only need two things.
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 9, 2022
    I Have Only Two (Tiny) Kitchen Cabinets — Here's How I Make It Work
    With stylish storage solutions!
    Marlen Komar
    Oct 6, 2022
    How to Organize Serving Platters and Bowls in a Small Space
    Try this instead of stacking your seasonal serveware.
    Marlen Komar
    Sep 26, 2022
    3 Designer-Approved Tricks for Decorating with Knickknacks
    Style
    There’s an art to arranging trinkets, and these designers have the secret.
    Marlen Komar
    Sep 22, 2022
    Here's How to Create Division in My Open Plan Apartment, According to Experts
    If you’re struggling to separate your open sunroom from the rest of the apartment or living room, here are some tips on how to carve it out.
    Marlen Komar
    Sep 21, 2022
    How to Never Feel Lonely When You’re Alone at Home
    When you find yourself with zero plans and just stretched out on the couch, it can feel super easy to slip into a rut of boredom. To side-step that scenario, we created a list of 11 super fun and pro-active things you can do with your free evening. If you don’t want to spend your time getting lost in a Netflix black hole, some of these suggestions might help you embrace your time alone and love the next couple of hours with your own company.
    Marlen Komar
    Sep 19, 2022