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

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

I’m Blown Away by These 13 Small Living Rooms That Double As Dining Rooms

These homes show you can have the best of both worlds.

Marlen Komar

Nov 6, 2024

18 Comfortable Office Chairs That Are Perfect for Working from Home

These stylish office chairs will help you work smarter — and cozier.

Marlen Komar

Oct 28, 2024

15 Expandable Dining Room Tables Perfect for Small Apartments

These tables are a no-brainer, especially when it comes to holiday entertaining!

Sarah Lyon

Sep 11, 2024

Here’s What to Do if You Bought an Uncomfortable Sofa

It happens, and here's how to fix it.

Marlen Komar

Aug 27, 2024

Behold, My Grandma’s Dust-Busting Cleaning Secret

You'll dust way less with this trick I learned from my Polish grandmother.

Marlen Komar

Aug 23, 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

Jul 31, 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 8, 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 18, 2024

Latest Stories

13 Ways to Make Your Windowless Bathroom Less Dreary

Ditch the gloom and doom for these cheery alternatives.

Marlen Komar

Jan 9, 2024

20 Budget-Friendly Bedroom Ideas for a Chic Space

Try these transformative tips and tricks.

Marlen Komar

Dec 27, 2023

59 Genius Ideas for Filling the Empty Space Above Your Bed

Stumped on what to do above your headboard? We've got some ideas for you to try.

Marlen Komar

Dec 1, 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

Oct 22, 2018

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

Latest Stories

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.