Megan Baker Detloff

Director of Home Projects at Apartment Therapy

I oversee all our coverage of renovations and DIY — including Before and Afters and home upgrades — plus houseplants and gardening.Madison, WI

About Me

As a kid, I alternated between wanting to be a writer and an architect, so it seems fitting that my career has sort of been a marriage of both. After earning my BS in Magazine Journalism from Northwestern University, my first full-time editing gig was at This Old House, where I learned to use a miter saw and wire a lamp (among many other things). Next stop: HGTV, where I covered everything from curb appeal projects to mini makeovers. Now, at Apartment Therapy, I do a little of all that and more.

While I have many projects to be proud of at Apartment Therapy, one of my favorites is Megan’s Mystery Makeover, an Instagram video series where I challenged DIYers to make over a surprise item on a budget. I love getting to see how creative people can be. It’s inspiring!

My goal is to bring that same sense of delight and discovery to our readers with stories that feature clever hacks, surprising advice, and, of course, eye candy in the form of before and afters. I believe, above all, your home should make you happy — and I want to empower you to get there through DIYs and other home upgrades.


Latest Stories

The Charming Vintage Bathroom Makeover I Can’t Stop Thinking About
A few simple changes brought out the best in this bathroom.
3 days ago
The 1970s Fireplace Makeover I Can’t Stop Thinking About
It’s unrecognizable!
Nov 1, 2024
This Living Room Redo Has One My Favorite BILLY Bookshelf Hacks Ever
It’s been stuck in my head for years.
Oct 25, 2024
IKEA Just Dropped the Best Small Bedroom Find Yet
Make the most of every square inch.
Oct 21, 2024
I'll Always Love This 99-Year-Old Bathroom's Sophisticated Makeover
It’s the perfect example of how to make old fixtures sing.
Oct 18, 2024
This Kitchen Decor Hack Remixes a $5 Target Find in Such a Fresh Way
This hack is so easy and seriously affordable.
Oct 17, 2024
How to Open a Paint Can Like a Pro
If you're taking on a paint project, it starts with opening up the can. Here's how.
Oct 16, 2024
The Biggest Bathroom Reno Regrets from Readers Cause Them So Much Stress
Take their words of warning!
Oct 14, 2024
65 of the Best Gifts for Plant Lovers and Green Thumbs
Shopping
Shopping for a friend who posts more plant #shelfies than selfies? This is the list for you!
Oct 11, 2024
This Is the Boldest Kitchen Makeover I’ve Ever Seen (I’m So in Love!)
You’ll never see the color combo coming.
Oct 11, 2024
126 Ideas for Creative & Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts
So for that new neighbor upstairs or your favorite couple who just bought their first place, here are 120+ creative ideas for new-home gifts they’ll actually love.
Oct 11, 2024
This Retro Simmer Pot Method for Making Your Home Smell Like Fall Is Better Than Candles
Bonus: It’s completely free.
Oct 11, 2024

Latest Stories

These Easy, No-Carve Painted Pumpkins Will Convince You to Ditch Your Knife
No pumpkin guts were harmed in the making of this decor.
Oct 8, 2024
The Key to Actually Finishing a Reno, According to 100s of DIYers
If you have a room you want to refresh this fall, you need to read this.
Oct 2, 2024
These KALLAX Hacks Are So Good, You Won't Even Believe They're IKEA
With a little effort, you can get big results.
Sep 26, 2024
9 Brilliant Fixes for Your Kitchen's Most Annoying Feature
You've definitely complained about this feature before.
Sep 25, 2024
This $400 Kitchen Redo Is One of My Favorite Budget Makeovers Ever
This project is full of smart ideas.
Sep 13, 2024
IKEA Just Dropped the Best Tiny Kitchen Find Ever
This multipurpose piece has major hack potential!
Sep 12, 2024
The Best, Most Reliable Way to Remove a Stripped Screw
It’s one of the easiest methods.
Aug 29, 2024
B&A: A Dated Filing Cabinet Rescued Off the Curb Gets a Fresh New Look
Home Projects
The whole project cost just $100.
Aug 9, 2023
B&A: A Scrappy Backyard Becomes a Dreamy Multi-“Room” Oasis
HOME PROJECTS
It’s now cleverly divided into spaces for dining, lounging, gardening, and more.
Aug 3, 2023
B&A: A Cramped White Kitchen Goes Bigger and Bolder for Under $3,200
HOME PROJECTS
The after is pure sunshine.
Aug 2, 2023
This Kitchen Redo Has One the Best Paint Transformations I’ve Ever Seen
The changes were small, but the difference is huge!
Aug 16, 2024
This Classic IKEA Garden Find Is Now Almost Half Off (For Just 1 More Day!)
It’s seriously small-space-friendly.
Aug 5, 2024

Latest Stories

13 of the Very Best Rental-Friendly Hacks of All Time
Create the home you love and still get your deposit back.
Jul 31, 2024
I Can’t Stop Thinking About This Living Room’s Bold Blue Bookshelves
They’re a book lover’s dream!
Jul 26, 2024
10 of the Best Paint Ideas I’ve Ever Seen (All Beginner-Friendly!)
Got a paintbrush and a couple hours? You can do one of these projects.
Jul 24, 2024
This 100-Year-Old Kitchen Got One of My Favorite IKEA Cabinet Makeovers Ever
The new look is so luxe — and completely matches the vibe of the house.
Jul 12, 2024
This IKEA Planter Hack Is One of the Smartest I've Ever Seen
This hack makes a strong case for raiding IKEA’s seasonal offerings.
Jul 9, 2024
That Viral Mosquito Repellent Taking Over TikTok Doesn’t Really Work
Here’s what pros say you should do instead.
Jul 6, 2024
This Dreamy Patio Transformation Is One of My All-Time Favorites
It’s simple, but so effective.
Jul 5, 2024
“Chaos Gardening” Is the Low-Effort Hack You Need to Try This Weekend
This method is made for lazy gardeners like me.
Jul 4, 2024
How to Compost in an Apartment (Without Bugs or Smells!)
It’s a lot easier than it sounds!
Jun 28, 2024
This New IKEA Gem Is the Fastest Way to Upgrade Your Living Room
It looks like something from a high-end showroom.
Jun 24, 2024
This Airy Living Room Redo Is One of My Favorite Paint Makeovers Ever
The after is a total breath of fresh air.
Jun 22, 2024
This New IKEA Find Is So Versatile, You Can Use It in Every Room
It’s only $25, too.
Jun 21, 2024