Melissa DiRenzo

Art director, Designer & Stylist with a huge passion for interior design, DIY projects and anything vintage & colorful.
Good Things in Small Packages: Tiny Kitchen Appliances Are Totally On Trend
Minimalism is officially a thing right now, with people (and especially millennials) cutting back their possessions, moving into tiny homes, and living with a whole lot less. Kitchen appliances have followed suit, and more small stoves and fridges are available than ever before. If you’re living in a wee kitchen — or just want to save space without sacrificing style — then consider one of these compact designs for your space.
Apr 1, 2017
Shop by Style: Great Range Hoods For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
Range hoods may not be the most glamorous kitchen appliance to shop for, but they’re definitely a must-have to avoid lingering odors and keep your kitchen air as fresh as possible. Here’s a shopping guide to get you started when looking for a range hood. Like all the other appliances in your kitchen, there are a few factors to consider when buying a range hood.
Mar 26, 2017
High & Low: Get the Boho Glam Bedroom Look
Sometimes the bedroom is the last space in the home that gets the love when it comes to decorating because we’re not even awake to enjoy it right? Wrong! It should be your sanctuary, a place to unwind and relax at the end of the day. This boho-glam bedroom will definitely do the trick. See how you can get this look on any budget. This beautiful bedroom designed by Ave Styles is full of interesting textures and patterns that are a little unexpected but work so well together.
Mar 21, 2017
Shopping by Style: Great Range Picks For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
The range is the real workhorse of the kitchen. I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than walking into a kitchen with all the burners and oven full of delicious dishes stewing and simmering, just waiting to be devoured. Kitchen ranges have come a long way and there are more choices than ever when it comes to form and function. Here’s a guide to get you started when picking what range is right for your kitchen.
Mar 18, 2017
High & Low: An “Old Hollywood Meets Contemporary” Dining Room
If you’re lucky enough to have the space for a formal dining area then we’ll all just be patiently waiting for our dinner party invite. Really though, if you have the space, large or small, it’s great to put the effort into making your dining area memorable because let’s face it, it’s not common these days that we have the time to stop and enjoy a meal together.
Mar 16, 2017
Shopping by Style: Great Dishwasher Picks For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
The dishwasher just may be the unsung hero of kitchen appliances. It sits there hidden under the counter, but does so much dirty work while you get on with your day, sit and enjoy company, or relax after dinner. Sure it’s a luxury, but once you have one, you can’t imagine life without it — right? Here’s a small guide to get you started on your dishwasher search. What you’re looking for depends on your lifestyle, routine and decor style.
Mar 10, 2017
High & Low: Rustic Boho Dining Room on Any Budget
Whether you’re lucky enough to have the space for a formal dining room or just have a cozy dining area that you carved out of your living space, it’s nice to have a place for friends and family to gather over a great meal. There’s something about this eclectic space full of warm rustic woods and friendly boho colors that will have you sitting here all night with good food and friends. See how you can get this look at any budget.
Mar 6, 2017
Shopping by Style: Great Refrigerators for Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
Shopping for a fridge can be overwhelming – it’s such a big ticket item. It’s not something you replace often and it’s such a huge part of your every day life, so, of course, you want to pick the right one. It’s one of those pieces where you look for a balance between form and function — a mix that depends on your lifestyle, routine and decor style.
Mar 1, 2017
High & Low: Build a Transitional Modern Living Room On Any Budget
It’s up for debate for sure but I think for many, the living room—especially for apartment or condo dwellers—is the most used space in their home. It’s where you relax, entertain, get some work done and maybe even have a bite in front of the T.V. Having a small space doesn’t mean you can’t do all that and still have a stylish and functional living room.
Feb 27, 2017
Your New Winter Hobby: Custom Candle & Container Combos
It’s that time of year where we prepare to hibernate. That means cozy socks, piles of blankets, and lots and lots of candles. Thankfully making all those candles on your own is easier than you think. The best part about it is that you can make candles that are completely custom for you — which means your favorite scents in containers that match your style or space. Here are nine great DIY candle and container combos to help keep you busy (and cozy) this season.
Nov 14, 2016
Small Space Savers: Our Favorite Wall Mounted Bathroom Faucets
Wall mounted faucets might be a little more expensive to install than their deck-mounted cousins, but there are also certain benefits to having fixtures separate from the actual sink. There’s more room for toothbrushes and your products — which is a serious bonus in small bathrooms — and cleaning is easier when there aren’t fixtures to maneuver a sponge around. Here are twelve of our favorites to consider, in a range of styles: SHOP WALL MOUNTED BATHROOM FAUCETS: 1.
Aug 19, 2016
Hanging Out in Style: 10 Bathrooms with Chandeliers that Add a Touch of Glam
Who says chandeliers have to be saved for big, grand rooms? Think of how much more of an impact they make used in a smaller space, like a bathroom. Break some rules and consider hanging a chandelier in your bathroom for extra drama. Although it may seem a bit over the top here are ten fabulous bathrooms proving that a chandelier can add the perfect amount of glam to a bathroom of any size or style.
May 26, 2016
Living Room Style: One Rug, Two Looks
What I love most about home decor is seeing the different ways that people express their style. Like fashion, there are so many ways to wear one piece of clothing and each look is totally different depending on what you pair it with. I thought it would be fun to do the same thing and pick one rug and use it in two very different looks. See how I took this extremely bold and colorful rug and used it in both a bohemian and glam look.
May 3, 2016
Before & After: Outdated Home Office Turned Inspiring Modern Workspace
Emily juggles a successful creative business as well as her family of four so having a space to work at home is crucial. She had a large enough room to work in, but it was dated and not necessarily the most functional. First, Emily worked with a professional organizer to help edit her current work space. Add some of her signature cheerful DIY style and this uninspiring room was transformed into a bright and fresh space that will keep her organized with no shortage of creative inspiration.
Apr 26, 2016
You’re So Vain: Finding the Perfect Vanity for Your Inner Diva
Having a place dedicated just to primping does seem like a bit of a luxury but vanities can come in all shapes and sizes and can be just as practical as they are luxurious. If you have the space, it really is a treat to have a place to keep all your beauty essentials organized. It’s also nice to have a place to sit and take your time getting dolled up, either for every day or a special occasion.
Apr 20, 2016
Get the Look: Mix and Matching in the Dining Room
I’m such a big fan of eclectic style—which is really just a nicer way of saying mixing things up. I mean, who can just pick one style anyway? Pulling together an eclectic look comes naturally to some but can be tricky for others. The dining room is a great space to start mixing things up because there are so many different elements layered in one look, and you can really have some fun with the dynamic between the table and the chairs.
Apr 13, 2016
High & Low: An Eclectic Mid-Century Meets Transitional Living Room
I don’t know about your home, but at my place, even with an open concept kitchen and a dining table, we always seem to end up in the living room with all the snacks and drinks squeezed on the coffee table. Let’s face it: it’s more casual and comfortable than standing around a kitchen or sitting on a stiff dining chair. These days it’s rare to have both a family and living room, so it’s nice to really put a lot of thought and style into the one you have.
Mar 29, 2016
Before & Afters by the Dozen: 12 Amazing Vintage Chair Makeovers
You walk into a thrift store, flea market, or garage sale, and there it is: a fab vintage chair for a steal. Sure it needs a little work, but it has amazing bones. Have you been there before? I have, many times. If you like a good DIY challenge, scoop up that chair!
Mar 23, 2016
Before & After: A Den Full of Hollywood Glam
Who couldn’t use a little glam in their life, right? Okay, so maybe it takes a certain type of person to pull off a really glam look at home, but Tim from Design Maze and the resident of this apartment were the perfect team to pull off this eye-popping den with a modern take on Hollywood glamour. I think it will make even the most minimalist design lover feel a little glam-envy. The best part? This is a rental apartment so everything is temporary.
Mar 16, 2016
High & Low: A Modern Romantic Bedroom Look
The bedroom should be a retreat from the rest of the world, a place where you can rest your body and mind. The colors and textures you choose to decorate your bedroom with can make all the difference in creating that relaxing and, shall we say, romantic vibe. Creating a soft, luxe, romantic look doesn’t have to cost a fortune—here’s a new romantic look you can create that fits a range of budgets.
Mar 11, 2016
High & Low: Bar Cart Style
Cooler months mean more entertaining indoors, and nights out become nights in with cocktails. There’s something about a bar cart that makes a space feel grown-up, don’t you think? You don’t have to have a bar cart to be a great host, but it sure is convenient, and, let’s be honest, it’s so much fun to style! There are as many bar cart styling options as there are cocktails, and there’s no shortage of inspiration, including this past roundup we pulled for you.
Feb 26, 2016
Before & After: A Budget-Friendly Modern Entrance Makeover
The front entrance can be a tricky space to make over. It usually is not very big, has limited options, and needs to be really functional. And if you have an open-concept home, you have to make sure the entry works with the look of the whole space. Lidy and Joel from Hello Lidy had already tackled most of their open-plan, split-level house and were not happy with the view of their dated front entrance from their newly made-over living room.
Feb 19, 2016
Before & After: A Guest Room with the Comforts of a Hotel
I think when most people move into a new home, decorating the guest room probably isn’t their first priority—but that wasn’t so in this case. Emily, owner of Cheerfully Made, recently moved with her family into a big, four-bedroom in the small town of Almonte, Ontario, and while the extra space was amazing and the house was in great shape, it was stuck in a time warp. And what was the first room Emily attacked? The guest room.
Feb 9, 2016
High & Low: A Modern Boho Dining Room
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated dining room or enough space for a big open concept dining area, you want to show it off and make a statement. The kitchen is where you have the pre-show, but the dining area is where the real magic happens. There is nothing better than sitting down around a table full of good food and good friends—sometimes late into the night—so it’s nice to put some real thought into making the space both stylish and functional.
Feb 5, 2016
Leather Love: 9 Accessories You Can Buy Or DIY
Leather may not be for everyone, but fans of the stuff know that big statement pieces—sofas, chairs—can be pricy. However, accessories allow you to sprinkle smaller amounts of leather (real or faux) throughout your space, without the commitment or big budget. If you like to get crafty or are just looking to pick up a few leather accents for your home, here are nine leather home accessories you can buy or DIY.
Feb 5, 2016
Matte Black in the Kitchen: Inspiration & Ideas
Being a neutral, black is never not in style, but it’s sure enjoying a moment in the spotlight right now—especially in its subtle matte form. One place in particular that we’re seeing a lot of matte black is in the kitchen. Being as versatile as it is, matte black can be incorporated into an interior in so many ways. It can be incredibly dramatic, can act as an accent, or really ground an otherwise airy space. It’s timeless yet modern at the same time.
Jan 15, 2016
Create a Space to Work at Home in Style: Modern DIY Desk Ideas
The New Year always brings with it the desire to make changes: big life changes, lifestyle changes, or maybe just an attempt to get the year off to a good start with a little organization. If you work from home or you have a designated work area for the family, it can be tricky to keep that space stylish and organized—and not break the bank doing so.
Jan 13, 2016
Simple Last-Minute Holiday Centerpiece Ideas
Don't let the holiday countdown stress you out–we're here to help you make the most of it!
Dec 19, 2015
How To Make a Recycled Sweater Ornament
There’s definitely no shortage of holiday ornaments out there to buy, but there’s something so satisfying about making a few. It’s always nice to give/receive something handmade—and one-of-a-kind—and by making a few for yourself, you get to create a little memory that you can revisit every year when you pull them out to decorate the tree. These ornaments are fairly easy, adorable, and—bonus!—you’re recycling.
Dec 14, 2015
Before & After: 10 Dramatic Fireplace Makeovers
It’s about that time of the year when we’re craving coziness, so let’s chat about fireplaces. What seems like a luxury to some may actually be a design burden or eyesore for others—there are a lot of dated and dreary old fireplaces floating around out there. The good news is that there are also a lot of ways to make them modern. Whether with a simple coat of paint or a total overhaul, yours can definitely be saved to look chic in your space.
Dec 13, 2015
Shopping Guide: 4 Online Handmade Marketplaces Other Than Etsy That You Should Know About
It’s great to support makers all year long, and it’s always refreshing to receive a special slow-made something in our fast-paced world of retail, but it’s especially nice to give or receive something handmade for the holidays. If you don’t make it to one of the many amazing popup handmade markets in person, there are plenty of online options. The obvious choice is Etsy, which we love, but it’s nice to widen your search to find even more interesting pieces.
Dec 4, 2015
Before & After: A 24 Hour Nursery Makeover
If you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, this makeover will make you think again. Monica from East Coast Creative and a small crew took this old and unpolished room and transformed it into a completely unrecognizable nursery in a matter of 24 hours. The finished look is nothing short of amazing; it’s been transformed into a modern, fresh space that will easily grow along with baby Victoria. Aren’t you just dying to see?
Nov 27, 2015
How To Do Kitchen Lighting Now: A Style Guide to Six On-Trend Ideas
If you’re building from scratch or about to embark on a reno, you know that the kitchen is kinda a big deal. There are a million decisions to make—including choosing the perfect lighting. Kitchen lighting has to be practical, but you want it to look good so you can show off the rest of your fab kitchen. And if you’re in a rental or just looking to freshen up your current kitchen, changing the lights can have a big impact.
Nov 20, 2015
Crafty Centerpieces You Can Make in 10 Minutes for $10
The day of family, friends, and good food to be thankful for is just around the corner. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year and looking for a way to make your table extra-special without taking too much time away from your host duties, here are a pair of centerpiece ideas that you can make in around 10 minutes for $10 or so. It’s easy to get caught up in all the details of hosting Thanksgiving and become a little overwhelmed.
Nov 14, 2015
10 Smart and Stylish Storage Solutions for Your Craft Space
If you’re a crafter, you know how quickly things start to pile up. Yes, I do need that many different types of scissors and that many colors of ribbon! If you have a designated craft area either large—lucky!—or small, it’s nice to (at least try to) keep it organized, especially if it’s in a part of your home that’s not off-limits to guests.
Nov 8, 2015
Before & After: An Apartment Therapy Writer’s Loft Living Room Makeover
I’m super excited to share my very own living room Before & After with you. Once I finished my kitchen makeover earlier this year, things snowballed a bit and I suddenly wanted to change everything. I’ve also lived in my loft for seven years, and the itch is for real—the redecorating itch, that is. That’s a thing, right?
Oct 25, 2015