Melissa DiRenzo

About Me

Art director, Designer & Stylist with a huge passion for interior design, DIY projects and anything vintage & colorful.


Latest Stories

DIY Room Decor: Lace Doily Bowls
I’m an accessory junkie, it’s true. I like to make, buy and hunt for new accessories and it’s very hard for me to part with old ones. This simple DIY project is a great way to organize some of your trinkets, and also a great use for all those old doilies floating around in the universe. Whether they’re from your local thrift shop or passed down from your family, this project is a great way to give doilies a new fresh life.
Jul 17, 2020
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.
Jul 17, 2020
A Stylish Kitchen for Less: 10 Great Looking Kitchen Faucets Under $200
Not only does the faucet you choose for your kitchen affect the overall look of the room, but if you cook a lot (or if you don’t own a dishwasher), the convenience of its design will affect you every day. For our 2016 faucet guide, we’ve taken both form and function into consideration—and to raise the stakes even higher, set a price cap at $200. These options meet the trifecta—they’re pretty, practical, and very well-priced.
Jul 15, 2020
14 Ways to Decorate with Vintage Pieces in Your Bathroom
Despite being small, bathrooms can be the trickiest to decorate. We find ourselves thinking wisely about every decision, since this room holds a captive audience. If you’re looking for a little country or vintage charm in your bathroom, try recycling or repurposing something you may already have.
Jul 15, 2020
Back to Work: Desk Lamp Shopping Guide
Do we really ever grow out of the ‘back to school’ routine? I think for many of us, September will always mark that time. Even if you’re not in school or sending any of your mini-me’s off to learn, it’s still a great time of year to regroup and re-organize your working space.
Jul 6, 2020
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.
Feb 21, 2020
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 19, 2019
Small Space Living: 12 Creative Ways to Use an Attic Space
If your small home happens to have an attic, then you’re in luck, because you can get a little extra mileage by moving on up. Once you get the go-ahead from your contractor that your attic space can indeed be finished, you have so many options! Here are 12 creative ways you can transform your attic into an enjoyable and practical space.
Dec 16, 2019
10 Alternatives to Plastic Storage Bins
If you live in a small space, you know that organization is key. We don’t all have the luxury of garages, attics and basements to hide all those plastic bins full of ‘stuff’ that seem to accumulate with life. Nope, we must cohabitate with the ‘stuff’ and stare at it every day. If it’s going to be out for everyone to see, it should look good and intentional in your space. Here are some stylish storage alternatives to keep you organized with style.
May 4, 2019
DIY Project Idea: How To Tie Dye Napkins with Permanent Markers
Years ago my grandma gave me a huge stack of napkins and, even though I knew that those plain white ones weren’t really my thing, I politely took them. Fast forward to a recent afternoon of marker tie dye fun! I’m a little embarrassed to show you how easy it is and I can truly say I really had fun creating these little masterpieces. • Rubbing alcohol (min.
May 4, 2019
Small Space Living: Double Duty Ottoman Shopping Guide
Oh, the ottoman. I feel like it’s such an underrated piece of furniture. It’s like this extra piece that’s floating around and doesn’t really get the respect it deserves. You will spend loads of time picking your sofa and chairs, but what about the ottoman? If you live in a small space you may already be on to this, but they can be a small space dweller’s favorite piece of furniture. They’re really so versatile.
May 4, 2019
15 Centerpieces For Your Summer Table
Ah, summer. There’s so much to love about it. I think all the beautiful flowers in bloom everywhere you turn have something to do with it. And all the parties and BBQs don’t hurt either. Are you hosting a get-together this summer? If so, here’s some great centerpiece inspiration for your table. Whether your entertainment is a larger event, intimate dinner party, or casual get together, they could all use some flowers to dress up the table.
May 4, 2019

Latest Stories

Bring the Outdoors In: 15 Inspiring Nature Murals
Have you ever considered bringing your favorite natural scene into your own space to enjoy all year round? Wall murals and huge scale nature art can be a bit tricky, since there’s a wide selection of options of varying quality. If you’re inspired to create a beautiful indoor retreat, check out these examples of the look done right. These examples include art, murals and tapestries — and some are even from hotels (so you can book now and see how you like living with it first).
May 4, 2019
Shopping by Style:Guides to Romantic, Mid-Century, Natural & Industrial Pendant Lights
As my kitchen makeover continues my mind is now on lighting. It’s truly amazing how much lighting can add to a space. It’s like a piece of jewellery that can add the perfect finishing touch to a look. There’s the practical kitchen lights that are often tucked away in the ceiling, under the cupboards or behind a valence and then there’s the feature light. That’s your stylish necklace hanging there for everyone to see.
May 4, 2019
Show Off Your Style: 10 Decorative Ways to Organize Shoes & Accessories
Yes, you own 13 hats, 38 pairs of shoes, 12 pairs of shades and more great pieces that you don’t have time to count. A great way to keep an inventory of what you have (and also free up some precious storage space) is to display your stylish goods. Make them work double duty — not only will they look great on you but also in your home. Here’s 10 ways to organize and display your style.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Modern Vintage Loft Kitchen Makeover
I’m so excited to share with you today a before & after of my very own kitchen! I live in a converted hard loft in the eclectic neighbourhood of Kensington Market in Toronto. It was converted to lofts in 1999 — which you can see by this before photo. There was nothing absolutely terrible with this kitchen (well maybe those countertops), but it just felt dated and didn’t match my colorful and eclectic personality and the rest of my space. I decided to give it a major makeover.
May 4, 2019
We Tried It: The Best Way to Keep Flowers Fresh
There’s nothing that can freshen up your space or brighten your day like a bouquet of flowers. The only downside to these lovelies is that we wish they would last longer. We’ve all heard of different tips and tricks to help our flowers stay fresh as long as possible, and I thought I would put some of the common options to the test. Keep reading to see the results and the big winner!
May 4, 2019
13 Housewarming Gifts for Newlyweds
Another weekend, another wedding- sound like your summer? Soon all those lovebirds will be moving into their love nests and there will be another reason to celebrate. Leave all the really practical gifts for the family to buy and instead bring something unique and fun to the housewarming party. Whether the happy couple is starting from scratch in a new place or consolidating two spaces into one, it’s nice to have a few new things that really mark the space as ‘theirs’.
May 4, 2019
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?
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Cozy Cabin Boy’s Bedroom
Kristi and her family recently moved back to their small hometown in Northern Alberta. After a warm welcome, they were faced with the reality of a house that needed a major makeover. Kristi and her husband decided to tackle their son Carson’s room first and were inspired by their new Northern surroundings to make this room as cozy as a winter cabin. Wait until you see the transformation… Now the room is full of warmth from floor to ceiling with so much wood and so many cozy textures.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Refreshed Bedroom Retreat
It’s all too common that the room that should be the most relaxing is the one that’s the most chaotic- or just forgotten when it comes to decor. The master bedroom should be your sanctuary so that you can rest up and deal with everything else life has planned for you, right? After spending years creating and decorating her space, Virginia of Fynes Designs decided a master bedroom makeover was long overdue. Get ready for a wow! transformation.
May 4, 2019
High & Low: One Casual Dining Look, Two Budgets
No matter the size of your home, I think it’s really important to create a casual, comfortable, welcoming space in which to sit down and enjoy a meal. If you’re lucky enough to live in a larger space, this could be where you eat your morning cereal while poring over the latest news or your favorite home decor site (hint hint).
May 4, 2019
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?
May 4, 2019
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.
May 3, 2019

Latest Stories

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.
May 3, 2019
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!
May 3, 2019
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.
May 3, 2019
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.
May 3, 2019
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.
May 3, 2019
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.
May 3, 2019
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
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
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