MV

Melissa Epifano Varley

Melissa is a writer and editor with over seven years of experience working for various magazines and websites. Prior to going freelance, she served as the editor-in-chief of Real Homes and was the former lifestyle editor at The Spruce. She has also written for sites such as Apartment Therapy, Forbes, Who What Wear UK, People, The Zoe Report, InStyle, and Entertainment Weekly.

She covers a wide range of topics, including home design, fashion, beauty, wellness, shopping, and travel.

Publications

  • The Spruce
    82 articles
  • Livingetc
    11 articles
  • Who What Wear UK
    4 articles
  • Forbes Home
    3 articles
  • Forbes Advisor
    2 articles
  • Apartment Therapy
    1 article
  • MyDomaine

Writes Most On

InteriorDesignHomeDecorHomeImprovementInteriorDesignerGardeningHorticultureHomeDesignDesignInspirationDeclutteringHomeorganizationStorageSolutionsHomestylingBotanyOrganizingMinimalismDesigntrendsOrganizationProfessionalOrganizersPlantCareSustainabilityProfessionalorganizerSustainableLivingGardenerDIYGardenHomeDecorationPlantsEcoFriendlyDeclutterCleaningDiyProjectsDesignTipsDecoratingPlantHolidayDecorClutterFreeOrganicGardeningHorticulturistHomeGardeningLightingDesignLandscapeDesignHomeOrganizingIndoorplantsDecorHouseplantMinimalistHouseplantsCleaningExpertsHomeRenovationFurniture
  • 6 Home Design Flaws That Make Decluttering Impossible, According to Designers
    4 Apr—The Spruce
    Just when you've cleared one spot, clutter seems to pop up in another. If this tends to happen more often than not, don't blame yourself—there could be design mistakes and flaws at work making it harder to stay on top of a tidy home. So what are these clutter-causing design flaws? And what's the best method for fixing them? We asked from interior design experts, and they shared plenty of solutions for your most organized home yet. Meet the Expert Lana Wear is the founder and CEO of HomeWear...
  • 5 of the Worst Kitchen Layouts Designers Have Ever Seen—and How to Fix Them
    2 Apr—The Spruce
    Squeaky cabinets and a blasé paint color might dim the shine of your cooking space, but nothing brings out frustration like a bad kitchen layout. Because of how permanent a floor plan and room arrangement are, it's easy to feel trapped with the kitchen you've been dealt. However, even without serious renovations and sky-high budgets, you have options. It's possible to make even the worst kitchen layouts feel functional and—dare we say—stylish. Just ask the experts. Here are the layouts that...
  • Are Your Citrus Leaves Turning Yellow? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix It Fast
    3 Apr—The Spruce
    Ensure that you are watering your plant according to its needs—not too much, and not too little. Check your plant regularly for signs of pests, fungus, or other topical maladies. Consider if your plant is getting everything it needs, including space and soil nutrients. Taking care of plants is rewarding, especially when it comes to fruit trees or other edible plants. But it quickly becomes a stressful endeavor when you spot a mystery problem, such as your citrus leaves turning yellow. Whether...
  • 9 Colorful Houseplants That Are Perfect for Beginners, According to Plant Pros
    3 Apr—The Spruce
    Let's start by clearing something up for new plant parents: Beginners are not beholden to green plants and green plants only. While we love a verdant spread full of emerald green leaves and vines, there are plenty of colorful houseplants that those new to the world of plant care can handle. If you're just starting out, these are the 10 plants two experts recommend that don't require expert level care but can show off an impressive rainbow of shades in your home. Meet the Expert Samantha Adler...
  • Wait, Are Circular Beds In? What Designers Really Think About Curved Furniture
    31 Mar—The Spruce
    Curved furniture adds softness and visual interest to a space. It can make a home feel more comforting as softer curves, edges, and lines are more welcoming. You can add curved furniture with any small detail in a room, or go big with statement pieces of furniture. A few years ago, I slept in a circular bed in an Italian hotel that felt more like a museum than a bedroom. The thrill of a completely different bed shape had my interior design antennae up and after that weekend, I couldn't stop...