Kristen Garaffo
Contributor
Kristen is a freelance writer who specializes in home improvement and lifestyle content. She fell in love with interior design and styling during the pandemic when she completely redesigned her one-bedroom apartment.
After diving head-first into the world of interior design, Kristen is dedicated to helping others create cherished spaces perfect for resting, recharging, and connecting with loved ones. Kristen believes that there truly is no place like home and that creating a beautiful space that serves as a haven for you and your family is one of the best ways to invest your time and resources. Forbes Home believes in creating a home you love, which is a mission she embraces and supports wholeheartedly.
Expertise
- Interior Design
- Organization
- Home Improvement
Key Highlights
- 4+ years as a self-taught interior stylist
- Has written for Forbes since 2023
- Freelance home, design and lifestyle writer since 2021
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6 Decor Tips To Make Your Home Feel Like Your Favorite Fall Movie
A fall movie night is one of our favorite weekend activities come October, and we especially love films with beautiful interiors. At this point, it’s tradition to swoon over Meg Ryan’s brownstone in “You’ve Got Mail” and the stunning cottage... -
9 No-Grass Backyard Ideas
No grass backyards can be anything but boring. A yard without grass comes with a number of advantages, from preserving water to less maintenance and upkeep. A stylish backyard doesn’t require a lush lawn at all. Perhaps you’d prefer to... -
Landscaping Tips For Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient
We all have tricks for saving some money and keeping our homes as energy efficient as possible. Whether you keep your thermostat at a certain temperature or simply turn off the lights as you leave a room, there’s another way... -
How To Embrace A Warmer Vibe And Make Your Home Cozy For Fall
Creating a cozy home for fall is one of the best times of the year. Pulling out heavy throws, swapping throw pillows and lighting a cinnamon candle just makes you want to hunker down and stay a while—a welcome respite... -
What To Know About Halloween Decor: When To Decorate, How To Repurpose Decor And More
Spooky season is officially upon us. October signals chilly weather, trips to the pumpkin patch, and getting ready for trick-or-treaters. And what better way to prep for handing out candy than to deck your home out in Halloween decor? Your... -
How To Incorporate Jewel Tones Into Your Decor
The design trends this year are very clear—2024 is all about being bold. We’re collectively saying goodbye to all-white kitchens, gray walls and neutral decor. It’s time to embrace color and pattern and perhaps even step out of our design... -
10 Laundry Room Design Ideas That Will Inspire You To Spruce Yours Up
Believe it or not, laundry is a chore I don’t mind doing. What I don’t love, however, are laundry rooms that are bleak and boring. When it comes to designing your home, laundry rooms can oftentimes be an afterthought. They’re... -
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Coastal Cowgirl Trend And How To Incorporate It At Home
The term “Coastal Grandma” burst onto the scene in 2022, thanks to a viral TikTok by Lex Nicoleta, who coined the phrase after her love of the Nancy Meyers film “Something’s Gotta Give.” The easy, breezy coastal aesthetic took off,... -
How To Organize A Coat Closet In 12 Steps
Winter weather means that your coat closet is probably packed to the gills and working overtime during the cold and blustery season. Normally tucked near your entryway or in a small hallway, these spaces are typically small and hold several... -
Best Ways To Remove Pet Hair From Surfaces
Anyone with a dog or a cat knows the joy a furry friend can add to their lives. Our pets are our family, and even though we love our animal companions to pieces, there are a few things about pet... -
Daily Cleaning Checklist To Tidy Your Home In Less Than 30 Minutes
There is a certain level of peace that comes with a clean and tidy home. Who doesn’t love when surfaces are spotless, clutter is cleared and a scented candle is lit? But let’s be real: it takes a lot of... -
9 Entryway Before And Afters That Don’t Sacrifice Style Or Structure
When you walk into your home, being greeted by a well-put-together space, with plenty of room for coats and a spot for your keys, can instantly make you feel calm and relaxed. Your entryway has the power to immediately set... -
Dopamine Decor: What Is It And How To Incorporate Dopamine Decor At Home
Imagine walking into a room and your spirit is instantly lifted. You’re surrounded by your favorite colors, and the space is sprinkled with sentimental decor that boosts your mood and brings a smile to your face. There isn’t a specific... -
7 Stunning Basement Bedroom Before And Afters
Deciding what to do with your basement can be quite intimidating. It is after all a large and open room with endless amounts of potential. One way to fill the space is to add an extra bedroom or make an... -
14 Tips For Turning Your Basement Into A Full Guestroom Suite
When you think of basements, it’s easy to immediately imagine dark, dingy, gloomy spaces. Basements are often thought of as an extra place to store your things, the place to tuck away your laundry machine or maybe even a spot... -
7 Walk-In Shower Before And Afters We Can’t Stop Pinning
Creating a luxury shower experience is currently all the rage. With the popularity of “everything showers” going viral on TikTok, people are spending ample time in their bathrooms cleansing, exfoliating, shampooing, conditioning, hair masking—and so much more. Whether you shower... -
10 Pantry Organization Ideas And Tips From The Pros
If there’s one spot in the kitchen that’s likely to collect clutter, it's no doubt the panty. A kitchen pantry comes in clutch when it comes to food storage, whether you have a large, walk-in pantry, a small set of... -
10 Tree House Ideas That May Inspire You To Live In The Woods
When life gets messy, it’s easy to daydream about leaving your typical day-to-day and escaping to a place in the woods where you can leave your troubles behind. Treehouses can offer a wonderful escape for adults and kids alike, whether... -
13 Breakfast Nooks That Will Convince You To Zhuzh Up Your Kitchen
What’s cozier than a cup of coffee and a warm breakfast on a cold rainy day? How about a breakfast nook to enjoy it in? A breakfast nook is a place for light meals and usually includes a small built-in... -
6 Stunning Before And After Swimming Pool Renovations
When the first warm day hits (or even during the dog days of summer), you may be dreaming of diving into your very own backyard pool with family and friends. Or, perhaps you’re lucky enough to already be hosting your... -
10 Ways To Keep A Small Kitchen Organized
The kitchen is known as the heart of the home. It’s where food is prepared, and food is associated with sustenance, health, joy and comfort. It’s no wonder we tend to gather around kitchen tables and counters when this is... -
13 Beautiful Bathroom Vanity Ideas We Can’t Get Enough Of
If you want to create a beautiful bathroom, a great place to start is with a vanity that you love. Bathroom vanities are a necessity, and these practical pieces of furniture come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and design... -
10 Easy Tips For Circulating Air At Home
There’s nothing worse than walking into a stuffy apartment and getting a face full of stale air. Proper air circulation is important for your health and wellbeing, and ventilation is key for making sure fresh air can come in, while... -
7 Smart Home Trends That Are Taking Over The Design Space In 2025
Smart home trends are changing the way people live in their homes. At one point, this scene could have been out of a sci-fi movie. But in 2024, this is the reality for many homeowners who have welcomed smart home...
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