Megan Baker Detloff

Director of Home Projects at Apartment Therapy

Madison, WI

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.
This Retro Simmer Pot Method for Making Your Home Smell Like Fall Is Better Than Candles
Bonus: It’s completely free.
Oct 23, 2024
This Kitchen Redo Has One the Best Paint Transformations I’ve Ever Seen
The changes were small, but the difference is huge!
Sep 25, 2024
IKEA Just Dropped the Best Tiny Kitchen Find Ever
This multipurpose piece has major hack potential!
Sep 25, 2024
My Golden Rule for Keeping Plants Alive Has a 100% Success Rate
It’s just one step, but it’s been a lifesaver — for my plants, I mean.
Aug 7, 2024
This Dreamy Patio Transformation Is One of My All-Time Favorites
It’s simple, but so effective.
Jul 15, 2024
A Crumbling 1872 House Gets a “Fearless” Kitchen Transformation
The makeover preserved original details like the tin ceiling.
Jun 6, 2024
B&A: A Cramped White Kitchen Goes Bigger and Bolder for Under $3,200
The after is pure sunshine.
Mar 12, 2024
Before & After: Bold Two-Tone Cabinets Totally Transform A Drab Bungalow Kitchen
The new cabinet color is pure perfection.
Nov 30, 2023
Before & After: Dark Wood Cabinets Get a Bright White Mid-Century Redo
After 10 years of renting, new homeowner Laura Temple was excited to finally have a place she could make her own. And when it came to the kitchen in her 1959 ranch, she knew exactly how she wanted it to look: bigger and brighter, with a mid-century spin that felt appropriate for its roots.At the same time, Laura didn’t want to sink tons of money into the renovation — she was aiming for a budget of about $1,000, not including the appliances — so she knew she had to get creative.
Nov 23, 2023
Before and After: A 1965 Kitchen Gets a Fresh Redo That Still Honors the Era
The homeowners kept costs down for this full renovation by using some clever workarounds.
Sep 25, 2023
Before and After: This Kitchen Stayed the Same Size, but Looks Twice as Big
The after looks way brighter and more open, thanks to some smart design tricks.
Jun 17, 2023
Before and After: A Black-and-White Color Scheme Revved up This Blah Brown Kitchen
As this homeowner says, "Paint, elbow grease, and lack of fear are my secret weapons!"
Jun 16, 2023
Want a Pro-Level Kitchen Cabinet Paint Job? Never Skip These 6 Steps
For a smoother, more even finish on your cabinets, it’s all about prep.
May 29, 2023
5 Gorgeous Kitchen Redos That Make Wood Cabinets Look High-End
Get inspired by these kitchen cabinets, which range from barely-there light ash wood to rich walnut tones.
May 26, 2023
Before and After: A Bland Kitchen’s Exciting Redo Features One of 2023’s Hottest Colors
The color combo makes this kitchen feel extra inviting.
May 19, 2023
Before and After: A Bland Kitchen Gets a Character-Packed DIY Redo
With a budget of $7,000.
Apr 10, 2023
Before and After: My Chaotic Laundry Room Is Actually Usable Now, Thanks to 3 Easy DIYs
It's not a disaster area anymore.
Oct 1, 2022
Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year Is the Reset We All Need
And it's all about chill vibes.
Sep 27, 2022
The $0 Hack You Need to Know If You’re Gardening This Summer
It's mind-blowingly simple.
Jul 29, 2022
Before & After: DIY Built-ins Transformed This Drab 2001 Dining Room
Even though this project looks bespoke, they were able to keep the cost of the built-ins to just $550.
Jul 14, 2022
Before & After: A Colorful “Margaritaville” Kitchen Gets a Luxe Nature-Inspired Makeover
Before & After
This kitchen had way too many Very Bright Colors.
Feb 13, 2022
Before & After: A Blank Dining Room Gets a Warm $550 Redo Featuring the Trendiest Color of 2022
Before & After
It also got some DIY board and batten!
Feb 12, 2022
Before & After: A $90 Vintage Hutch Gets an Expensive-Looking Makeover for Just $20
Before & After
It looks like a totally different piece!
Feb 2, 2022
Before & After: This Kitchen Actually Got Smaller, but It’s Way More Functional After a $5,000 Redo
Before & After
Bigger isn't always better!
Jan 23, 2022
Before & After: A Creative Redo Makes a Bland Dining Room Feel Way More Welcoming
Before & After
Maybe more of us should be using orange paint on our ceilings?!
Jan 15, 2022
Before & After: A $25 Redo Makes the Most of a Damaged Secondhand Table
Before & After
The whole project only took two hours!
Jan 12, 2022
Before & After: This Cheerful $5,000 Kitchen Redo Features a Surprising DIY Hack with a Sharpie Marker
Before & After
Subway tile wasn't in the budget ...
Dec 19, 2021
Before & After: A $270 Paint Project Brings Charisma to a Dull Kitchen
Before & After
This one little thing completely changed the look of the kitchen.
Dec 11, 2021
Before & After: This Cheerful, $160 Kitchen Redo Features a Surprising Color Combo
Before & After
"My goal was to make this kitchen as happy as I could for $200 or less."
Dec 4, 2021
Before & After: This Dark, Dated Kitchen Gets an Amazing New Look for Just $1,700
Before & After
The builder had used a lot of brown in this space ...
Nov 21, 2021
Before & After: A Rotting Vintage Camper Gets a Stylish New Look for $4,000
Before & After
You've gotta see the new kitchenette area!
Nov 17, 2021
Before & After: One Weekend and $725 Later, This Mud Pit Is Now a Stylish Outdoor Hangout
Before & After
The transformation was a DIY project and a family affair!
Sep 28, 2021
Before & After: A Two-Toned Paint Job Brings This Dark, Dated Kitchen Out of the 1990s
Before & After
The DIY project called for zero demo or construction.
Sep 11, 2021
Before & After: A Blah Brown Kitchen Gets Transformed, Thanks to Paint and New Countertops
Before & After
The counters and backsplash look like marble but they're actually concrete, which is way less expensive.
Aug 22, 2021
Before & After: A $600 Redo Turns a Smelly Concrete Patio into a Cool Space for Grilling
Before & After
The whole makeover cost just $600!
Aug 15, 2021