Madeline Bilis

Boston

Writer and Editor at Freelance

writer, editor, nothing else. previously @AptTherapy @TravelLeisure @BostonMagazine. she/her

Articles

The 5 Worst Places to Plant Hydrangeas

2 weeks ago | realsimple.com | Madeline Bilis

Credit: Paula Sierra/Getty Images Key TakeawaysHydrangeas thrive in spots with morning sun and afternoon shade, so avoid planting them in all-day sun or deep shade. Avoid overhead watering and soggy conditions—wet leaves from irrigation sprayers can cause burn, and constantly soggy soil risks root rot. Hydrangeas don’t do well in sandy soil that dries too fast; they need moist, well-draining earth to stay hydrated and healthy.
The Difference Between Deadheading and Pruning (and Why You Should Do Both)

3 weeks ago | realsimple.com | Madeline Bilis

Credit: frank600 / Getty Images Key TakeawaysDeadheading is the act of removing dead or dying flowers to boost a plant’s appearance and encourage more blooms, though it doesn't work for every plant. Pruning is a broader technique that involves cutting live branches or stems to improve plant health, shape, and structure, often done during dormant seasons. While both methods support plant vitality, they serve distinct purposes and should be timed and tailored to each plant’s specific needs.
5 Expensive Mistakes First-Time Home Sellers Always Make

3 weeks ago | realsimple.com | Madeline Bilis

Credit: MicroStockHub/Getty Images Key TakeawaysPricing your home too high due to emotional attachment can backfire, leading to fewer offers and ultimately a lower sale price after markdowns. Personal decor, strong odors, and clutter can turn buyers off—neutralizing your home helps others imagine themselves living there. Strong screen appeal, including high-quality photos and staging, plus choosing a skilled local agent, can significantly boost your final sale price.
5 Expensive Mistakes First-Time Home Sellers Always Make, According to Real Estate Pros

3 weeks ago | ca.yahoo.com | Madeline Bilis

Key TakeawaysPricing your home too high due to emotional attachment can backfire, leading to fewer offers and ultimately a lower sale price after markdowns. Personal decor, strong odors, and clutter can turn buyers off—neutralizing your home helps others imagine themselves living there. Strong screen appeal, including high-quality photos and staging, plus choosing a skilled local agent, can significantly boost your final sale price.
5 Expensive Mistakes First-Time Home Sellers Always Make, According to Real Estate Pros

3 weeks ago | ca.style.yahoo.com | Madeline Bilis

MicroStockHub/Getty ImagesKey TakeawaysPricing your home too high due to emotional attachment can backfire, leading to fewer offers and ultimately a lower sale price after markdowns. Personal decor, strong odors, and clutter can turn buyers off—neutralizing your home helps others imagine themselves living there. Strong screen appeal, including high-quality photos and staging, plus choosing a skilled local agent, can significantly boost your final sale price.
There’s a piece of Modernist architectural history on the market in Framingham

3 weeks ago | boston.com | Madeline Bilis |Kaitlyn Johnston

Home buyers on the hunt for architectural gems often start their searches in towns like Lincoln and Lexington, where pioneering architects built houses with clean lines and angles in the years after World War II. But a rare International-style Modernist home just hit the market in nearby Framingham, and it has some extraordinary architectural cred.
A classic mismatch: New buyers, old homes

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Madeline Bilis

Put yourself in the shoes of a first-time home buyer. In this market, not only are prices high, but so are interest rates, further tightening a budget. After several competitive open houses, you come across a beautiful antique Colonial for sale in Dedham, built in 1801. During your tour, you’re drawn to its historic charm, but take note of the foundation problems and outdated electrical system, both of which will cost a pretty penny to remedy. Is this a house you’re going to put in an offer?
The One Question You Should Always Ask Before Picking Out Shower Tiles

1 month ago | realsimple.com | Madeline Bilis

Credit: Joe Hendrickson/Getty Images Key TakeawaysChoose shower tiles based on how often you want to clean—some types are way easier to maintain. Bigger tiles with darker grout lines hide dirt better and need less scrubbing than small, grout-heavy designs. Pick a tile style you love, but make sure it’s something you can live with for years. Picture this: The time has come for a top-to-bottom bathroom renovation.
Five Perfect New England Lake Vacations

1 month ago | bostonmagazine.com | Madeline Bilis |Miles Howard |Lake Champlain |Jacqueline Cain

Whether you’re chasing that golden-hour paddle across mirror-smooth water or channeling your inner speed demon on a jet ski, we’ve mapped out the insider’s guide to the region’s top freshwater escapes.
This Paint Color Has Been Benjamin Moore’s Best Seller for Years-and Designers Swear by It

1 month ago | realsimple.com | Madeline Bilis

Credit: Benjamin Moore It’s common knowledge that one of the best ways to improve the look of a room is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Choosing a paint color, however, is not as simple. With so many options—and only minute variations even between neutrals like “canvas tan” and “natural linen”—it can be tough to pinpoint what’ll look best in your space. The paint pros at Benjamin Moore are familiar with the struggle.