Nina Malkin

Jan 22, 2025 | thisoldhouse.com | Nina Malkin

Minimalism, with its "less is more" ethos, may seem like a snap to pull off. But the minimalist aesthetic-defined by a focus on function and the lack of excessive ornamentation-can be tricky to achieve successfully, especially in a living room. As the place in the home where you relax yet also entertain, a living room has to be comfortable as well as convey your personal style.

Nov 7, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Nina Malkin

Growing vegetables and ornamental plants often means doing battle with a variety of invaders out to devour your crops and flowers. Synthetic pesticides may be potent, but many gardeners are understandably apprehensive to spray poison around, especially on produce they hope to harvest and serve at the family table. One natural, eco-conscious alternative to chemical commercial products is good old garlic ( Allium sativum).

Oct 18, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Nina Malkin

One way to create a kitchen that's distinctly yours is to choose a color for the cabinetry that you really love. The trouble is, paint shades can go in and out of fashion fairly quickly, so you might want to ask yourself if the hue you're drawn to today will hold your interest long term. While you can repaint cabinets yourself, a smooth finish requires careful, patient sanding between coats. No wonder most folks hope they won't tire of the color or have the kitchen look dated in a few short years.

Sep 23, 2024 | architecturaldigest.com | Nina Malkin |Michelle Mastro

There are several common mistakes people make when planting magnolias. First off, not having the root flare exposed is probably the biggest mistake you could make. Another common mistake is planting them too close to other plants or garden structures—things like sheds, gazebos, and archways. True, some magnolia are versatile—they can grow as a hedge or be trained to climb up a lattice against a wall. But the majority of magnolia varieties prefer their space.

Aug 8, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Nina Malkin

Big design decisions, such as furniture, flooring, and paint colors, set the tone of a room-but little things also mean a lot when it comes to making a house a home. That's where showcase shelves come in. These décor elements provide surfaces to hold your special items, whether they're useful or purely decorative, that truly reflect your personal taste. Let's explore the various types of wall shelves and learn some interesting new ways to arrange them to bring more style and-storage-to your home.