Tessa Hayley Hellberg
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
School
University Of The Witwatersrand
Expertise
Home Design Trends, Real Estate Reality TV, Holiday Home Decor
- Tessa has interviewed countless reality stars, including "Million Dollar Listing LA" alums, David Parnes and James Harris.
- Having previously worked in an art gallery, she loves any opportunity to dive into the behind-the-scenes of beautiful spaces.
- She also has a lifelong passion for Holiday decor (and isn't afraid to fight over Christmas tree ornaments!)
Experience
Pop culture, design and real estate have long been among Tessa's greatest passions, and over the years, she's managed to turn that into a career. Her first job out of college was at a podcasting agency with predominantly real estate clients. Since then, she's gone on to do celebrity interviews for TheThings, cover celebrity news at Nicki Swift and provide occasional coverage for major events at The List. She's also covered trends over at Women.com, and loves any opportunity to dig into why consumers gravitate towards certain aesthetics.
Education
Tessa has a bachelor's degree in politics and media studies, and honors and master's degrees in media studies, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her dissertation centered on luxury markers in "The Real Housewives of Johannesburg" and earned her a distinction.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Tessa Hayley Hellberg
-
If you've got an ant problem in your lawn, you're likely ready to get rid of them. One popular way is with artificial sweetener. But does it actually work?
-
You might think that Windex is fine to use for cleaning your glass stovetop, but there are some things you need to know before reaching for that handy bottle.
-
Black countertops are classic for a reason but there are still several pros and cons to keep in mind if you're considering installing them in your bathroom.
-
If you're looking to give your outdoor space a mid-century modern makeover, some easy design guidelines and ideas will have your patio looking vintage-cool.
-
Are you going to be spray painting cabinet doors any time soon? It can be a lot easier if you use this hack, and all you'll need is a pool noodle.
-
Spikes can look scary, but the intent behind placing them on a roof is typically more humane and less harm-oriented than you might expect.
-
Though it looks unorthodox, under certain circumstances, storing pillows in the freezer is the most rational thing a person can do. Here's why.
-
Keeping up on design trends each year can be tough. Here are some tips for designing the perfect wall mural for the 2024 design direction.
-
When your antique furniture starts looking a little ragged, it's tempting to just get it revamped, but think twice before switching up the upholstery.
-
Designer Nate Berkus's tips emphasize timelessness and sentiment, so it makes sense he wants you to keep your most treasured items in this unexpected place.
-
Instead of using your bar cart to store drinks and glasses, discover how to turn this piece of furniture into a unique display that any bookworm would adore.
-
If you're running out of bookshelf space, try this genius TikTok hack. Find out how to use an eyeshadow palette holder to organize your books and save space.
-
The IKEA KALLAX shelving unit is a great addition to any home, but you can take its style up a notch with this stunning TikTok hack.
-
Spring is in the air. Instead of buying new, pricy decor, why not craft some yourself -- like this wreath made from a household staple already in your pantry?
-
The newest member of the "Queer Eye" cast has some thoughts on what to do with that backyard shed you keep forgetting to spruce up.
-
Nothing says classic like a good ol' garden gnome - and luckily, you can make one for your yard using an empty coffee creamer bottle through this DIY hack!
-
Though he acknowledged art is subjective, Jeremiah Brent dished out expert advice for how to pick pieces that will help create the vibe you want in your home.
-
If you're looking for a unique way to capture a homey cottage atmosphere in your home, HGTV's Erin Napier demonstrates how tea can serve as inspiration.
-
Marble flooring is often seen as glamorous, but many prospective buyers are actually wary of it, making it potentially bad for a home's resale value.
-
Nobody likes it when their books won't stay upright on their shelves. But the solution to this problem might be even easier to find than you might guess...
-
Let's say you don't have a ton of money to spend on a new wreath, but you do have a whole bunch of leftover egg cartons lying around. Here's a thought...
-
Despite their priciness, rattan headboards serve boho chic to the max. Luckily, with a little craftiness, you can design your own without breaking the bank.
-
We all want to be able to quickly get ourselves warm, but we don't want blankets scattered aimlessly around our living rooms. TikTok has the solution.
-
A lack of uniformity in your garden pavers can look tacky; luckily, a TikToker provided us with a solution to this potential eyesore.
-
If your kids love sleepovers or you love sleeping in luxury, then TikTok's IKEA trundle bed hack can give you a truly astounding amount of sleeping space.
-
Trying to decide whether or not to paint your interior brick walls or fireplace? Nate Berkus has some thoughts on the issue. Learn what he advises.
-
With the addition of three or four legs, just about anything can be a table. Here's how to repurpose your old luggage into quirky furniture.