Sandy Baker
School
Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University
Expertise
Mortgage And Finance, Exterior Design And Landscaping, Real Estate Sales And Staging
- Sandy has worked in the real estate and personal finance industry for over 21 years.
- Passionate about new and trendy styles in interior designing, Sandy is always updating and modernizing her home, but tends to love vintage Victorian design and Art Deco fun!
- Sandy spends a lot of time antiquing, often with the goal of refinishing, updating, and painting old treasures to give them new life (she loved Flea Market Flip for its inspiration).
Experience
Sandy has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, working for organizations including the New York Times, TransUnion, Realtor.com, and This Old House. She's also worked with local publications in her hometown of Brunswick, located just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Sandy spends her free time shopping for vintage treasures, gardening and exterior home design, and endlessly following YouTube how-to videos on how to update, refinish, and repair her home. She strives to live an organic, holistic lifestyle surrounded by nature and history.
Education
Sandy earned a B.S. in business administration from Baldwin Wallace University.
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 Sandy Baker
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Though beautiful on their own, Japanese maples can benefit from a specific companion plant that will also enhance your yard with even more stunning color.
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If you accidentally splash a doorknob with paint or you want to strip the ugly paint from a metal frame, this household ingredient will remove it naturally.
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There are several reasons water could be leaking through your front door. No matter the cause, it's important to fix the issue before it escalates.
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Planting sage and oregano together is a good example of companion planting. Learn why these herbs work so well planted together, and what conditions they need.
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You can extend the life of your water heater by regularly replacing the anode rod. Learn what this part is, why it's important, and how to replace it.
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Vinyl floors are sleek and fairly easy to maintain, but they can become quite slippery over time. Here are some reasons why - and how to fix them.
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When companion planting, consider growing bright-blooming zinnas with this dark-leaved garden herb. Find out for yourself how nicely the pair goes together.
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Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to many kitchens, but sometimes it can look cloudy. Luckily, there are some simple solutions to fix it.
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If you have hardwood floors, chances are you will eventually need to refinish them. Here's how to determine if you can DIY it or if you should hire a pro.
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While the colorful blooms of West Indian jasmine are a wonderful addition to a garden, there are some things to keep in mind if you want your plant to thrive.
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You may be tempted to throw out rusted stainless steel items, but give this cleaning product a try first. Find out why Bar Keepers Friend works so well on rust.
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Nobody wants to be stuck at home without heating during the winter season. Here's why your furnace keeps turning off and what you can do about it.
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Houseplant lovers live in fear of their plants falling prey to pests. Learn how to tell if you have soil mites, and why it might not be as bad as you think.
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If you've ever seen a tree wrapped in sheet metal or metal mesh, you may have wondered why. We have the answers to what it means and why you might want it, too.
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HGTV's Erin Napier, like most of us, loves candles. This holiday season, her company, Scent Library, has created the perfect Christmas scent for your home.
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Cleaning your doors before painting them is essential to a long-lasting paint job that's free of mistakes. Use this secret ingredient to scrub your door down.
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Centipedes may look scary, but they can actually be beneficial to your home. There are reasons to think twice before you squish the next centipede you see.
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If you live in a cold state -- and have a warm, moist basement -- you may be familiar with woodlouse spiders. Learn more about these scary-looking pests here.
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Certain pests will actually improve the overall health of your plants. Consider keeping this beneficial spider that won't leave webs in your garden.
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Your safety and peace of mind are very important. If you rent, know that there are ways to reinforce your front door and still get your security deposit back.
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While red creeping thyme can look beautiful and has some amazing benefits, there are also a few reasons why it may not be the best choice for your yard.
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Deciding to grow a plum tree in your garden will send you visions of sweet fruits. However, your yield might suffer if you make this common pollination mistake.
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You can clean discolored knife blades, but you shouldn't use vinegar in the process. Although versatile, vinegar can damage and dull the blades.
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If you have water-damaged floors, it's critical to know how to test for the presence of mold and rot as well as how to fix it. Here's what to know.
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While vinegar is a versatile cleaning product that can be used on many surfaces, here's why you might want to reconsider cleaning waxed cabinets with it.
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Avoid a disaster by winterizing your washing machine. You can either insulate the pipes themselves or use an antifreeze trick in the washing tub.
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Got smelly areas around your home? You can naturally deodorize some of them using a highly affordable bar of soap that doubles as a cleaning powerhouse.