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
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If you're looking to make your porch look perfectly spooky-cute this Halloween season, this pool noodle ghost is a must. Fortunately, it's super easy to create.
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Do you want to instantly add a touch of glamour to any space? Gold leaf paint can give you a stunning, gilded accent wall that makes a big statement.
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Lilacs are beautiful in arrangements, but they wilt very quickly. Learn this hack from Martha Stewart for keeping lilacs fresh in in vases, longer.
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Most gardeners and homeowners strive to achieve a lush green lawn. If you really want a healthy lawn, you should consider what you're mowing with.
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Broken egg spills happen, but they sure are a pain to clean up. Luckily, this common kitchen ingredient can greatly help scoop up the gooey liquid in a flash.
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It isn't always possible to replace everything when completing a home renovation. Check out this simple trick for elevating boring doors around the house.
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A little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to home improvement tasks. Here is what to do if a pesky bug lands on your fresh paint job.
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HGTV's Scott McGillivray is a real estate investor and expert with an eye for style. His unique floor design proves he loves making a statement.
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Do you want to freshen the smell of your home but don't want to use harsh chemicals? If so, DIY this natural room spray that includes baking soda.
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If you're looking to switch things up without going for a total remodel, check out the simple way that Bobby Berk adds a touch of drama to any kitchen.
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Sticky residue can be difficult to remove, but there are some simple tricks you can try to make it easier! Learn how to get sticker residue off clothing.
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Keeping your outdoor areas clean and well-maintained can be very time-consuming. Check out the heavy-duty tool that will get rid of weeds in your garden.
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Learn why HGTV's Jenn Todryk swears by portable fire pits to make your patio cozy all year long, and why they may be even more useful than built-in fire pits.
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Plants get cuts just like humans. And just like humans, plants can benefit from a common kitchen ingredient known for its antibacterial properties.
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Before starting any DIY project, it's always good to seek advice. We look at why you should paint your walls before installing flooring, according to the pros.
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The color red may add boldness to your home, but you should pause before painting your furniture with it. Here's why you should avoid the hue.
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If you're looking to speed up the aging process of copper, you might want to try this strange-sounding hack. The key ingredient might just surprise you.
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In need of a piece of furniture that's designed for some storage? IKEA's KALLAX cabinet can be converted to a great storage bench for your home.
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Having a dedicated spot to store towels and sheets is great, but it can get crowded quickly. With this upgrade, you can create more useable linen closet space.
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Painting is a messy job, but there are ways to keep the spills to a minimum. Here's one of Joanna Gaines' favorite tricks for a clean paint pour.
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If you're tired of things getting lost under your sofa, then you absolutely must check out this easy, affordable, and extremely useful pool noodle hack.
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If you have a favorite vase that's become cloudy, there's good news! You can easily clean it with items you most likely already have in your pantry. Here's how.
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Unsightly dust bunnies seem to appear out of nowhere. Here's what causes them, along with a few simple tips to eradicate the sneaky invaders.
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While following interior design trends can be fun, HGTV star Jenn Todryk explains why you shouldn't always choose the most popular design choice.