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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As summertime heats up, try out this fun pool noodle game in the water to cool down. It's easy to put together, and you only need two things.
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Looking to make a switch from your modern IKEA aesthetic to something more vintage? This DIY hack will do the trick and let you go wild with customizations.
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Spooky boho decor is only a few steps away with these adorable DIY ghostly string lights. Halloween fanatics and boho lovers alike will love this simple craft.
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Instead of throwing your empty egg cartons into the recycling bin, repurpose them into unique flower pots with this fun and easy DIY project.
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Learn how to make a gorgeous DIY macrame plant hanger. You can customize the colors to match your decor and provide hanging space for houseplants.
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Having an umbrella pole in the middle of a patio table can make it hard to set the table without ruining the aesthetic. Here's how to get around it.
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It's safe to say that HGTV star Hilary Farr knows a thing or two about design, and you'll want to copy her impeccable taste with this dining table.
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HGTV's Hilary Farr has a strict approach when it comes to clutter. Her rule for families with growing kids is a no-nonsense, practical way to free up space.
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People love HGTV's renovation shows for creative inspiration, but these series can also leave homeowners feeling less enthusiastic about their own projects.
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Learn how to set up a fun, inexpensive DIY outdoor obstacle course for your kids using pool noodles and a few other items. Provide your kids with hours of fun.
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Chip and Joanna Gaines do a lot of fun, creative things on "Fixer Upper," and fans are certainly loving this mid-century tile look from the Lakehouse show.
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A TikTok hack uses aluminum foil to block unwanted light from coming through windows. Here's why we might not recommend it, and some alternatives to try.
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If you're stuck deciding between porcelain and quartz countertops, House Digest spoke with expert Irakli Khizanishvili to get his opinion on the matter.
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A viral TikTok hack for cleaning your microwave has been circulating, but there are a few reasons why you should think twice before trying it out.
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The stars of HGTV's Home Town have plenty of valuable design advice. And, they demonstrate how one simple feature can change the whole vibe of your home.
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If you're into pool noodle hacks and DIYs (of which there are aplenty on the internet), you'll want the best glue option to stick them together.
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Hilary Farr makes it a point to seek out eco-friendly and sustainable materials when she undertakes remodels. This is the kitchen finish she recommends.
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You've found the perfect rug for your space, but are stuck with creases and curled corners when rolling it out. This DIY trick is the key to a simple fix.
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Green kitchens are the hottest trend in home design right now, and experts are absolutely swooning over Kendall Jenner’s daring cabinet color choice.
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Want to add some gorgeous color to the windows in your home without breaking the bank? Then we've got just the crafty "stained glass" hack for you.
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Peel-and-stick tiles are a fabulous way to spruce up any bathroom, provided they last. This is the key to long-lasting DIY peel-and-stick tiles.
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While some trends are to die for, there's no need to take that literally. One new trend is a blast from the past with a deadly history of horror.
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Kristen Bell delighted fans with her DIY coffee station in the bathroom, but there are major health risks to consider before following your lead.
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While cheap and convenient, IKEA sofas aren't typically built to last. If your SODERHAMN sofa needs a facelift, customize it with TikTok's DIY design tips.
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Before you throw out your empty baby wipe containers, consider this easy and creative DIY storage solution that requires just a couple of materials.
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If you're looking to add a subtle and elegant touch of color to your kitchen, try this on-trend neutral green hue recommended by HGTV star Nate Berkus.
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Add some festive illumination to your next nighttime swim or evening pool party with this extremely simple and budget-friendly pool noodle hack.