Melanie J. Whyte Melanie J. Whyte is a Real Simple contributor with a focus on LGBTQ+ culture, home improvement, and style. She's been writing for nearly a decade, and her work has been published or featured in NPR News Morning Edition, Refinery29, HelloGiggles, and other publications. In 2021, she started her own interior design service, and she loves sharing her knowledge of rent-friendly decorating tips and sustainable ways to source home furniture and decor. About Real Simple Real Simple, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning, trusted online resource for smart, authentic solutions to simplify your life. We reach 11 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact-checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.