LJ Smelker

Associate Editor, Home Projects

Brooklyn, NY

About Me

I'm originally from a small beach town in West Michigan, but I moved to NYC for college where I got my BS in Fashion Media from LIM College. Brooklyn is now my permanent home, where I love exploring celiac-friendly cafes or bakeries, and I’m constantly reading and bringing my latest book wherever I go.

I was Dorm Therapy's Editorial Intern in the spring of 2025 and immediately knew that Apartment Therapy Media was meant to be home in my post-grad career. I'm passionate about telling people's stories and helping readers be inspired by the world and homes others create. I write Before & After pieces that show transformations and how anything is attainable when you have a little inspiration and a whole lot of elbow grease.

My faves

Reading, beaches, Noah Kahan, and reading some more

My education

LIM College '25, Fashion Media

Latest Stories

The 28 Best Viral TikTok Gifts to Shop Right Now (They Totally Live Up to the Hype!)College Life

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your bestie, TikTok is the perfect place to get some gift ideas. But what’s worth the hype and what’s not? Luckily, I’ve watched hours of videos (my job is hard) to bring you the best viral TikTok gifts for every aesthetic. From the heatless curlers you’ve seen all over your FYP to the irresistibly soft Pebble Pillow, these finds are trending for a reason (and start at just $6).

Megan Gray

yesterday

I Felt Homesick After One Night at College — Here's How I Managed It College Life

When I was a college freshman in 2021, I moved halfway across the country from Michigan to attend school in New York. I loved the idea of living in the biggest city in America, but I was also an introverted, anxious homebody. My 700-mile move would turn out to be a great idea … eventually. But in the beginning, I experienced a learning curve of living by myself and the feeling of homesickness that followed. The first night I slept in my single dorm, I immediately began to miss home.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Aug 4, 2026

28 Brilliant Ideas to Make Your 2026 Dorm the Cutest on the Floor (They’re Student-Approved!)Dorm Decor

Get ready to rethink what a gallery wall can be.

Alison Goldman

Jul 26, 2026

The Anatomy of the Comfiest Dorm Bed Ever Dorm Decor

Yes, a comfy dorm bed *is* possible.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Jun 22, 2026

27 Spring Break Essentials You Don't Want to Forget College Life

From practical must-haves to beach necessities.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 9, 2026

This Freshman’s Cozy Space Is Both Cute and Functional Dorm Decor

She has a hook for everything!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Sep 6, 2025

This Freshman Created a Content Corner in Her Cozy, Minimalist Dorm Dorm Decor

The Scandi vibes are so good.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Jun 6, 2025

This UT Austin Freshman's Dorm Room Made Her College Transition Easier Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 30, 2025

This Sophomore Used Vintage Decor to Create an Inspiring Room Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 23, 2025

9 Things You’ll Regret Taking to College Your First Year, According to Seniors College Life

Learn from their mistakes.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Jun 21, 2026

A Penn State Sophomore's Single Dorm Is a “Cozy Little Sanctuary"Dorm Decor

It’s giving secret garden.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 16, 2025

"Slow Decorating" Was the Surprising Secret to the Dorm of My Dreams Dorm Decor

Good things take time.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 13, 2025

8 Supercute and Personalized College Items (I Love Them All!)Dorm Decor

We've got school spirit!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 9, 2025

A Freshman Created the Easiest, Cutest Storage Hack in Her Tiny Dorm Dorm Decor

So smart!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 9, 2025

A Senior's Maximalist Dorm Sparked Her Thrifting Side Hustle Dorm Decor

Obsessed with her dorm!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

May 2, 2025

How I Finally Decided Where to Go to College After Massive Indecision College Life

National Decision Day is May 1!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 29, 2025

This Freshman Upgraded to a Cozy Dorm Room with Vintage-Inspired Vibes Dorm Decor

That rug!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 25, 2025

How a Freshman Created the "Best 'Guy Room' on the Floor"Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 18, 2025

This Freshman Created the Coziest Cottagecore Dorm Dorm Decor

It’s so multifunctional!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 11, 2025

I Think This App Is the *Best* Way to Make Phone Wallpapers College Life

I can't even choose my favorite!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 8, 2025

How an NC State Freshman Turned Her Dorm into the Ultimate Hangout Spot Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 4, 2025

I Have Celiac Disease, and I'm Obsessed with These Gluten-Free Pizza Bites Food & Recipes

I actually teared up a little.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Apr 2, 2025

The ONE Thing You Should Do Before Making a College Decision College Life

May 1 is National College Decision Day!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 31, 2025

An MSU Junior’s Dorm Is Unrecognizable After This Wall Decor Hack Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 28, 2025

I Can’t Get Over the Cuteness of This Functional Wall Decor Idea Dorm Decor

BRB, running to get my own board to decorate!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 25, 2025

This Texas State Freshman’s Dorm Is a Cozy Coastal Surfer Dream Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 21, 2025

2 Alternatives to That Stunning (but Sold-Out) Checkered Marble Tray from HomeGoods Dorm Decor

I love a good catchall tray. I keep one for my “out-the-door” essentials, one for my rings, and so many more throughout my apartment. I have at least 10 — but that’s normal, right? So naturally I was intrigued when I spotted the most aesthetically pleasing checkered marble tray from HomeGoods going viral on TikTok. Here’s the thing: It seems to be sold out everywhere.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 18, 2025

This Stunning Viral Decor Item Is Finally Back in Stock Dorm Decor

Take my money.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 17, 2025

An Ohio State Sophomore Wanted to Create a Stress-Relieving Dorm Dorm Decor

Take a tour!

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

Mar 11, 2025

These Cute DIY "Punch Cards" Are the Secret to Crushing Your Semester Goals College Life

Such a smart hack!