Marlowe Davis
Decor, organization, renter-friendly home improvement, small-space living
Philadelphia, PA
Marlowe Davis writes the decor and organization content for FixerDaily — making spaces work without breaking budgets, deposits, or leases. They've rented for over a decade in three different cities and have developed a specific genre of design opinion: things that look great, cost reasonable money, and don't risk a security deposit. Their work is accessible, budget-conscious, and design-curious without being aspirational in a tiring way. Based in Philadelphia.
What Marlowe covers
- Renter-friendly decor (Command strips, peel-and-stick, removable everything)
- Small-space organization and storage
- Budget furniture comparisons and reviews
- Room-by-room makeovers under specific budgets
- Design accessibility — making "designer looks" with normal-person money
Articles by Marlowe
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How to Caulk a Bathtub Properly
Learn to remove old caulk and apply a clean, mold-resistant bead that actually lasts. Step-by-step guide with product recs and when to call a pro.
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How to Patch Drywall Holes (Nail Holes to Anchor Damage)
Learn which filler to use for every hole size, how to avoid over-filling nail holes, and why spackle and joint compound aren't interchangeable.
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Best Portable Workbench for Apartment Living: 5 Tested
Tested 5 portable workbenches in a 650 sq ft apartment. Real footprints, fold times, noise levels, and which ones fit in a closet when you're done.
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DIY Pegboard Wall Organization Ideas That Actually Hold Weight
Pegboard storage that won't fall off your wall. Five tested setups for garages, workshops, and rentals—plus the fastener guide nobody shows you.
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Best Outdoor Storage Boxes for Patios (What Breaks & When)
Budget plastic fails in 3-5 years; resin lasts 7-10. Here's what breaks first, which climate kills which material, and when repair beats replacement.
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Best Adhesive Strips for Hanging Mirrors in 2026
Command strips aren't all the same. Learn which adhesive strips actually hold mirrors on rental walls — and why surface prep matters more than the product.
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Best Renter-Friendly Paint Options for 2026
Removable paint costs $0.15-0.20/sq ft but leaves residue. Peel-and-stick wallpaper costs more but peels clean. Here's which option protects your deposit.
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Best Power Drill Batteries: Budget vs Premium in 2026
Compare lithium vs ni-cad drill batteries, decode voltage and Ah ratings, and find the right replacement for weekend DIY or daily use without overspending.
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How to Fix Cabinet Doors That Don't Close
Cabinet doors that won't close usually need hinge adjustment, not replacement. Learn to diagnose the root cause and fix it in 20 minutes with a screwdriver.
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How to Soundproof a Room Cheaply: 6 Methods That Work
Budget soundproofing methods that actually reduce noise. Weatherstripping to DIY panels — what works, what costs, and realistic decibel reduction for each.
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Best Adhesive Hooks and Hangers for Renters (2026 Review)
Tested adhesive hooks that won't wreck your deposit. Damage-risk by wall type, lease-safe options, and honest Command alternatives for renters.
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Best Shower Caddies for Renters: Damage-Free Storage That Works
Tested shower caddies that won't cost you your deposit. Suction cups, Command strips, and wall-contact-free options ranked by removal ease and damage risk.
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How to Unstick a Painted-Shut Window in 5 Steps
Free a painted-shut window with scoring, heat, and lubricant. Includes lead-safe methods for older homes and prevention tips so it doesn't stick again.
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How to Seal Granite Countertops in 5 Steps
Learn how to seal granite countertops with the water test, sealer types, and step-by-step instructions. Avoid over-application and know when to reseal.
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How to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Replace a bathroom exhaust fan safely with proper CFM sizing and ductwork termination. Step-by-step guide to ventilation codes, wiring, and when to call a pro.
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How to Fix a Sticky Door Lock in 15 Minutes
A sticky door lock usually needs graphite, not oil. Here's the simple 5-step fix that actually works — and exactly why WD-40 only makes it worse.
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Under-Sink Storage for Renters: Access First, Organization Second
The best under-sink organizers for apartments keep plumbing accessible while maximizing space. No drilling required, no deposit risk.
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Best Corner Shelves for Small Bedrooms (Tested & Honest)
Corner shelves for small bedrooms compared: sizing, weight limits, renter-friendly options. Which shelf won't overwhelm a 100 sq ft room?
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How to Fix a Stuck Window Sash in 5 Steps
Learn how to fix a stuck window sash with basic tools and $5-15 in supplies. Step-by-step guide covers paint seals, debris, and when to call a pro.
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How to Quiet Noisy Water Pipes
Learn how to diagnose and fix noisy water pipes with this step-by-step guide. Stop banging, knocking, and hissing sounds without calling a plumber.
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How to Repair Chipped Tile Without Replacement
Fix chipped bathroom and floor tile with epoxy, putty, or caulk—when it works, when it won't, and why waterproofing matters in wet areas.
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How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame in 6 Steps
Stop bed frame noise for good with this diagnostic-first guide. Learn which fix works for your squeak type—most people tighten the wrong part first.
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How to Install a Door Lock on a Rented Apartment
Install a door lock in your rental without losing your deposit. Permission strategies, non-damaging options, and step-by-step installation guides.
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Best Removable Wall Adhesive Strips for Renters (2026)
Honest review of removable wall strips that protect your deposit. Weight limits, surface compatibility, and what 'damage-free' actually means for renters.
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Best Organizers for Kitchen Drawers: Real-World Picks
The best kitchen drawer organizers for utensils, junk drawers, and deep storage—tested across price points. Budget picks, renter-friendly options, and what actually fits.
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How to Remove Wallpaper Without Wrecking Your Walls
Step-by-step guide to removing wallpaper safely without damaging drywall. Learn which tools work, how to avoid gouges, and when DIY beats hiring a pro.
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12 DIY Pantry Organization Ideas on a Budget (Renter-Friendly)
Practical, renter-friendly DIY pantry organization ideas on a budget: cheap bins, labels, tiered shelves, lazy Susans, door racks, and zones under $50.
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How to Hang a Large Mirror on Drywall Without Studs
Step-by-step guide to safely hang heavy mirrors on drywall using the right anchors. Learn weight ratings, installation tips, and when to call a pro.
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Best Garage Shelving for Small Spaces: What Actually Fits
Wall-mounted and freestanding shelving that actually fits tight garages. We tested systems for 150-400 sq ft spaces—here's what works without eating your floor.
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Best Caulk for Kitchen Backsplash: Silicone vs Acrylic Tested
We tested silicone and acrylic caulk on kitchen backsplashes. GE Silicone II wins for most installs—here's why, plus when to choose acrylic instead.
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How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls
Remove wallpaper safely without damaging drywall or losing your security deposit. Step-by-step guide with renter-friendly techniques and affordable tools.
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How to Fix a Wobbly Cabinet in 5 Steps
Fix a wobbly cabinet in under 30 minutes with shims, a level, and basic tools. Step-by-step guide for renters and homeowners—no pro needed.
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Best Spackling and Joint Compound for Drywall Repair
From nail holes to large patches, we tested the top spackling compounds and joint compound brands to find which drywall repair materials are worth buying.
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How to Install Floating Shelves Without the Regret
Learn the right hardware, stud-finding process, and installation steps for floating shelves that won't sag — with specific tools and weight capacity math.
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Best Under-Sink Organizers for Kitchens (That Actually Fit)
The best under-sink organizers for kitchens work around plumbing, fit rental cabinets, and cost less than $100. Here's what actually works.
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Best Cabinet Hardware for Renters (No Drill Required)
Compare adhesive, magnetic, and clip-on cabinet pulls that upgrade rental kitchens without drilling. Protect your deposit with these removable hardware options.
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Best Small Space Sectional Sofas for 2026
Sectionals for small apartments need to fit your doorway first and your room second. We measured, compared return policies, and found four that work.
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How to Replace Weatherstripping on Windows
Step-by-step guide to replacing window weatherstripping. Learn which type to use, how to measure, install, and seal drafty windows yourself in under an hour.
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How to Remove Sticky Residue From Anything: 9 Methods by Surface
Nine methods to remove sticky residue from anything — matched to the surface you're working with so you don't strip paint, dull plastic, or damage wood.
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How to Remove Paint Smell From a Room: 8 Methods That Work
Paint smell lingers because VOCs off-gas for weeks. Here's how to remove paint smell from a room fast — renter-safe methods, what actually works, what doesn't.
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Best Peel and Stick Wallpaper Brands for Renters (2025)
Tested and ranked: which peel-and-stick wallpaper brands actually protect your deposit, stick to real walls, and remove without residue.
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9 DIY Headboard Ideas Under $50 You Can Build This Weekend
Budget headboards you can actually build. Real material lists, cost breakdowns, and renter-friendly options — all under $50 and doable in a weekend.
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How to Organize a Small Closet: 7 Steps That Actually Work
Small closets need decisions, not systems. Learn the purge-first framework and renter-safe tools that make limited space work for real wardrobes.
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Best Command Strips for Renters: Which Ones Won't Damage Walls
Command strips can save your security deposit—if you choose the right ones. Compare holding power, damage risk by wall type, and safe removal techniques.
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7 Paint Colors That Actually Make Small Living Rooms Feel Bigger
Paint colors that work in small living rooms by reflecting light and creating depth. Shortlist covers budget to premium picks with LRV ratings and lighting guidance.
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9 IKEA Bookshelf Hacks That Actually Work (Plus Safety Tips)
Transform IKEA bookshelves with functional stability fixes, renter-friendly upgrades, and budget styling that makes Kallax and Billy work harder.