As seen on…
Peek at what the press is saying about my work below! Like what you see? Let’s talk!
This Actress Made A Giant Career Pivot and Got a Stylish and Wildly Successful Second Act
Over the years friends always told Dawson that she should be an interior designer. But front and center was the pull to become an actor and singer… Read Full Article
5 Northern New Jersey Locals to Watch in April 2024
As we settle into April, we’d like to introduce you to The Montclair Girl‘s first “Locals to Watch” roundup of the spring — people who are making big waves all around Northern New Jersey… Read Full Article
These Will Be the Hottest Paint Colors for Summer 2024
Spring has finally arrived, and summer will be here before you know it. If you’re considering a summer painting project, it’s never too early to start planning. Whether you’re adding color to a bedroom, powder room, or living room, the options are seemingly endless… Read Full Article
The ‘Kitschens’ Trend is Replacing Minimalism
Playful, colorful, and whimsical, so-called ‘kitschens’ are slated as this year’s next big thing. Designers talk how to curate this personality-filled vibe at home… Read Full Article
The Best Christmas-Tree Toppers, According to Designers
Once you’ve got your ornaments all picked out and artfully arranged on your Christmas tree, the topper is what ties it all together. I asked interior designers about their favorites in a variety of styles and price points… Read Full Article
How to Decorate Your Home with Peach Fuzz
It’s been a vibrant quarter century since the Pantone Color Institute, a global leader in color trends, announced its first Color of the Year in 1999. This year’s winner is Peach Fuzz, “a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit… Read Full Article
How Kate Dawson Went From Burnt-Out Actor to Business- Owning Entrepreneur
As an actor, the idea of filing documents, dealing with paperwork, worrying about invoices and accounting (cuz…math) was overwhelming and daunting… Read Full Article
One Room at a Time
Joelle Garguilo talks with Kate Dawson to see how the Broadway performer launched her own interior design company… Watch the Broadcast
I’m Shopping H&M Spring Decor
In general, I keep my home fairly classic, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy making a few seasonal shifts now and then! As much as I’d love to splurge on all the designer pieces pinned to my spring moodboard, my wallet says otherwise. I want my space to reflect the current trends without breaking the bank — is that too much to ask for?… Read Full Article
5 Timeless 2024 Design Trends That Will Actually Last
With so many trends these days, it can be hard to keep up. And while it can be fun to update a room with whatever the newest thing is, if you’re remodeling your home or looking for something you want to keep in the long term, it can be a challenge to know what to get… Read Full Article
Kate Dawson, The Decor Whore (NJMOMpreneur of the Week)
Sh$t happens, as we all well know, and no one knows that better than our NJMOMpreneur of the week, Kate Dawson, owner of The Decor Whore. When her big dreams of being on Broadway took a detour, her passion for decorating and scoring bargain treasures led her to a starring role as an interior designer… Read Full Article
The New “Beautiful” Home Staple You’ll Want for Every Room
First came the retro SMEG fridge, then Samsung’s Frame TV, then the Windmill AC — all proof that certain home appliances and technology can actually look, well, pretty. This trend of transforming eyesore essentials into stylish standouts honestly feels like a long time coming… Read Full Article
5 small office layout ideas you’ve never thought about before
Finding new small office layout ideas isn’t easy when you feel like you’ve tried just about everything. Shimmying and shuffling furniture, stretching cords to be as close to power outlets as possible, all while trying to position yourself under ample lighting to avoid eye strain. It’s a tough ask, right?….. Read Full Article
8 Design Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making
Creating a home you love can be a challenge. There are both major decisions to be made, such as choosing paint colors, and minor details to figure out, like styling bookshelves. So, it’s easy to lose sight of a few things and make some missteps. While seemingly minor, some mistakes can ruin a room’s flow or cost you time and money… Read Full Article
16 Stores Interior Designers Say Are Their Best Kept Secrets
There’s nothing quite like walking into a professionally designed home. Everything looks fresh and beautiful—with every item thoughtfully curated. If you’re not a designer, you might be wondering, “Where did they buy that?”… Read Full Article
6 Tricks To Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
Dated cabinets, dingy backsplashes, and forgettable generic light fixtures, oh my—designing any room on a budget is a challenge, but that’s especially the case with a kitchen. Still, there are easy and wallet-friendly ways to create a classic kitchen that looks expensive—without maxing out your credit card… Read Full Article
Interior Designers Swear By This Easy Paint Trick
Choosing the right paint color can be fun, but it can also be a challenge. There are so many different factors at play. Your style, the light in the room, the rest of the home. But what do you do when you’ve invested considerable time at the store, explored various samples, and there isn’t a color that has the exact look you’ve envisioned?….. Read Full Article
5 Ways to Refresh Your Space Without Spending a Dime
The start of the new year is a time for change. Energy and motivation levels are high to embark on a new project and give your home a refresh, however, it’s also a time when spare cash is sparse… Read Full Article
Match Your Home Style with Your Decorating Style
Whether you’re shopping for a house or preparing to decorate one, getting to know your design style can help you find or create a space you love. Your home doesn’t just have to be a place to live… Read Full Article
These Are The Top Interior Design Trends For 2024
If you’ve been looking to refresh your home, now couldn’t be a better time. It seems the world is finally open to new designs and ideas. Overall, it’s about making homes cozier, more colorful, and incorporating more playful decor… Read Full Article
6 Paint Colors Going Out Of Style In 2024
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to completely transform a room. Paint is also a great way to make a space feel a little trendier and up-to-date when a major renovation isn’t possible. But it’s important to choose your color wisely. If you’re planning on painting in 2024, here are the colors to avoid.….. Read Full Article
Meet These Decorating Talents Who Have A Special Flair For Transforming Spaces
For as long as she can remember Kate Dawson had a flair for transforming ho-hum spaces into something spectacular. In college, when Dawson moved into an apartment during junior year, she dazzled her friends decorating her little apartment on the cheap from antiquing and flea market finds…… Read Full Article
6 Kitchen Design Trends Going Away In 2024
They say the kitchen is the “heart of the home,” but when it comes to interior design, sometimes it’s important to take the heart out of it. The right kitchen can make a sale and help a home retain its value… Read Full Article
7 ways to brighten a small kitchen
You may want to brighten a small kitchen. Unfortunately, making tiny spaces physically larger is not always an option unless you want to do major construction. However, there are many ways to trick the eye and make a small kitchen feel brighter and larger than it is. And, these ideas don’t need to cost a lot of money….. Read Full Article
Fabulous Female – Kate Dawson
HIP New Jersey’s Fabulous Female, for the month of November, is Kate Dawson from West Orange, NJ. Kate is a wife, mom and creative interior designer. She is the founder and owner of Decor Whore! As a multi-faceted individual, it’s no wonder that her story is as colorful as she is… Read Full Article
8 Interior Design Trends Going Away In 2024
Are you planning to renovate your home or give it a refresh in 2024? Whether you’re investing money in a major renovation or doing a simple refresh, it’s crucial to go with something current so the space isn’t both brand new and dated at the same time. Here are eight interior design trends going away in 2024 according to interior designers…. Read Full Article
3 Expert Tips for Decorating and Furnishing Small Spaces
When it comes to decorating and furnishing small spaces, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to make sure you’re using every inch of space to its fullest potential, and that can be a challenge in smaller rooms. You also want to highlight the best features and make decor choices that will make the room feel larger…. Read Full Article
Styling Homes With Antiques, Bold Accessories, and Other Treasures With Kate Dawson
Great design and a beautiful home should be accessible for everyone. Whether you want to do a quick refresh of a room or you want to completely overhaul your home, there are ways to make things feel fresh and new without emptying out your bank account… Read Full Article
In Conversation with Kate Dawson of Decor Whore
Describe your business in a few words? I’m the owner of Decor Whore, an interior decorating and design business that specializes in making homes look like a million bucks, at a fraction of the cost… Read Full Article
17 Fall Dining Room Décor Ideas for Any Seasonal Gathering
With the holiday season rapidly approaching and fall in full swing, chances are you’re preparing for a seasonal gathering. Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, a birthday, or a nice evening with someone special – it’s time to break out the fancy dining room décor and celebrate… Read Full Article
What Interior Designers Recommend for Choosing Curtains in a Primary Bedroom
When you’re ready to change your curtains or hang new curtains for the first time in your primary bedroom, there are a lot of things to consider. So I spoke with interior designers to give me their top tips… Read Full Article
Here’s How to Choose Between Paint and Wallpaper, According to a Designer
Are you bored with your walls lately? If your home has lots of neutral furniture and decor, it might be begging for some color. The two easiest ways to add color and style to any home are with wallpaper and paint. But how do you choose the right one?.….. Read Full Article
Need some help from the Whore? Let’s talk!
Our surroundings affect our
well-being… transform a room, and
watch it transform your life.
—Kate Dawson
