"I spend more time painting my walls than painting my nails."

Emily Fazio

I caught the home improvement bug at an early age, and now I'm a full-time DIYer living in Rochester, NY. The projects I cover on my blog Merrypad range from decorating to demolishing. If I’m not covered in sawdust, I’m coated in stain, so it’s only natural that I landed at HGTV.com.

Emily's Latest Posts

How to Sew a Hole Sep 5, 2023

Use a simple needle and thread to swiftly make repairs in any fabric.

How to Sew a Patch Sep 5, 2023

Put a patch on it! Use patches to make repairs or add embellishments to your materials. See these simple steps for how to sew a pa …

How to Wash an Electric Blanket Aug 16, 2023

Have you ever wondered how to wash your heated blanket? It’s easier than you think.

How to Remove Paint From Clothes Aug 10, 2023

Paint stains aren’t as stubborn as you think. Take action early and you'll be able to successfully remove paint from your clothing …

How to Get Blood Out of Clothes Sep 12, 2023

Removing blood stains from clothing isn’t as difficult as you think, especially if you can get to the stain early.

Lil Jon's Most Outrageous Home Designs 16 Photos

Lil Jon and Anitra push homeowners outside their comfort zone with jaw-dropping interior design ideas. From one-of-a-kind installa …

Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring Jul 31, 2023

By: John Riha and Emily Fazio

Vinyl and laminate flooring options offer affordability and durability for homeowners, but each of these popular options comes wit …

How to Unclog a Shower Drain Jul 31, 2023

Is your shower water slow to drain? Put on some gloves and learn how to unclug a shower drain without resorting to calling the plu …

Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Fixes Jul 25, 2023

Learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot a garbage disposal that's not working and learn how to prevent issues in the future.

Get to Know Veronica Valencia's Talented Team From HGTV's 'Revealed' Jul 21, 2023

These Revealed creatives go way back. How do they all know each other? Let's dig into their backstory.

How to Clean White Shoes Jul 20, 2023

Keep those kicks looking like new by following these easy tricks.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes, Upholstery and Car Seats Jul 17, 2023

Oils and minerals in sunscreens can often stain clothing and upholstery. Learn how to remove sunscreen from furniture, clothes and …

How to Dry-Clean at Home Jul 17, 2023

Take matters into your own hands and learn about the techniques and products you can use to dry-clean garments at home.

Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining? Jul 10, 2023

Notice standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher? Learn how to diagnose, troubleshoot and perform simple repairs to fix it.

Emma Roberts Tackles a Thoughtful Kitchen Redesign for Her Family Friend on 'Celebrity IOU' 14 Photos

The actress gives back to a lifelong family friend with a transformative kitchen and entryway makeover. See how she and the Proper …

Actress Taraji P. Henson Surprises Her Housekeeper With a Backyard Oasis Fit for Entertaining 15 Photos

Determined to transform the outdoor living areas and landscape for her plant-loving friend, Taraji P. Henson recruits the Property …

Derek and Julianne Hough Create the Ultimate Wellness Retreat on 'Celebrity IOU' 14 Photos

This fun-loving dancing duo knows their trainer needs a good pick-me-up — so they surprise him with a full kitchen and dining room …

Jay Leno Sets Out to Surprise First-Time Parents With a Much-Needed Home Remodel 15 Photos

Pivoting from comedy to home repairs, Jay Leno surprises his former intern and friend with an impressive bathroom and nursery reno …

Kristin Davis Delivers a Glamorous Home Makeover For Her Close Friend on 'Celebrity IOU' 15 Photos

Honoring a friendship that dates all the way back to when their daughters were in preschool together, Kristin Davis surprises Tiff …

How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine Jun 5, 2023

Machine washing is an easy way to keep your shoes clean all year long.

Glenn Close Creates a Backyard Oasis for a Fellow Mental Health Advocate on 'Celebrity IOU' 14 Photos

Overflowing with grace and gratitude, Glenn Close builds a peaceful haven surrounded by nature for her friend, Robin.

How to Get Rid of Wasps May 24, 2023

Identify and eliminate pesky wasp nests that affect your home and outdoor living areas.

Kristin Chenoweth Gifts Her Close Friends and Property Managers With a Home Makeover 14 Photos

To honor their 15-year working relationship and unspoken sisterhood, Kristen surprises her trusted property managers with a sentim …

Heidi Klum Transforms Her Housekeeper's Home Into a Chic Space Suitable For a Multi-Generational Family 14 Photos

Heidi Klum climbs to new heights to help the Property Brothers on HGTV’s Celebrity IOU. Together, they remodel her housekeeper’s h …

40 Stunning Historic Home Renovations 40 Photos

The past can be preserved in the most beautiful ways. These home designs from Seasons 1 and 2 of HGTV's Houses With History prove …

How to Weatherproof Indoor Furniture for Outside Use May 4, 2023

Indoor wood furnishings can easily be upgraded into beautiful outdoor features, but first be sure to add weatherproofing sealants …

Choosing the Right Heating System: Heat Pump vs. Furnace? Apr 28, 2023

Compare systems to understand the benefits for your home based on your geography and household needs. The right system will help i …

How to Get Rid of Spiders Apr 24, 2023

Learn how to capture spiders indoors and manage potential infestations with these simple, natural tips.

How to Clean a Bathtub Apr 13, 2023

Give yourself a spa-level bathing experience with these simple tips for deep-cleaning your bathtub.

How to Clean a Shower Jun 21, 2023

Here's how you get rid of soap scum and shower grime so that your once-sparkly shower can shine again.