Maria Conti Education: University of Tennessee Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Maria is a home and lifestyle writer with seven years of experience contributing to digital home publications covering interior design, home improvement, outdoor living, entertainment, and commerce. She wields her passion for online shopping to create curated shopping guides for holiday gifts, home and garden products, and more.Highlights:Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing 7 years of editorial experience producing digital content for home and lifestyle publications. Experience Maria is a freelance writer and editor with seven years of experience contributing articles to home and lifestyle publications, including Better Homes & Gardens. When she’s not dishing on the latest design trends, writing product reviews, or sharing outdoor living essentials, Maria shares her go-to gifts to celebrate holidays, birthdays and the little, everyday victories in between. Once off the clock, Maria schemes up home improvement projects with her husband for their 1980s colonial in North Carolina and shares the process on her lifestyle blog.Favorite Purchase:My favorite purchase is my collection of Nostalgic Warehouse crystal Waldorf doorknobs in unlacquered brass. I believe hardware and light fixtures are the jewelry of your home, so I replaced our builder-grade knobs with a touch of glamour. (It's all in the details!) The crystal knobs feel substantial, and the backplates have developed a patina over the years, lending a lived-in finish that adds charm throughout the house. Education Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from the University of Tennessee About Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is the only iconic home brand with a 100+ year history of providing trustworthy and achievable ideas for all doers and home-enthusiasts. We are the go-to resource for fresh takes on home, food, and gardening—inspiring people to bring their dreams to life at home on special occasions and every day. BHG reaches 45 million readers each month. Learn more about us and our editorial process.