Aida M. Toro
About Me: Hello! My name is Aida M. Toro and I am a freelance writer that loves cultivating stories about amazing people, fashion, interiors, art, and food. I currently write for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, The House Magazine, Hobnob Magazine, The C-Word, and Real Homes. I live in West New York, New Jersey, which is literally a 10-minute ferry ride or 20-minute bus ride away from New York City. Although I was born and raised in West New York, I consider NYC my home, as I believe it to be the place where all dreams come to fruition, and of course, spend most of my time in. When I’m not writing, I love perusing the city streets and taking snaps with my iPhone of street art along with random things, scoping out new restaurants as well as their spaces, shopping at some of my favorite stores, spending time with family and friends, walking my cockapoodle Benji, and working out at Lifetime or DOGPOUND, which are some of the top fitness spaces in Manhattan and overall the U.S.
My Niches:
I’m all about a space that catches my attention. Whether it be someone’s apartment, a gym, a restaurant/cocktail bar, a hotel, boutique, etc…It’s all about the details.
Why listen to me?
I’ve interviewed prominent interior designers in the game, who I’ve continued my relationships with. In addition, I attend many media preview tastings at some of Manhattan’s most coveted restaurants and beyond. I also love traveling and staying at unique hotel spaces because I gain inspiration to write and create. FYI, all of these restaurants and hotel spaces I visit have Insta-worthy interior elements. To add on, I love a sleek, chic, yet industrial gym space because motivation for training will come along.
About my Real Home…
I currently live with my parents in their two-floor brownstone, which was originally a two-family home and is the only brick house on the block. The downstairs floor has a study/lounge room, an immense quality portrait of my big quinceanera party hanging on the wall, and it's a space where I watch television and get all of my writing done. The kitchen is painted in pastel yellow, has two vintage paintings hung on two walls, and a long pure wood dining room table that was bought at Arhaus.
My room is painted in a very light peach color. In my room, you’ll find my barn-style bed set from Pottery Barn. I have a mechanical mattress, which is one of the most amazing things you’ll find in my room because you can use the control to lift up the mattress in case you want to get work done or just watch a movie.
My fave home buys
One of my favorite home buys at the moment is my Alo Yoga Aura Diffuser. The diffuser humidifies my space with a cool mist, which is something I look forward to prior to going to sleep because I meditate and just feel refreshed with the scent while I am breathing in and out.
I am currently working on
The next project on my horizon is to move out of my parents' place into a condo or townhouse where I could decorate Memphis style. I really love that everything there is all about the '80s. I would also throw in some urban modern design into my home decor, since I’m such a city girl. Lastly, I’d love to live in a home located in the Hudson County/Bergen County area, which are counties close to Manhattan, local highways, and more so we'll be well connected!
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7 items interior designers never have in small kitchens — streamline your setup
Our expert-approved guide on the items interior designers never have in small kitchens. Seize their knowledge and get these 7 things off your shelves
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 places to put a rug in a small kitchen — and elevate your style
See the best places to put a rug in a small kitchen if you're stuck for design inspiration. Experts weigh in with creative advice
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 places to store appliances in a small kitchen
If you're running out of ideas, check out these smart places to store appliances in a small kitchen. Find expert-approved tips for making the most of your space
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 items interior designers never have in small bathrooms
We've rounded up the items interior designers never have in small bathrooms. These expert tips will keep your washroom looking well-designed and carefully curated
By Aida M. Toro Published
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9 ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed with small kitchen clutter
Overwhelmed with small kitchen clutter? Our professional organizers have you covered. Our guide will help you clear your unwanted clutter in 9 steps
By Aida M. Toro Published
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Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen — we love these 8 ingenious ideas
Our experts share their tips for where to put a microwave in a small kitchen and maximize your space. Our round-up is hot to trot
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 things people with organized small entryways never do
Feeling anxious when walking into your small, cluttered entryway? We've rounded up 8 things to keep your small entryway organized and zen.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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9 ways to keep a small bathroom dry
It's important to keep a small bathroom dry to keep dampness and mold at bay. See how to maintain your small space with our expert tips and tricks.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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Small kitchen organization mistakes to avoid — as told by experts
We spoke to experts to find the small kitchen organization mistakes you should avoid in your tiny space. See what not to do, plus great tips.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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7 things you can't recycle — and what to do with them instead
Who knew there are things you can't recycle? See our guide on how to reuse these household products instead of throwing them in the trash.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 small kitchen Feng Shui tips for all the good vibes
We've rounded up eight small kitchen Feng Shui tips for some good vibes while cooking up your favorite meal. See our expert advice for designing your space.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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10 small entryway storage ideas to cut back on clutter
We've rounded up small entryway storage ideas to organize your space. See expert advice for decluttering and organizing your front entrance.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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DIY small entryway ideas — as told by experts
See our DIY small entryway ideas to give your entrance a quick and easy makeover. See the simple touches recommended by experts to upgrade your space.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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8 small kitchen design mistakes to avoid, according to an interior designer
Don't make these small kitchen design mistakes when revamping your space. We spoke to design experts to see the most common decor elements to avoid.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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10 small kitchen Feng Shui mistakes you don't want to be making
We found 10 small kitchen Feng Shui mistakes you don't want to be making. Disrupting the flow of your kitchen can really have an effect on your space.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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The worst colors to paint a small kitchen — according to designers
Avoid the worst colors to paint a small kitchen when redesigning your space. See how to improve the look of your kitchen with our tips and tricks.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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7 small kitchen trends for 2024 that interior designers love
Seeking advice on how to integrate the latest small kitchen trends? See our top kitchen trends and advice provided by top-tier interior designers.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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10 small kitchen IKEA hacks to spice up your space
Take your budget buy to the next level with some crafty small kitchen IKEA hacks. See how to transform ordinary items into something genius.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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Can you wash dry clean only clothes in your washing machine?
If you're in a pinch, you may be wondering if you can wash dry clean only clothes in your washing machine. See what our experts have to say.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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I always keep apple cider vinegar in my house — here are 10 ways to clean with it
See the best ways to clean with apple cider vinegar to make the most of this budget buy. Discover expert ideas for cleaning, laundry, and more.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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9 dishwashing tools to get if you hate doing the dishes
Hate doing the dishes? Check out these dishwashing tools to make the job easier and more fun. See high-quality sponges, cute brushes, and more.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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How not to kill houseplants — everything you need to know from an expert
See how not to kill houseplants with our 10 expert tips. Get your green thumb going with our advice for keeping your plant babies alive.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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How to winterize houseplants — our 10 expert tips
See our top ten tips to learn how to winterize houseplants. Find the best ways to protect from leaf drop and yellowing leaves as it gets colder outside.
By Aida M. Toro Published
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How to settle into your dorm if you're missing home
Looking to settle into your dorm but you're missing home too much? See our expert advice for making friends and finding community.
By Aida M. Toro Published