Kate Santos
Hello! I’m Kate Santos, a writer and photographer based in Los Angeles. In the design world, I got my start working as an Editorial Intern for Dwell magazine in San Francisco. Since then, I’ve written about design and architecture in many national magazines and online publications, including Playboy, Hunker, and The Culture Trip.
I grew up in a very old house in North Carolina and am still influenced by the rustic, charming, antique and aged elements of a home. Sustainability and longevity is extremely important to me and I believe learning to reuse materials or purchasing items you’ll love forever goes a long way. I also lean towards the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi when designing my own home, embracing the perfectly imperfect items I can find.
About my Real Home…
I rent a 1950s-style apartment in Los Feliz, a hillside neighborhood with a lot of Old Hollywood history and architectural design. Everything in my home is an antique or if new, is extremely beloved. I’m obsessed with featuring items in my writing that people will go to love for years. We’re all unique and while pursuing the perfect design of your own place, my biggest piece of advice is to not forget to embrace (and even showcase) what is imperfect, because a lot of times that can be the most beautiful part.
Latest articles by Kate Santos
-
Decorating with gray walls doesn't have to be boring
See tips for decorating with gray walls and discover how to make the room feel warm. See our home decor ideas, lighting tips, and more.
By Kate Santos Published
-
Srsly — apartment living can actually be better than moving into a house
See our reasons for living in an apartment rather than a house. Learn more about utilities, managing household responsibilities, and maintenance.
By Kate Santos Published
-
Hang on — decorating white walls just got interesting
Decorating white walls just became easy with our tips and tricks for a statement gallery wall. Discover our decor tips to take your apartment to the next level.
By Kate Santos Published
-
ATTN messy girls: dorm organizing ideas you need now
See our top dorm organizing ideas to take the pressure off freshman year. These are the best ways to declutter and clean up every college living space stylishly.
By Kate Santos Published
-
10 living room organization tips to keep your fave space clean
These living room organization tips will help you stay on top of your game when it comes to keeping your most popular room clean.
By Kate Santos Published
-
10 decluttering clothes tips you'll wanna remember
These decluttering clothes tips will help clean up your wardrobe or clothing rack and free your space (and clothing chair) of piles
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to clean a refrigerator so your fave snacks stay fresh
Here is how to clean a refrigerator on the inside and out. Follow this simple step-by-step guide and you'll have a sparkling clean fridge in no time
By Kate Santos Published
-
8 shoe storage ideas for small spaces to keep your cute collection in check
These shoe storage ideas for small spaces will ensure that you can keep all your favorite footwear without cluttering up your home
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to choose a color scheme for an apartment — even if you can't paint
Here is how to choose a color scheme for your apartment through decor, bedding, accents, and paint if you're allowed. These tips will help you create a home in a palette you love
By Kate Santos Published
-
The perfect quick and easy bathroom cleaning checklist
This bathroom cleaning checklist will help you keep your shower room clean and tidy year-round. Track these tasks and never worry about a grimy bathroom again
By Kate Santos Published
-
What to *actually* throw away when decluttering this month
Time to toss items this month ahead of spring cleaning. Here is what to throw away when decluttering and a few items you likely didn't think of
By Kate Santos Published
-
Here's how often you should be changing out your sponge and other cleaning tools
Wondering how often should you change your sponge and other cleaning tools? Here is what the experts have to say about replacing them
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to choose a coffee table that'll level up your living room
Here is your guide on how to choose a coffee table that'll make your living room cuter than you could ever imagine. Tips from the pros included
By Kate Santos Published
-
All the places you're probably forgetting to clean in your apartment
Here are the items and places you're probably forgetting to clean in your apartment and how to get them back to a sparkling state
By Kate Santos Published
-
Helpful hacks to make your small outdoor space feel bigger
If your tiny outdoor space is cramped, these tips will help create an area that looks and feels larger
By Kate Santos Published
-
7 apartment essentials you shouldn't be living without
Whether you're moving into a new space or not, check these seven apartment essentials off your list for a styled space that functions on every level
By Kate Santos Published
-
6 items you should never store under the kitchen sink, according to a professional organizer
A professional organizer let us know what doesn't belong under the kitchen sink, and where to put these common items instead.
By Kate Santos Published
-
How high should a bed be? Top tips from a sleep expert
Not sure how high your bed should be? We checked in with an expert for their top tips for perfect sleep and time in bed
By Kate Santos Published
-
9 home organization products under $20 that will get your space in order ASAP
These home organization products prove that getting your space together doesn’t have to be expensive
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to reset your cleaning routine this year (and beyond)
Say "hey" to a fresh start that will help you stay tidy beyond the new year
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to soundproof your apartment
Whether you want to jam or not hear your neighbors, here are DIY ways to soundproof an apartment ASAP
By Kate Santos Published
-
How to refresh your space for January
Ring in 2023 with these refreshing home tips
By Kate Santos Published
-
These are the 12 buys professionals say will keep your small entryway organized
We spoke to professional organizers to find out what their go-to small front entryway organization buys are. They chose these items, including racks and storage benches.
By Kate Santos Published
-
12 sustainable kitchen products for any apartment
We've handpicked 12 sustainable kitchen products that look good and have heart. Functional features and eco-friendly cred can totally go hand-in-hand, even in tiny cooking spaces.
By Kate Santos Published