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.
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9 common laundry myths you didn't know were false
From tough stains to figuring out which cleaning items to purchase, here's a guide to ending the myths that plague one of our fave household chores.
By Kate Santos Published
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How to wash gym clothes and banish those stains and odors
Get the most out of your sportswear and see how to wash gym clothes. Our step-by-step guide breaks down how to get rid of odors and keep things fresh.
By Kate Santos Published
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The 8 dirtiest places in your apartment to keep an eye on
Even in the cleanest of apartments, these hidden (and not-so-hidden places can't be overlooked. Here are the dirtiest places in your apartment and tips for dealing with them.
By Kate Santos Published
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Helpful tips for living alone that you'll want to bookmark
Live alone? Here are a few tips to make the best of your independence. These helpful tips for living alone will help you enjoy the experience and remain comfortable.
By Kate Santos Published
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Ew! These are the 8 dirtiest places in your dorm
You missed a spot! These are the germ-ridden areas you might be neglecting to clean in your dorm room. See our top cleaning tips and tricks.
By Kate Santos Published
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10 cute bedroom ideas to give your room a makeover
Wanna give your room a makeover? See our cute bedroom ideas for ways to transform your space with color palettes, decor inspo, and fun aesthetics.
By Kate Santos Published
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10 ways to style a king-size bed in a small room
Wondering how to decorate with a king-size bed in a small room? Go big with your bed without ruining the rest of your space. Here are the best tips for fitting a larger bed into your bedroom.
By Kate Santos Last updated
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Our fave organizers under $20 for easy AF storage
Looking to tidy up your space on a budget? See our fave organizers under $20 like rolling carts, storage bins, fridge organizers, and more.
By Kate Santos Published
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7 Insta-worthy laundry detergent storage ideas
Looking to make your laundry room Insta worthy? See our laundry detergent storage ideas perfect for small spaces and apartments.
By Kate Santos Published
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Channel your clean girl energy with these organizers under $50
Looking to tidy up your space on a budget? Check out these organizers under $50 like bar carts, closet organizers, drawer dividers, and more.
By Kate Santos Published
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Help! What's the best type of cookware?
Wondering what each type of cookware is best for? If you're unsure of the difference between non-stick and cast iron, check out our expert guide.
By Kate Santos Published
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How to organize a mini or small fridge
Looking to organize a mini or small fridge ? Don't let your tiny space get cramped, see our best ideas including meal prep containers.
By Kate Santos Published
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How to organize a small closet with lots of clothes
Overwhelmed by your wardrobe? See how to organize a small closet with lots of clothes with our expert tips and tricks.
By Kate Santos Published
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Don't stress — here's how to find a rental apartment
See how to find a rental apartment with our stress-free guide, full of expert info. Discover tips to make your search easier even in big cities.
By Kate Santos Published
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Help! Why was my apartment application denied?
See the reasons why your apartment application may have been denied, what to do now, and how to resolve it. Find our top advice for apartment hunting.
By Kate Santos Published
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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
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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
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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
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Here's how to organize a small bedroom
We ask the pros how to organize a small bedroom, for results that work aesthetically and functionally...
By Eve Smallman Last updated
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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