KS

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.

    Publications

    • Real Homes
      12 articles

    Writes Most On

    DeclutteringtipsNaturalLightingKitchenDesignInShowerStorageCleaningSuppliesOrganizationHalfBathOrganizationBathroomStorageIdeasStylishEntrywayVisualRemindersAuthenticityHandTowelOrganizationBeverageOnTheGoPrivacyCurtainsBrightColorsBreakfastLunchDinnerTraditionalDetailsClearMindSpaceShabbyChicSmallOfficeDesignRollingCartCustomWindowTreatmentsFunctionalKitchenPantryLongLastingMaterialsKitchenorganizationVersatileDesignFloatingShelvesNaturalElementsWoodAndImperfectionsStyleRutWFHOfficeSetupLetTheLightInUtilizeNaturalMaterialsTossWhatYouDontNeedFunctionalAreasTinySpaceSolutionsEarthyTonesFlexibleDesignVisualBoundariesVinylGlassAccentsClearBinsUniqueTexturesExperimentWithNearNeutralsChangingStorageNeedsHouseplantsClassicWallpaperDesignsClutterFreeOfficeProductiveWorkspaceSmallKitchenWindowIdeasFarmhouseStyleSoundproofingSolutions
    • How to declutter a small entryway — 10 ideas from the experts
      29 Jan 2024—Real Homes
      Learning how to declutter a small entryway and executing it like a pro will result in a sense of peace and calm every time you walk through the door. Your entryway sets the tone for your space, and keeping it clutter-free allows you to streamline its functionality and feel welcoming to boot. Our experts share tips on getting the task done, with organizational tools like key hangers, clever storage and secondary drop zones. Delve into the 10 ways our pros recommend to achieve a stylish,...
    • How to organize a half bath — tips and tricks from the pros
      10 Feb 2024—Real Homes
      Learning how to organize a half bath the right way can make all the difference in a tiny space. Unlike a traditional bathroom, which typically features enough space for shelving, a half bath is often made up of only 16 to 20 square feet. This means filling your bathroom with organizational tools, like large shelves or plastic bins, just isn’t an option. To add to the challenge, most half baths are also linear, with the sink facing the toilet or even side-by-side with the toilet. But don't...
    • 10 tips to modernize an outdated small living room
      30 Dec 2023—Real Homes
      If you feel like you're stuck in a style rut, it‘s time to modernize an outdated small living room holding back your aesthetic with these 10 pro tips. A total revamp might seem daunting, but revitalizing your outdated small living room doesn't mean you have to drag out the sledgehammers and set a date for demolition. From covering your couch, to properly seizing on natural lighting in your home, there are so many touches to effectively modernize an outdated small living room. Consider these...
    • 10 rustic small kitchen ideas for a charming and cozy result
      17 Dec 2023—Real Homes
      Rustic small kitchen ideas conjure feelings of hospitality, simplicity, and functionality. Rooted in traditional craftsmanship and Americana decor, rustic kitchens are often farmhouse and DIY-informed, with a dose of nature and nostalgia. Captivating the hearts of kitchen designers everywhere, a rustic design is best expressed through authenticity. For instance, instead of opting for too many farmhouse-style wood signs, decorating with real vintage furnishings can upgrade your small kitchen...
    • 10 small kitchen pantry ideas for stunning storage — you won’t want to miss this
      30 Dec 2023—Real Homes
      Create an Insta-worth storage space with our small kitchen pantry ideas. It might feel easy to dump your groceries in a cabinet and shut the door behind you, but having an organized pantry can make a world of difference in creating a kitchen that works for you. Establishing some organizational methods around your kitchen pantry will also serve to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner time run a bit smoother. Whether you‘re embarking on a culinary journey, or just want to make lunch without...