Skip to main content
Kathleen Ostrander

Kathleen Ostrander

Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 55 articles

Kathleen has worked for United Press International and she's written about everything from style to pets for newspapers around the world. Most recently she was at the State-Journal Register and Springfield's Own magazine in Illinois. If she's not writing, she's likely reading a thriller or mystery novel or at a dog show -- sometimes both!

Bathroom with shower curtain

Remodel your master bathroom on a budget with this expert guide

This is everything you need to remodel your bathroom
Entryway with shelves

Design a welcoming small entryway with these easy hacks

Check out these awesome small entryway ideas that let you make the most of your space. Design a welcoming and functional space, even if it's tiny.
A galley kitchen with blue cabinets

What is a galley kitchen and can I design one?

The galley style kitchen can be a real lifesaver. We show you how to design one and help you determine if it's right for you.
Rock garden with foliage

How to DIY a rock garden for your yard or patio

Looking for the best DIY rock garden ideas for your front yard, backyard, or patio? Get a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space in a few easy steps.
Vintage bathroom with sink and shelves

How to decorate a vintage bathroom that will wow your guests

Vintage decor can be cute and charming in any space, including the bathroom. Here's how to integrate that style into your space.
woman cleaning the floor

Do these things before you travel to come home to a clean house

Make sure you don't come home to a mess after your next trip - here are some things to add to your list
plants and large window in modern bathroom with large tub

Satin vs. sheen: What is the best bathroom paint finish?

Satin and sheen paints look different — which one is the best paint sheen for your bathroom?
Orange and wood kitchen cabinets in brightly colored kitchen

Spruce up your kitchen with these eye-catching kitchen cabinet colors

There's a lot to consider when picking a kitchen cabinet color. These timeless cabinet colors will look great in any home.
traditional sideboard

What is a sideboard table and can it work in my home?

Wondering what a sideboard table is? A sideboard table may seem old-fashioned, but it might be the best decor choice you can make.
neat and organized living room

Keep it or toss it? 3 genius living room organizing tips you need

Decluttering the living room can be daunting — tackle tough jobs with these living room organizing tips.
paint store fan deck

How to choose paint colors that flow beautifully from room to room

This is how to choose the right paint color for a cohesive and beautiful design every time
corner cabinet appliance storage

3 great ideas for storing KitchenAid mixers and other large kitchen items

Managing touch items like blenders and mixers can be hard. These are our favorite hacks
gray bed with patterned spread

7 traditional bedroom ideas for any space

These classic bedroom decor ideas never go out of style -- and for good reason. Check them out.
the best kitchen table and chairs for 4

Types of dining room tables and how they work for you

Choosing a dining room table is a tough decision. What do you need to know to make that choice?
graphic wall in bedroom

Modern vs. retro — how these styles can work in your home

Can you meld modern and retro styles? Try these tips
desk in bedroom

Small apartment desk ideas to help keep your work life separate

Believe it or not, there are design solutions to you work/life balance woes
bath towels washing 2823657 1920 2 1024x1024

The right (and wrong) ways to wash bath towels

Yes, there is a right and wrong way to wash your bath towels. Our tips will help keep them fluffy and preserve their colors.
traditional living room with rug

These are the best rug designs for a traditionally-decorated home

Keep your home decor cohesive with these styles of rugs
Painted blue living room

These popular living room colors never go out of style

Your living room colors set up the mood for the rest of the interior. We discuss several paint colors that are never outdated.
desk with two monitors

What type of desk is best for your small home office?

Make the most of your office space by choosing the right desk -- we show you how
rustic decorating options

How to make your room look and feel like a log cabin

The coziness and peace of a log cabin is unparalleled. Here's how to bring those vibes into your home
stone garden against wall

Everything you need to know about modern landscaping

Get inspired to take on some modern landscaping projects this weekend
A rustic bedroom with wooden walls and floor rug

How to give your bedroom that rustic feel

Bring the rustic style of decor to your bedroom with these simple redecorating ideas.
modern landscaped home

3 modern landscape architecture elements your yard needs

These modern landscaping trends are beautiful -- and easy to emulate at home
shiny clean kitchen

Make these easy kitchen updates before selling your home

These three kitchen updates will make your home appealing to buyers instantly
modern kitchen with painted trim

Traditional kitchens don’t have to be boring — here’s how to liven up your decor

Breathe new life into your kitchen with these great design tips
blue and gray nursery

Tips for designing a modern nursery

Nurseries don't have to be plain and outdated - bring the contemporary chic style into the space with these tips
gray couch with pillows

Choosing a couch for a small apartment can be so simple — here’s how it’s done

Making the most of a small space can be a challenge - this is how to make a smart couch decision
pillow choosing woman 2197947 1920

What you need to know when picking out a pillow

Picking out a pillow can be surprisingly complicated. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one for better sleep.
thanksgiving-pumpkin-centerpiece

How to style your dining room for Thanksgiving

Use produce, fall colors, and outside greenery to help style your Thanksgiving table and the dining room for a cozy, welcoming look for family and guests.
Bathroom sink with accessories

4 bathroom makeovers that won’t break the bank

A spa-like bathroom setup may not be within your budget right now. However, our affordable ideas can help give you that experience.
brick patio with plants

Townhouse patio ideas to make cozy spaces seem larger

Landscaping, including flowers and greenery, as well as hardscape features make a smaller townhouse patio look so much larger.
Four poster bed

Couch or chair? Styling your bedroom

Using a couch or chair in the bedroom depends on your room size and your needs. Our guide helps you decide which one suits you best.
Festive Christmas place setting

How to style your dining room for Christmas

You want to make your dining room as festive as possible for the Christmas season. Our guide helps you achieve that with handy tips.
Brick patio with table

Brick patio designs for your next DIY project

DIYing your own brick patio doesn't have to be hard. We show you how to make it easy.
red and gray house

A realtor tells us the five things to know about buying a home

Buying a new home is one of the biggest life stresses -- here's how to make it easier
Antique dresser and chair

Antique home decor pieces anyone can find

Vintage decor doesn't have to be hard to come by -- or pay for. We take a look at look at ways to use these timeless pieces.
flagstone path in garden

How to lay flagstone to finish off your patio

If your patio needs a finishing touch, try these simple flagstone ideas for a quick refresh.
soapy hands

The 6 best dish soaps under $6

With so many dish soaps on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one for you. Here are out top contenders.
outdoor sun shade

Covered patio designs you can imitate at home

Covered patios are an elegant addition to any yard. Here's how you can imitate some iconic designs.
Rubbermaid storage set

Prep like a chef with this $40 food-storage set

The right container set can be such a huge help in the kitchen. Prep your food like a champ with this amazing storage set.
A group of wrenches on a table

How to build the perfect home maintenance tool kit for under $100

Looking to put together the perfect tool kit for your home-maintenance needs? We list everything you need right here.
working in garage

This is the best LED garage lighting for all your at-home projects

LED lighting is among the best for safe workplaces. Here's why you need it in your garage
Apartment with accent wall

Looking to redecorate? Here’s how to make your apartment look great

Update your space on a budget with these decorating tips
neatly organized refrigerator

This is the best way to clean your fridge from top to bottom

This is the only guide you need to clean out your refrigerator
feather duster and mirror

Clean your apartment in a weekend using this guide

Here's a great guide to cleaning your whole space - in two days or less
party in a small space

Entertain in your apartment with these space-saving tips

You don't need a lot of space to entertain, here's how to do it right
cluttered kitchen counter

6 unique storage ideas for every kitchen appliance

Check out these ideas for strange-shaped kitchen contraptions
kitchen ceiling with beams

When is it time to remodel your kitchen ceiling — and how should you do it?

How do you know when it's time to remodel your kitchen ceiling? Start here
retro couch and side table

Retro vs. vintage: Which is which, and how to tell the difference

What defines "retro" when it comes to your furniture?