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Kathleen Ostrander

Kathleen Ostrander

Former Digital Trends Contributor

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!

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.
rock garden with foliage

How to DIY a rock garden for your yard or patio

Put together a beautiful DIY rock garden in a few easy steps. Here are the best ideas.
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
modern landscaped home

3 modern landscape architecture elements your yard needs

These modern landscaping trends are beautiful -- and easy to emulate at home
Bathroom with shower curtain

Remodel your master bathroom on a budget with this expert guide

This is everything you need to remodel your bathroom
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
couple painting with dog

5 DIY repairs to do before you sell your home

Preparing to sell your home? These repairs will help up your home's value -- and make moving out easier
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
staged neutral living room

The DIY home staging checklist every seller needs

Selling your home? Here's how to stage it so a buyer falls in love
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
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
shiny clean kitchen

Make these easy kitchen updates before selling your home

These three kitchen updates will make your home appealing to buyers instantly
decorated ladder

How to repurpose your ladder into an adorable piece of vintage home decor

Have an old ladder? Here's how to breath some new life into it
boho style living room

Bohemian interior design tips we swear by

This is how to bring boho decor into your hoe while being culturally sensitive
Living room with gray walls and couch

How to make a cohesive home color scheme: Advice from the pros

There are ways to make your decor cohesive without turning to only one store. These are our pro tips.
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?
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
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
cluttered kitchen counter

6 unique storage ideas for every kitchen appliance

Check out these ideas for strange-shaped kitchen contraptions
stone garden against wall

Everything you need to know about modern landscaping

Get inspired to take on some modern landscaping projects this weekend
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Entryway with bench and mirror

Design a welcoming small entryway with these easy hacks

You can design a welcoming and functional entryway, even if it's on the smaller side. We show you how to make the most of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.