Kimberly Walsh's Home Truths - the presenter reveals her homeware addiction

Presenter, singer and actress Kimberly Walsh gets up close & personal with her home

Kimberly Walsh standing beside a half painted wall and step ladder with a tin of Wickes paint and a paint roller in her hand
(Image credit: Natasha Pszenicki)

Kimberly Walsh, Girls Aloud member turned presenter, singer, actress and self-confessed DIY fan lives in North West London with her husband and three sons.

What’s your favourite time of the day at home?

I love the evening when I get everything tidy again and cosy down for the night. I start by dimming the lights and lighting my favourite candle - Baies by Diptique - and then enjoy an hour to myself watching something I’ve chosen. It’s great to have a break from kids' TV!

Where’s your happy place at home?

My happy place is now my new basement snug. I painted the room in Work Of Art from the Crafted collection at Crown. It’s a dark grey/navy colour and makes the space so cosy. 

I love getting the kids bathed and ready for bed nice and earlier so we can all watch a movie down there together and wind down. My boys are loving anything Avengers at the moment, but occasionally I can persuade them to watch Disney with me!

What's your home addiction?

I’m pretty much addicted to buying house stuff in general but my weakness is throws. My fave is a really soft pink one - it’s huge and I love that I can fully wrap myself up in it! 

I have throws in the living room, the snug and the playroom, but I don’t put them on the beds, because I don’t have time to make them every day!

Kimberly Walsh smailing at to camera in a white floral dress

(Image credit: Getty Images / David M Benett)

What chore do love doing?

I love anything DIY, but particularly painting. I find it so therapeutic it’s almost like a bit of self care having that time to myself. I like painting walls the best as it’s instantly gratifying. 

Furniture can be very rewarding though but takes a bit more prep because you have to sand and prime it. I’ve painted most of the rooms in my house including some really detailed ceilings and I’ve restored an old fireplace and painted it which was time consuming but worth the effort.

Do you think you’re a good host?

I like to think I’m a good host. My home is the hub for all the family gatherings so I hope I am! I love having people here. I tend to share the cooking with my mum and sisters for the bigger family events - I think decorating and getting the house ready is my favourite part.

What do you do if you have time at home on your own?

If I don’t have any snagging of decorating to do I love just sitting with a coffee flicking through house mags. So relaxing.

Kimberly Walsh wearing a blue jumpsuit with a paintbrush in her hand

(Image credit: Natasha Pszenicki)

What do you miss most about your home when you’re away?

My home is my happy place so I miss everything! Probably my kitchen and my bathroom if I had to choose. The kitchen because it’s always nice to know where everything is and it’s the busiest room in our house and I love it. My bathroom because it’s newly decorated and I’m in love with my new bath. Nothing else seems to compare.

Quick fire questions with Kimberly Walsh

1. Shoes - On or off in the house? Off

2. Eat - table or on laps? Table

3. Lighting - bright or moody? Moody

4. Quick shower or long bath? Long bath

5. Room decor - Colourful or neutral? Neutral

DIY fan Kimberley Walsh has collaborated with Wickes to share handy hints and tips as she transforms her basement into an entertainment space.

Managing Editor

Thea Babington-Stitt is the Managing Editor for Ideal Home. Thea has been working across some of the UK’s leading interiors titles for around 10 years.

She started working on these magazines and websites after graduating from City University London with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. Before moving to Ideal Home, Thea was News and Features Editor at Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc and Country Homes & Interiors.