Andrea Childs
Andrea began her journalism career at Ideal Home and is currently Editor of our sister title, Country Homes & Interiors, which celebrates modern country style. Andrea is passionate about colour and how it can transform both our homes and our sense of wellbeing, and has completed The Power of Colour course with the prestigious KLC School of Design. Andrea's career spans interiors magazines, women's lifestyle titles and newspapers.
After her first job at Ideal Home, she moved on to women's magazines, Options and Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home.
She was then offered the job as Editor of Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for idealhome.co.uk.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
In my bed on a Saturday morning, with a book, the newspaper and a cup of coffee – the rest of the house will be empty, as my family will be off doing sports. I get up early every other day and leap into my to-do list, so this window of peace and quiet is precious.
What’s your home addiction?
My home is filled with books, so finding attractive ways to display the growing piles is a bit of a pastime! I also love my interiors to smell good, so I have scent diffusers and candles in every room. I often mix my own home fragrances from essential oils, switching up the aromas with the seasons.
What is your next home project?
We have a decked courtyard garden with wooden steps leading down into it. Both the deck and the stairs need to be replaced, so that will be a big project to tackle. My husband is planning to do the work this summer.
Latest articles by Andrea Childs
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'Desire paths' are the quick route to a happy, functional home - we tried them and they work!
Happiness expert Gretchen Rubin recommended this 5-minute home hack to help chores get done quicker and we couldn't believe how well it works
By Andrea Childs
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The best home scents to calm you down – home fragrance with the 'aah' factor
Use these relaxing scents to help give your home the 'aah' factor
By Andrea Childs
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Smells that wake you up – 4 scents to add to your morning routine, according to the pros
Spritz these home fragrances to give your mornings a vitality boost
By Andrea Childs
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Home scents that make you happy – the new sniff test for a better mood today
The fragrance experts' guide to scenting your happy home
By Andrea Childs
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Happy colours for living rooms – avoid sad hues for a mood-boosting space
Follow these rules for guaranteed joy in the lounge
By Andrea Childs
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The ultimate post-holiday home hacks – for a smooth landing when you come home
Keep the 'vacay vibe' for longer with these easy organising tips to help you get settled again at home
By Andrea Childs
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Pre-holiday home routines – to make coming back from a summer trip easier
Prep your house before you go away, for a 'soft landing' when you return
By Andrea Childs
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Get your home staycation ready – simple ideas to give life a vacation vibe (steal these!)
Simple ideas to give life a vacation vibe
By Andrea Childs
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How to soundproof a room from noisy neighbours – learn how to keep the peace today
Find peace and quiet with these pro tips from soundproofing experts and interior designers
By Andrea Childs
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How to 'hush' your home – stop your interiors stressing you out with these design ideas
Stop your interiors stressing you out with these design ideas
By Andrea Childs
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12 ways to clean when you feel overwhelmed and don't know how to cope
You can take control of dirt and clutter when you're not sure how to cope with this advice from the pros
By Andrea Childs
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Paint your rooms with these colours to feel less stressed today
These harmonious hues will help you chill out at home
By Andrea Childs
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Calm colours for living rooms – soothe everyday stress with these chillout shades
Experts pick these calm colours for living rooms every time
By Andrea Childs
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Improve your sleep with one of these 6 calming bedroom paint colours
Paint your bedroom these expert-approved shades for a calm space that can help reduce anxiety
By Andrea Childs
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What is the best LED colour light to sleep with? Experts reveal the best bulbs to improve your sleep
Buy these expert-recommended bulbs to sleep better tonight
By Andrea Childs
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Night owls should read this before going to bed if they want to sleep better tonight
Use these decor ideas and bedtime routines to hack your body clock and help you sleep
By Andrea Childs
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The Sunday Reset - The secret to beating 'Sunday Scaries'
A Sunday reset is the key to a happy and organised week ahead. Here’s how to plan, and enjoy, yours
By Andrea Childs
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Calm garden ideas for when life – and the heat – get too much
Here's how the experts say you can turn your garden into your happy place when you're hot and bothered
By Andrea Childs
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This 'heartbreak paint palette' is how to decorate after a break-up
Experts say the colours we choose for our homes can help bring hope after difficult life events
By Andrea Childs
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How to Airbnb your house – make money by renting a room or the whole place
Expert tips on how to Airbnb your home and create a stellar listing to help draw in guests and earn you extra spending money
By Andrea Childs
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Darlings of Chelsea discount codes
Make handcrafted, quality furniture affordable with our 15 live Darlings of Chelsea discount codes.
By Andrea Childs
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Wayfair discount codes
Time to save on gorgeous home furnishings with our 18 live Wayfair discount codes.
By Andrea Childs
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Nostalgiacore – reduce anxiety with the interiors trend recommended by mental health experts
Fill your home with these 5 familiar and well-loved pieces to reduce anxiety, say the experts
By Andrea Childs
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5 bedroom design tricks to help you become a morning person
These surprising pro tips can help you start your day feeling refreshed and energised
By Andrea Childs