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 TRUTHSWhere’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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The colours that experts recommend filling your bedroom with for a happiness boost every morning
Make waking up a joy with these mood-boosting hues, say colour experts
By Andrea Childs
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How to host overnight guests – and make it feel like a home away from home
Got guests staying? These hosting tips will keep everyone happy
By Andrea Childs
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How to keep calm when cooking Christmas dinner this year - experts share their tried-and-tested tricks
The only thing that should be steaming is the pudding…
By Andrea Childs
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How to arrange living room furniture at Christmas – to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere
The best places to put your sofa and chairs for festive fun and connection
By Andrea Childs
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5 things people with great-smelling guest rooms always do
Try these tips for fragrant and festive guest bedrooms
By Andrea Childs
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10 tips to protect plants from killer frosts - the pros use them and you should, too
When a sudden frost is forecast, take these steps to protect your plants
By Andrea Childs
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How to reduce Christmas stress – expert tips for a calmer home this festive season
Plan and simplify for a happier Christmas at home this year
By Andrea Childs
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How to soundproof your kitchen and stop noisy appliances disturbing your peace
Want to hush your kitchen? Here's how
By Andrea Childs
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6 things you need to know if you are putting your Christmas decorations up early
Decorating earlier can make you feel happier, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind if you are planning to do it
By Andrea Childs
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How to soundproof a home office – professional tips to help you work in peace
Stay focused and productive when you're working from home with expert ideas to keep your office quiet
By Andrea Childs
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Do silk sheets help you sleep better? Experts reveal the many benefits of upgrading your bedding
We discovered the silky Sleeping Beauty solution for a good night’s rest
By Andrea Childs
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Why your decor is giving you a migraine – literally – and design tips to stop the pain
Migraine experts say these design switches can help you stop getting painful headaches
By Andrea Childs
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How to choose the best sleep sound for your home's location and get the best night sleep ever
Match your home's location to a sleep sound for the ultimate insomnia cure
By Andrea Childs
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How to soundproof a bedroom – easy fixes for a quiet night's sleep
These expert hacks seal out noise so you can fall asleep fast
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