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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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 6 live Darlings of Chelsea discount codes.
By Andrea Childs
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Wayfair discount codes
Save with our best 7 verified Wayfair discount codes on home furnishings and décor today.
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
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Fancy a year's subscription to Country Homes & Interiors, plus a Biscuiteers Coronation tin worth £124?
It's competition time...
By Andrea Childs
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Calm bedroom ideas – 11 style tricks to create a soothing sanctuary
Calm and beautiful bedroom inspiration to help you sleep better and feel relaxed every day
By Andrea Childs
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Cottage bathroom ideas – how to get the pretty rustic look perfect for small spaces
Add character to your smallest room with these expert ideas for cottage-style bathrooms
By Andrea Childs
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Farmhouse kitchen ideas – secrets of the modern rustic look that anyone can copy
Why modern farmhouse style works in every kitchen, whether you live in the town, country, or the suburbs
By Andrea Childs
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Gardening experts warn against falling for these 12 easily avoided garden mistakes
The common mistakes holding your garden back from looking its best, plus expert tips to fix them
By Andrea Childs
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Upstand vs splashback – what you need to know before designing your kitchen
We asked the experts for the pros and cons of getting an upstand vs splashback, so you can decide the best option for you and your kitchen
By Andrea Childs
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How to clean a Shark vacuum cleaner to keep it working at its best for longer
Learn how to clean a Shark vacuum cleaner to make sure your investment continues to work at its best for years to come
By Andrea Childs
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Lighting a dining room – expert tips to give mealtimes a glow-up
Set the mood, from sociable to intimate, with these professional tips on lighting a dining room
By Andrea Childs
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Green dining room ideas – 10 ways to use this trending tone in your entertaining space
From palest mint to deep forest shades, green is a stylish option for your dining room
By Andrea Childs
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Blue dining room ideas – this classic colour serves up style every time
Bright and light or dark and moody, these blue dining room ideas are the smart choice
By Andrea Childs
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Fireplace hearth ideas - 10 practical and stylish tips for any room
Discover the best design ideas for your hearth, plus how to style it for a cosy and inviting fireside
By Andrea Childs