Ellis Cochrane
Ellis Cochrane has been a Freelance Contributor for Ideal Home since 2023. She graduated with a Joint Honours degree in Politics and English from the University of Strathclyde and between her exams and graduation, started a lifestyle blog where she would share what she was buying, reading and doing. In doing so, she created opportunities to work with some of her dream brands and discovered the possibility of freelance writing, after always dreaming of writing for magazines when she was growing up.
Since then, she has contributed to a variety of online and print publications, covering everything from celebrity news and beauty reviews to her real passion; homes and interiors. She started writing about all things homes, gardens and interiors after joining Decor & Design Scotland as a Freelance Journalist and Social Media Account Manager in 2021. She then started freelancing at House Beautiful, Country Living and in Stylist’s home team. Ellis is currently saving to buy her first home in Glasgow with far too many Pinterest boards dedicated to her many design ideas and inspirations.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
Since starting in lockdown, I try to get outside for a walk for at least an hour every day, mainly to give my eyes a break from my many screens and to get some fresh air. My favourite park, which has a pond full of ducks and swans and lots of beautiful blossom trees, is about twenty minutes away on foot, so I try to visit there as often as I can.
What’s your home addiction?
Given the fact that I only have one bed, I’m definitely addicted to buying bedding. I like to embrace pattern and colour in my otherwise white-walled bedroom, which means snapping up anything gingham, striped or even spotted, in essentially every colour I can get my hands on.
What is your next home project?
My bookshelves are currently overflowing at the moment, so my next home project and hopefully one of the first when I move is to create a built-in bookshelf spanning the entire length of one wall. On the last count I have over 250 books and it would be great to have them all in one space, instead of scattered across a range of different shelves and in boxes.
Latest articles by Ellis Cochrane
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11 sensory garden plants to add to your outdoor space to engage all your senses
Find out how to engage all five senses with these great picks
By Ellis Cochrane
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Can you burn wood in your garden? What you need to know about rules around lighting firepits, pizza ovens and BBQs
From the legal guidelines to the types of wood that you should never burn, find out everything you need to know
By Ellis Cochrane
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Should I kill ants in my garden? What you need to stop and think about before declaring war on these pesky insects
The experts share the advantages and disadvantages of sharing your outdoor space with ants
By Ellis Cochrane
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11 plants you should deadhead now for a second bloom this summer
The quick and easy way to enjoy your flowers for longer
By Ellis Cochrane
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The best fragrant plants to grow in containers and window boxes for a burst of scent
10 of the best-scented blooms that will thrive in plant pots and on window sills
By Ellis Cochrane
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Which hydrangea should I plant? Experts explain how to choose the right variety for your garden
The experts reveal the best options for your garden or outdoor space
By Ellis Cochrane
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Can you tumble-dry a duvet? This is the process you should be following to dry your duvet as fast as possible
Fabric experts share their top tips on when and when not to tumble-dry a duvet
By Ellis Cochrane
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When to take hydrangea cuttings – the perfect time to multiply your plants without spending a thing
Enjoy more of the beautiful ever-changing blooms without a trip to the garden centre
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to use feng shui for gardens to create a peaceful and harmonious outdoor oasis
10 simple ways to design your outdoor space with feng shui in mind
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to grow a tea garden – a step-by-step guide to take your brew from plant to cup
Everything you need to know about growing your own tea from scratch...
By Ellis Cochrane
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The best night-scented plants for an evening retreat – 12 blooms to add to your garden
From sweet to spicy aromas, these are the experts' top picks
By Ellis Cochrane
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Alcove paint ideas – 9 interesting ways to use colour and pattern to elevate an underutilised space
These are the experts' favourite suggestions, from understated designs to bold and colourful schemes
By Ellis Cochrane
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Bedroom alcove ideas – 11 clever ways to make the most of the often awkward design feature
From larger niches to shallower ones, find out how to elevate the recessed areas
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to clean a juicer - keep your investment in perfect condition for years to come
The easy ways to keep the handy kitchen appliance in tip top condition no matter how often you use it
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to clean a mattress topper – a step-by-step guide
Our step-by-step guide to how to clean a mattress topper will freshen up your sleep set-up in no time at all
By Ellis Cochrane
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What is a cold press juicer? Everything you need to know about this on-trend kitchen appliance
It's a must-have if you want to save money and make your own fancy green juices at home
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to get rid of slugs – 12 natural ways to keep these slimy invaders out of your garden for good
The experts reveal their top tips for keeping slugs away from your plants and outdoor areas this summer
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you turn a shed into a sauna? Here’s everything you need to know
Imagine having your very own spa-like space in your garden!
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to make your bedroom darker for better sleep - 9 tips and tricks to try
Turn your bedroom into the perfect environment to nod off in
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to wash a mattress protector – yes, you really should be washing it every 2 months
Help your mattress protector protect your mattress
By Ellis Cochrane
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What colours make a bedroom feel cosier? 9 shades that will give your space a cocooning feel
From earthy tones and warm neutrals to peachy hues and darker colours...
By Ellis Cochrane
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Should my kitchen island have a sink? The pros and cons you need to consider before adding one in
Experts talk through everything you need to consider before adding a sink to your kitchen island design
By Ellis Cochrane
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Should my kitchen island have a hob? The key things to consider first to avoid making a big mistake
The pros and cons of adding a hob to your kitchen island
By Ellis Cochrane
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Where do you put sockets on a kitchen island? Experts share the best options, and regulations to keep in mind
Everything you need to know about planning where to put sockets on a kitchen island
By Ellis Cochrane