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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Don't fall for these mistakes when choosing a bedroom colour, warn design experts
Here’s what you should be doing instead
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to choose the right light bulb warmth for your space - the small change that will transform how your home looks
The experts share their top tips for getting the lighting right in any room of your home
By Ellis Cochrane
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10 quiet luxury bedroom ideas – how to add the sophisticated trend to your boudoir
Create a sophisticated and relaxing space to recharge in
By Ellis Cochrane
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Experts warn against these 9 mistakes that are making your kitchen feel cold – what to do instead
From the types of finishes to avoid to which colours will add warmth and personality to the space
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to paint kitchen worktops - give your counters a quick and affordable update
The experts share everything you need to know about painting kitchen worktops to help you decide if it's the right choice for you
By Ellis Cochrane
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Where to spend and save on a kitchen to ensure you stick to your budget
Knowing what things are worth spending on and where to save will keep your kitchen budget in check
By Ellis Cochrane
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Experts warn against 9 design mistakes making your living room feel cold – but they're quick to fix
The experts reveal how to create a warm and inviting space all year round
By Ellis Cochrane
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9 mistakes that are making your bedroom feel cold - and how to fix them ASAP
What to do instead to make your bedroom feel warm and cosy all year round
By Ellis Cochrane
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Kitchen drawers vs cabinets - which is best for your cooking space?
Deciding on drawers or cabinets is an essential part of kitchen planning - but why not have both?
By Ellis Cochrane
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10 office guest room ideas to create a multifunctional space
Make the hybrid space work for working from home, studying and guests staying over
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to save on a new kitchen – 10 ways to reduce costs on a renovation or DIY project
From shopping reconditioned, secondhand or ex-display to considering different materials and sizes, the experts share their top tips
By Ellis Cochrane
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7 winter window dressing ideas that experts promise will help keep your home warm and cosy
Keep the warmth in – and the cold out – over the colder months with these expert tips
By Ellis Cochrane
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9 modern kitchen splashback ideas for a designer-style space
From mirrored to metal and large-scale slabs, there's something for every taste and design aesthetic
By Ellis Cochrane
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Should I use knobs or handles on kitchen cabinets? Kitchen experts weigh in
From style considerations to practicality for different kitchen cabinets, we've asked the experts whether knobs or handles are best
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to care for houseplants over winter – 6 ways to keep them alive and thriving during the colder months
The experts share their top advice
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to wash towels that smell – expert tips to banish damp and musty odours for good
And what to do to stop any damp, musty or foul smells from returning
By Ellis Cochrane
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7 oven cleaning mistakes to avoid – and what to do instead
From deep cleans to quick wipe downs, this is how to keep your oven looking gleaming all year round
By Ellis Cochrane
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7 tasks you should add to your winter home maintenance checklist
From bleeding your radiators to getting rid of draughts, the experts reveal their top suggestions
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to clean a mattress – keep your mattress looking (and smelling) like new with these expert tips
Keep your mattress looking – and smelling – as fresh as possible all year round
By Tamara Kelly
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Shark vs Dyson - which cult vacuum is the best investment for your home?
We take a closer look at two of the most popular vacuum cleaner brands
By Ellis Cochrane
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Bedroom plant ideas – 10 ways to use plants to give your boudoir an instant lift
Decorating with plants is a delicate art, but getting it right can lift your decor scheme and health
By Ellis Cochrane
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Experts warn against falling for these 7 living room lighting mistakes this winter
Swerve these mistakes to create a cosy and inviting living space
By Ellis Cochrane
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The 7 bedroom lighting mistakes you might be making
And here’s what to do instead to create a tranquil space
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to plant peony bulbs and why autumn is the best time to get planting
Follow our step-by-step guide to grow your own beautiful blooms
By Ellis Cochrane