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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How to propagate lupins – three ways to grow the beautiful blooms for free
Learn how to propagate lupins from cuttings, seeds or division
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to deadhead lupins and keep them blooming for months
Keep your lupins blooming for longer thanks to our guide on how to deadhead them
By Ellis Cochrane
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This cosy and warm colour is on track to become autumn's stand out shade
The experts share their top tips for embracing the shade in practically every room in your home
By Ellis Cochrane
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'It really does work!' - How to grow rose cuttings in potatoes
Learn how to propagate roses in potatoes with our step-by-step guide
By Ellis Cochrane
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Urban jungle room ideas - five ways to make the nature-inspired trend work for you
Five ways to incorporate the nature-inspired trend whether you have a green thumb or not
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to trim a box hedge – expert tips to neaten up your hedges this summer
The experts also reveal when to trim your box hedge and how to support future growth
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to choose the best pink paint for your home
Feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the different pink paint options out there? We bring you our ultimate guide with everything you could possibly need to know
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to propagate succulents – never buy a new succulent again
Learn how to propagate succulents from leaf cuttings, stem cuttings and division
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to propagate sunflowers and grow the gorgeous blooms for free
The expert guide to propagating through both seeds and cuttings
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to grow carrots in containers
Grow your own crop of baby carrots this year no matter what outside space you have
By Ellis Cochrane
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We've just discovered a secret way to get an extra 20% off a Ninja air fryer
Amazon warehouse deals are a genius way to save all year round - not just on Prime Day
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to adjust your kitchen cabinet doors yourself
The experts reveal their top tips for adjusting your kitchen cabinets with just you and a toolbox
By Ellis Cochrane
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Does coffee repel slugs? 8 natural methods for getting rid of slugs in the garden
The experts reveal their top tips for keeping slugs away from your plants and outdoor areas this summer
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to hire a celebrity professional organiser to tidy your home for free
We found out more about the free service that they’re offering this July in collaboration with Airtasker
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to propagate rosemary – a step-by-step guide to grow the tasty herbs for free
Learn how to propagate rosemary in pots on your windowsill or outside
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to propagate thyme – grow the tasty herb at home for free from cuttings
Learn how to propagate thyme on your windowsill or outdoors to save money and spice up your weekly meals
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to clean a velvet sofa – no matter the dirt, stain or spill
The experts reveal their top tips to get it back to looking its best
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to keep a conservatory cool – 8 tips to help with heat, humidity and sun glare
Experts reveal how to keep a conservatory cool in summer, to help you enjoy time in your orangery or garden room regardless of the weather
By Ellis Cochrane
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Why this viral cross legged office chair could do more harm than good
The experts reveal why this particular trend could pose potential health issues and risks
By Ellis Cochrane
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The colour trend taking over our gardens for summer holiday vibes all year round
Terracotta hues and pots are set to be bringing Mediterranean vibes to our garden all summer along
By Ellis Cochrane
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Deckchair stripes are everywhere this summer, but they're not just for seating....
We're seeing the retro stripes everywhere this season
By Ellis Cochrane
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Balcony-friendly BBQs are the latest innovation in outdoor cooking this summer
No garden, no problem as the rise of balcony-friendly BBQs mean you can still enjoy a burger in the sun
By Ellis Cochrane
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As toxic caterpillars descend upon UK gardens, here's how to deal with them
Create a haven for birds in your garden to naturally get rid of these poisonous pests
By Ellis Cochrane
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Green tile bathrooms are trending - how to embrace the style in your own home
From sage to emerald green, we're sharing some of our favourite green tile ideas
By Ellis Cochrane