Heather Young
Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.
Heather’s interest in magazine journalism started at school, after a work experience placement at Empire film magazine. In her final year at York University where she was studying English Literature and History of Art, Heather attended a careers talk given by the then deputy editor of Country Living magazine and that was her lightbulb moment. She could combine working in magazines with her passion for interiors – something she’d loved even as a child (redecorating her bedroom was the present she requested for her 12th birthday!).
Heather first joined the Ideal Home team in 2006, where she oversaw the magazine’s real homes and makeovers features.
After going freelance following the birth of her twins, Heather continued to write for Ideal Home, as well as other leading homes titles. Heather was also an early adopter when it came to blogging and social media, launching her own award-winning interiors blog in 2011.
With experience art-directing a large number of shoots, both still photography and video content, Heather has also appeared in front of the camera, creating and presenting craft and DIY videos both for her own channels and for clients.
Heather rejoined the Ideal Home family four years ago and became Editor of Ideal Home and Style at Home at the end of 2020.
Heather and her family moved into their Victorian home in Surrey – a former hospital porter’s lodge – just before lockdown 2 at the end of 2021. It’s got great bones, but Heather’s keen to put her stamp on it. A keen DIYer, Heather has had to accept that progress is slower than she’d like, as she juggles the redecoration and renovation with work and busy family life. Heather recently completed a kitchen renovation, knocking through to the garage and removing a chimney breast to put in a huge wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?If the sun’s shining, you’ll find me basking in the sunniest spot in the garden. If not, we recently redecorated our bedroom. It’s got a boutique hotel feel, with pink walls that are wonderfully calming. That’s where I’m likely to be found, either with a book or scrolling social media on my phone!
What’s your home addiction?I go through phases! But one thing that’s pretty constant is wall art. My first project when we moved into our house (an old Victorian porter's lodge) was to hang a gallery wall up the stairs. I’m constantly adding to this, so I love buying art – from online galleries, or vintage prints from antique fairs or car boots.
What is your next home project?We've just completed a kitchen extension project, so the renovation budget is running a little low right now! We didn't plan to tackle the garden this year, but after installing huge sliding doors in the kitchen to enjoy the view outside, we've decided we've got to give the mud pit left behind after the building work a good facelift this summer.
Latest articles by Heather Young
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I've been searching for a family shoe storage solution that actually works for years, and this £35 buy is the answer
I've said goodbye to the understairs cupboard of my nightmares
By Heather Young
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I've been an interiors editor for over 20 years, and I predict this is the hottest new colour trend for sofas
You heard it here first
By Heather Young
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I'm a novice gardener and I can't wait to add these 3 plants to my garden after visiting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
I'll be adding these to my garden centre trolley this weekend
By Heather Young
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'I gave my downstairs loo a striking, colour-drenched makeover for under £300'
This tiny space was transformed on a budget, thanks to some DIY wall panelling and a lick of paint
By Heather Young
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5 ways I faked bespoke fitted storage on a budget in my new kitchen – and made the most of every inch
Champagne kitchen storage tricks on a lemonade budget
By Heather Young
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6 must-have design tricks in my new kitchen that make my life easier every single day
These clever kitchen design ideas work hard to make life run more smoothly
By Heather Young
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'Some days it doesn't feel like it gets light at all' – 3 ways I'm maximising natural light in my home
Using natural light to beat the winter blues
By Heather Young
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5 anti-resolutions I'm making to help my home run (and look) better in 2024
The household tasks I'm quitting this year
By Heather Young
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Drew&Cole Adoro pizza oven review - cook homemade, wood-fired pizzas at home in 60 seconds
The Adoro from Drew&Cole was a 5-star first pizza oven experience for our reviewer. It's only £180!
By Heather Young
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I'm the Ideal Home editor – here's what I recommend from John Lewis this Black Friday
The items I love that are on offer this Black Friday – and the ones I want...
By Heather Young
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I'm an interiors editor – every time a room looks boring, I turn to these no-cost, easy-to-copy styling tricks
Try one of these 9 updates for minimum effort, maximum impact
By Heather Young
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By Heather Young
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Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress review – we tested it for breathability and support
Our Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress review puts this bamboo-infused mattress to the test. How did it score? Read on to find out...
By Heather Young
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B&Q discount codes
Saving on DIY and decorating projects is easy with these 18 active B&Q discount codes.
By Heather Young
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Marks & Spencer discount codes
Spend less on a wide selection of homeware and clothing with our 9 active Marks & Spencer discount codes.
By Heather Young
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'It’s a beach hut with a difference’ - space-saving touches gave the owners a new seafront hangout
Set on the Folkestone seafront, this fun beach hut transformation has packed plenty into a small space
By Heather Young
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I'm an interiors editor - here's why I ditched wall cabinets in my new kitchen
...and you should too
By Heather Young
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DIY Queens are taking over social media - The community urging women to take up power tools
Women in DIY are taking over social media, but there is still along way to go in reclaiming the power tools
By Heather Young
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This gallery wall hack is total genius – and no artistic skill is required!
The latest gallery wall frame sets do the hard work for you
By Heather Young
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Debenhams Black Friday deals – half price bargains now on furniture, lighting, bedding and more
From sofas to bedding sets, ceiling lights to coffee makers, with up to 50% off it's time to get shopping at Debenhams over Black Friday
By Heather Young
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5 house rules I set for my kids that ensure our home is (nearly) always clean and tidy
How I encourage the kids to get involved and help out with the household chores
By Heather Young
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I painted my living room black and it's the best design decision I've ever made
Would you paint your living room black? I did, and this bold colour choice had a surprising side-effect I never expected
By Heather Young
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Are these the best hotels in Britain? Step inside and find out!
Celebrating the Good Hotel Guide 2016 Cesar Award winners, we delve into this elite collection of boutique hotels, country lodges and regal castles for a closer look
By Heather Young
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Cottage industry: Kirstie Allsopp to rent out her Homemade Home in rural Devon for up to £3,500 a week
When it comes to finding the best place for a beach holiday in the South West, Kirstie Allsopp’s classic country cottage in Devon could be just the thing you need...
By Heather Young