Holly Cockburn
Holly is a Content Editor at Ideal Home and has been working at the brand since June 2023. Prior to this, she was Features Editor at Top Ten Reviews where she focussed on practical, how-to home and garden advice. Holly graduated with a bachelor's degree in English Literature from The University of Birmingham in 2020, and immediately joined the editorial team at Howdens where her love for writing about interiors blossomed. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her exploring the best London bars and brunch spots, or planning the next budget-friendly city break.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is curling up with a book or reality TV on the chaise section of the sofa in my West London flat, right next to the sash window. The living room is south facing so this spot feels like I'm sunbathing, even in the winter months. When I need a break from the city, I love relaxing at my parent's house in the Bedfordshire countryside. The view of uninterrupted fields and an alpaca farm right from my bed never get old, especially on a slow morning with a coffee.
What’s your home addiction?
My ever-expanding book collection is both a blessing and a curse. My favourite books take pride of place on the built-in shelves in my living room, and they're now sprawling out into every corner of the flat. I can't walk into a bookshop without adding to my TBR list, so I'm constantly looking for clever storage solutions to show them off. Currently, I'm on the lookout for pastel Scandi-inspired storage crates to stack books in, as well as a floating shelf for the wall.
What is your next home project?
I'm a Facebook Marketplace fiend, and I've managed to kit out almost my entire flat on a budget. After being inspired by my mum's recent mid-century dressing table and boudoir chair purchase, I'm determined to find the perfect pair for my own bedroom. I've got the Pinterest boards planned perfectly, now I just need to keep refreshing resale sites until my ideal vintage find appears.
Latest articles by Holly Cockburn
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The best kitchen island layout ideas for a sociable and practical cooking space
Kitchen designers reveal the ideal kitchen layout ideas to make the most of every inch of space
By Holly Cockburn
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The secret to making your kitchen island look more expensive, according to design experts
The materials, colours and accessories you need to know about...
By Holly Cockburn
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Open plan kitchen vs closed plan kitchen - kitchen experts agree that this modern layout is the best choice
Which layout gives you the most functional and stylish cooking space? The experts have the answers
By Holly Cockburn
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Everything you need to know about hanging pendant lights over a kitchen island, according to experts
Plus how high to hang them and which styles to choose
By Holly Cockburn
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6 kitchen island storage ideas to make the most of your space, according to kitchen designers
Carefully planning your storage will make your island work all the harder
By Holly Cockburn
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How to decorate with Little Greene Hicks' Blue - the ultimate statement navy shade
The classic navy blue shade you need to know about
By Holly Cockburn
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How to make a small kitchen look luxurious - without breaking the bank
Luxury isn't synonymous with large, after all
By Holly Cockburn
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Is magnolia paint back in style? How to make the once dated shade look brand new
Don't fear yellow undertones - magnolia could be the inviting shade your home is missing
By Holly Cockburn
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How to design a transitional kitchen – how design pros achieve a timeless scheme
Balance old and new for a style that will look chic for years to come
By Holly Cockburn
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What colours make a small living room look bigger? Elevate your lounge with this simple colour trick
These clever colours will make a compact lounge feel bigger
By Holly Cockburn
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5 golden rules for pattern clashing - design pros on how they avoid a messy look for a striking scheme
The only rules you need to know for creating a premium-looking design
By Holly Cockburn
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Bathroom wall art ideas - how to safely and stylishly decorate a washroom
Add personality to a washroom with these simple and affordable bathroom wall art ideas
By Holly Cockburn
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Interior experts reveal the paint colours they always turn to when designing a room
There's no need to turn to colour charts - interior experts have the inside scoop on the best paint shades to choose
By Holly Cockburn
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These are the best cabinetry colours for small kitchens –according to design professionals
Make sure you're choosing colour wisely for your compact kitchen
By Holly Cockburn
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5 timeless kitchen colour combinations to make your design stand the test of time
A kitchen is a big investment - these colours will help you get longevity out of your new design
By Holly Cockburn
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6 renter-friendly ideas to update your bathroom - without losing your deposit
A renter-friendly bathroom makeover is the quickest way to make your washroom feel like home
By Holly Cockburn
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Yes, there is a right way to store mugs - 6 ways professional organisers recommend
Keep your precious vessels free from dust and damage by storing them correctly
By Holly Cockburn
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Should you mix and match sofas? These design experts reveal the answer and deliver their styling tips
Eclectic decor is in - but here's how to make mismatched sofas work
By Holly Cockburn
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Hand-painted tiles are the ultimate kitsch design feature - here's how to make them feel trendy
Creating a characterful look has never been easier with this simple addition
By Holly Cockburn
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Invisible kitchen ideas - 7 ways to create a sleek and subtle cooking space
Keep kitchenware hidden and worktops clear with these hidden kitchen ideas
By Holly Cockburn
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Ruggable's Bridgerton collection is fit for a queen - and we think this pretty pastel style is set to sell out
Get the vintage look without needing to worry about spills and stains
By Holly Cockburn
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How to decorate with Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink - the ultimate grown-up blush shade
Pink isn't going anywhere - here's how to make it work in any room
By Holly Cockburn
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7 ways to avoid storing towels in a bathroom for a clutter-free space - according to professional organisers
Steer clear of these storage mishaps to ensure your towels are as organised as can be
By Holly Cockburn
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Where is the best place to position kitchen cabinet handles? Follow these measurements from the experts
These exact measurements from design and DIY experts will make your cabinets aesthetically pleasing and practical
By Holly Cockburn