
Holly Reaney
Holly is one of Ideal Home’s content editors. She started my career in 2018 as a feature writer and sub-editor for Ideal Home’s sister brand Period Living magazine, and writes a wide range of interiors and renovation content ranging from features about designing the perfect kitchen to choosing the right windows for a period home.
Expanding her role, Holly also regularly contribute to Country Homes & Interiors magazine – interviewing leading designers and researching the latest home and garden updates – in addition to pieces on the Ideal Home website. She'a also written features for websites including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and Gardeningetc.
A keen gardener, Holly has been faced with the challenges of gardening in a rental property leading to a vast array of potted plants – ranging from fruit trees to pretty annuals – and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?
I’m at my happiest when I’m in nature. I love hiking – especially in the Lake District – there’s something so peaceful about the scenery and I love spotting all the wildlife. I have also recently taken up paddleboarding which is the perfect way to decompress after a busy day.
What’s your home addiction?
Houseplants! I’m running out of surfaces but that doesn’t seem to stop me from buying them. I love to hunt the clearance shelves and rescue unloved plants – there’s something so satisfying about nursing them back to health and watching them thrive.
What is your next home project?
Our current home is a rental so we’re limited in terms of home projects, however, this hasn’t stopped me from putting my stamp on it. I’ve recently been trying my hand at upcycling furniture – I’ve found some beautiful pieces on Ebay and have loved sanding them back and painting them to suit our scheme.
Latest articles by Holly Reaney
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Are these 6 home office design mistakes ruining your productivity?
Looking to improve your productivity when working from home, your home office might be holding you back
By Holly Reaney
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Three hacks designers use to make a hallway door look more expensive – and they each cost less than £20
Capitalise on this overlooked opportunity to add creative flair to your home
By Holly Reaney
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The 7 best bulbs to plant in September for a stunning spring display
For a garden that's brimming with life and colour from February to May
By Holly Reaney
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7 high-maintenance plants to think twice before adding to your garden
These plants should be planted with caution
By Holly Reaney
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6 places in the garden to never use eggshells - it could cause more harm than good
Eggshells might have many benefits, but they're best kept away from these spots
By Holly Reaney
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Is the 8-8-8 lavender pruning technique the 'foolproof' secret to better blooms?
How and when to use this gardening rule
By Holly Reaney
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How to get rid of horsetail weed - garden experts reveal the best way to tackle this hard to kill weed
Solutions that will help to control and reduce it
By Holly Reaney
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This once dark, oppressive kitchen has been transformed into a light, fresh space that channels coastal charm
This kitchen is a masterclass in elegant coastal-inspired design
By Holly Reaney
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5 kids’ bedroom design mistakes that are making it impossible to keep tidy and how to fix them
Experts reveal the common reasons your kids' bedroom always looks messy
By Holly Reaney
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Avoid these 3 common galley kitchen mistakes to optimise your small kitchen without compromising on style
Make the most of every inch of the narrow space
By Holly Reaney
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Are climbing plants damaging your home? What you need to know before training a climber up a brick wall
Nothing says ‘dream home’ like decadent wisteria or roses rambling up the walls, but are they causing damage?
By Holly Reaney
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Swapping your tarmac driveway for this smart paving solution can reduce your risk of flooding
This unusual grass paving for driveways can not only prevent flooding but also offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional tarmac
By Holly Reaney
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Have you tried the 'Bucket of Doom' mosquito hack? It's a game-changer for getting rid of mozzies this summer
It might sound bonkers, but the facts stack up
By Holly Reaney
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8 things you should never paint in your home – keep your paintbrush away from these items to avoid regret
This is what you should do instead
By Holly Reaney
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The quick hack design experts use to make a kitchen look more high-end – and you can do it for under £5
Get the luxury look in minutes
By Holly Reaney
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Want more honeysuckle in your garden? Here’s how to take cuttings step-by-step
Multiply your favourite climber for free with this simple cutting method
By Holly Reaney
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3 things I regret about my open-plan kitchen, and what I wish I'd done instead
Here's how to make sure your open-plan kitchen works seamlessly in your home
By Holly Reaney
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Pearl Lowe's kitchen in her Portobello home is a treasure trove of vintage finds and understated elegance
The space is imbued with a gorgeous faded glamour
By Holly Reaney
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Is your kitchen stressing you out? These are the three things you need to change
Transform your kitchen into a place of serenity with these three simple changes that ensure calm
By Holly Reaney
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Get rid of bacteria-harbouring tiles and replace them with one of these hygienic splashback alternatives
Move over tiles, these are the three most hygienic splashbacks
By Holly Reaney
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10 plants to propagate in July – save you money and fill your garden for free with these cuttings
Who said a beautiful garden had to be expensive?
By Holly Reaney
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3 signs that your cucumbers are ready to pick – if you harvest too early, you can ruin this fresh summer treat
How to quickly tell if they're ready to go, or if you need to be a little more patient
By Holly Reaney
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5 things you should know before building a garden wall so you don't fall for any common mistakes
Whether installing new or looking to refresh an existing structure, understand the basic rules and building blocks of your garden walls
By Holly Reaney
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Shower enclosures vs wetrooms – experts break down the differences, including which is the most luxurious option for your home
How to choose the best fit for you
By Holly Reaney