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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40 fireplace ideas to turn your hearth into the elevated living room centrepiece of your dreams
Our favourite ways to turn a tired fireplace into the showstopping focal point of your lounge
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for tradescantia – it's so easy, provided you follow these rules
This fast-growing trailing houseplant is sure to catch the eye
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate tradescantia – even if you're a complete gardening beginner
It's one of the easiest plants to propagate
By Holly Reaney
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How to install a shed to ensure a durable and dry space that looks good, too
Our expert guide to adding storage to the garden
By Holly Reaney
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When to prune choisya for a healthy evergreen shrub that's full of sweetly scented blooms
This is the time to get your secateurs ready
By Holly Reaney
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Houseplants that like to be pot-bound – the plants that'll thrive in small space
We've rounded up six of the most popular varieties
By Holly Reaney
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When to plant fritillaria bulbs - the best time to add these incredibly pretty blooms to your garden
Learn when to plant fritillaria bulbs and treat yourself to an array of beautiful blooms come spring
By Holly Reaney
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How to dry flowers for natural colour all year long – plus how to do it quickly for a last-minute gift
Preserve the beauty of summer throughout the dark winter months
By Holly Reaney
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How to make soy candles – the perfect easy autumn DIY craft
For an eco-friendly and affordable way to brighten up dark winter days
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate a fern – three methods to fill your home with more of these frothy houseplants for free
Make more of this favourite houseplant – no matter the variety
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for button fern - this adorable, low-maintenance plant will brighten any home
Thriving in the humidity of kitchens and bathrooms, this low-maintenance evergreen is beauty will brighten up the functional parts of the home
By Holly Reaney
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Autumn decorating ideas to bring warmth, comfort and creativity to your home
Get your home ready to celebrate the season
By Holly Reaney
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This Cotswolds kitchen shows country chic at its best - here's how they got the look
It's filled with traditional charm and wonderful original features
By Holly Reaney
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Why is my asparagus fern turning yellow? 7 possible causes and how to fix them
Stop your asparagus fern turning yellow with these seven quick fixes and expert houseplant care tips
By Holly Reaney
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Do you really know the difference between pruning and deadheading? How to ensure you're doing the right one
They both involve cutting, but have very different results
By Holly Reaney
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The rose deadheading mistakes that could be killing your prized plant
And what to do instead...
By Holly Reaney
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Should you water plants in sun? Experts warn against this time of day
What you need to know to ensure that your garden survives any heatwaves
By Holly Reaney
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How to improve clay soil for gardening - boost your garden's health and help plants thrive
Learn how to improve clay soil for gardening and improve your garden's health and productivity
By Holly Reaney
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How to make soap at home – an easy step-by-step guide
Create fragrant combinations to elevate bathtime
By Holly Reaney
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How to organise a shed and bid farewell to the clutter
Create a pleasing space in which to plan and prepare for the seasons ahead
By Holly Reaney
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I tried the viral tea towel slug control hack – here's why I won't be doing it again
This popular hack left me sorely disappointed
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for aloe vera - help this easy-to-care-for plant thrive in your home
Learn how to care for aloe vera and you'll quickly fall in love with this spiky specimen
By Holly Reaney
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I tested the viral copper scourer slug hack in my flowerbed and couldn't believe the results
This viral slug hack using a copper kitchen scourer was surprisingly effective
By Holly Reaney
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The best evergreen plants for pots - ensure year-round colour in your garden with these smart choices
Plant the best evergreen plants for pots and you'll have year-round colour and interest – even in the darkest months of the year
By Holly Reaney