
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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3 signs that your cucumbers are ready to pick – if you harvest too early, you can ruin this fresh summer treatHow 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 mistakesWhether 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 homeHow to choose the best fit for you
By Holly Reaney
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20 container garden ideas that use pots and planters in creative ways to make the most of large and small gardensWhether you have a tiny balcony or a sizable plot, these container garden ideas will fill your garden with colour, fragrance and life
By Holly Reaney
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This beautiful, colourful kitchen was designed for a professional chef, with efficiency and practicality at its heartDesigning a kitchen fit for a professional cook is always a challenge, especially in a domestic setting
By Holly Reaney
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How to plant gladiolus bulbs in pots – an easy guide to bringing these beautiful blooms to your container gardenLiven up your patio with perfectly planted pots of gladioli
By Holly Reaney
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16 herb garden ideas for productive (and beautiful!) beds, borders and plantersStyling tips, herb recommendations and more
By Jenny McFarlane
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Unique ways to use tiles around the home – from unexpected placement to pattern ideasFrom kitchen islands to matching with wallpaper, these clever ideas add a creative statement
By Holly Reaney
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5 tips I used to make my plants grow faster and transform my garden from a bare plot of soil to brimming with bloomsThese top tips turned my outdoor space into a vibrant plot
By Holly Reaney
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How long do alliums flower for? This is how long these stunning blooms last and the best way to extend their floweringEnsure you get the most from these beautiful blooms
By Holly Reaney
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How to dispose of soil – 5 smart and cost-effective ways to get rid of an excess of soilMake sure you know how to dispose of soil correctly to keep your garden tidy – and ensure you avoid accuring hefty fines
By Holly Reaney
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6 climbing plants that thrive on neglect and will add interest to your garden fence and walls with zero effortThere's nothing wrong with a little lazy gardening
By Holly Reaney
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5 things to know before cladding your home's exteriorCladding your home's exterior is a brilliant way to protect your home’s exterior without compromising its aesthetics
By Holly Reaney
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Can you attach a pergola to a house? What you need to know if you want to achieve that seamless flow between inside and outAttaching a pergola to a house can transform the way you use your garden, however, there are some key things to consider
By Holly Reaney
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Overcoming limited space and doing away with an awkward layout, this couple created a family kitchen filled with elegant touchesThe symmetrical layout is full of luxurious details
By Holly Reaney
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I spent the afternoon looking through Wayfair's garden sale – these are the 6 pieces I'm buying immediately for summerThese are my must-have garden buys from the sale
By Holly Reaney
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The striped vase trend will instantly elevate any room scheme, and these high-street brands are leading the chargeGet on board with the striped vase trend...
By Holly Reaney
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8 things you need to know before converting a basement, according to renovation expertsAvoid any disasters when converting an unloved space into a fully functional room with these tips
By Holly Reaney
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5 things you need to know before installing a porch to avoid an expensive mistakeCheck these things off before diving in to avoid and expensive mistake when installing a porch
By Holly Reaney
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Where is the best place to put a spider plant in a house? Houseplant experts reveal the perfect spotsThe perfect placement is the key to helping this houseplant must-have to thrive
By Holly Reaney
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How to improve clay soil for gardening – 10 expert-approved ways to boost your garden's health and help plants thriveLearn how to improve clay soil for gardening and improve your garden's health and productivity
By Holly Reaney
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The best low-maintenance plants for pots for an effortlessly good-looking container gardenFind the best low-maintenance plants for pots and give your garden a new lease of life
By Holly Reaney
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The pot plants that thrive on neglect – create a fabulous-looking garden without the effort with these beautiesIf gardening isn't your forte, these pot plants that thrive on neglect are a must-have addition to your garden
By Holly Reaney
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Do crocus bulbs multiply? Everything you need to know about how to get more of these spring blooms in your gardenIf you're wondering do crocus bulbs multiply, then you're not alone – we all want to know how to get more of these spring beauties in our gardens
By Holly Reaney