Holly Reaney
Holly is one of Ideal Home’s content editors. Starting her career in 2018 as a feature writer and sub-editor for Ideal Home’s sister brand Period Living magazine, she 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 contributes 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. Holly has 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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How to felt a shed roof - a step-by-step guide to keep it safe from rot and dampIf you're shed has taken a battering this winter, here's how to felt a shed roof it ready for the New Year
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for a blue star fern – recreating its natural environment will make them easy to look afterThey may be known for being tricky, but a few simple guidelines will change everything
By Holly Reaney
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Decorating the outside of your house with Christmas lights? These are the 8 things experts want you to know before you startGive your home a warm and welcoming feel by illuminating its exterior with twinkling lights, whatever the season
By Holly Reaney
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This artist's home is a masterclass in contemporary country designThis light-filled kitchen is bright and breezy, and yet filled with character and warmth
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for a mini Christmas tree - keep your tiny Christmas tree thriving this December and beyondLearn how to care for a mini Christmas tree and transform this seasonal novelty into a statement feature to be reused year after year
By Holly Reaney
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How to plant anemone bulbs – expert advice to ensure an abundance of colour in springThe expert guide to setting these vibrant blooms up for success
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for a Chinese money plant – it's all about position and watering, say the expertsThis beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant will bring you good luck and prosperity
By Holly Reaney
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How to prune a pear tree for healthy growth and an abundant harvestFollow these steps to prune a pear tree to perfection
By Holly Reaney
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8 common Christmas cactus problems – how to spot them and solve them before it's too lateWondering what's wrong with your Christmas cactus? Take a look at our guide...
By Holly Reaney
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How often to water a Christmas cactus – the perfect schedule for winter, according to houseplant expertsFinding the right balance is the key to seasonal blooms
By Holly Reaney
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How to create a foliage border - the smart low-maintenance way to fill your garden with colour all year roundDiscover how to create a foliage border that offers long-term interest and colour
By Holly Reaney
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'We wanted to create a haven for our family that felt warm and inviting'This kitchen renovation is both rich in character and perfect for the whole family
By Holly Reaney
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4 ways to recycle plastic plant pots – clear out garden mess and stay green in the processHow to sustainably dispose of old, unused pots
By Holly Reaney
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The 5 bulbs to avoid planting in pots, according to gardening experts - or risk being disappointed by your floral displaysDiscover which bulbs to never plant in pots for a beautiful garden display this spring
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for tradescantia – it's so easy, provided you follow these rulesThis 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 beginnerIt'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, tooOur 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 bloomsThis 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 spaceWe'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 gardenLearn 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 giftPreserve 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 craftFor 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 freeMake 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 homeThriving 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
