Articles by Jenny McFarlane

Jenny is the Senior Digital Editor and joined the team in 2021, working across Ideal Home, Real Homes, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc and Gardeningetc. After a year stint in-house on the Real Homes team, she joined the Ideal Home team in November 2023.

Jenny kickstarted her career on women's and lifestyle titles such as InStyle, Red, Handbag.com, SUITCASE, and LUXE City Guides, both in-house and freelance. Five years later she headed up the content strategy for interiors brands Good Homes, Grand Designs, and ICON.

Her obsession with interior design began way back when Jenny was, at the tender age of 9, glued to BBC’s Changing Rooms. A passion was ignited and she went on to study textiles and design at university. Since getting on the property ladder, her love for interior design and gardening has taken on a new lease of life. I love collecting and salvaging unique items (much to her other half's despair) but sniffing out stylish home bargains is her one true love. She loves crafting, although hardly gets the chance with her little ladies keeping her permanently on her toes.

IDEAL HOME TRUTHS

Where’s your happy place?
We regularly head up to the North Antrim coast to my in-laws' house with uninterrupted views of the coastline. It's the perfect place to cosy up by the fire with a hot toddy and when the Irish weather permits, I love exploring the area's famed beauty spots to blow the cobwebs well and truly off.

What’s your home addiction?
I love making my home a little haven and creating a stylish and comfortable set-up. This includes finding unique pieces and collecting wall art that reminds me of home (Ireland), places I've visited, and things that inspire me or make me feel happy, alongside photos of my favourite humans and postcards from here, there, and everywhere.

What is your next home project?
We've been busy renovating and updating our 1860s semi, room by room, and have just got planning permission to create an open-plan kitchen/living/dining space which we can't wait to get started on!

Jenny McFarlane

Latest articles by Jenny McFarlane

This laundry mode dehumidifier is the secret to a fresher, faster-drying washing load – and it's £30 off right now

I had no idea drying laundry indoors could cause mould – experts share how to avoid this happening in your home

My go-to heated clothes airer for drying laundry fast indoors is now reduced by £85 on Lakeland – and it comes with a cover too

Best heated clothes airers – tried and tested for drying clothes indoors, fast

I just spotted a huge £85 saving on the Meaco Arete Two dehumidifier and air purifier – the best dehumidifier Ideal Home experts have tested

This clever Joseph Joseph laundry basket makes sorting laundry less hectic – and it's currently on sale

We added a heat pump to our extension – here's what I've learned after 6 months

These simple mistakes could be why your dehumidifier isn't working properly – and here's how to avoid them

3 things my MIL always does to dry clothes faster indoors

I regret not knowing this before buying an oil filled radiator – these are the main things to consider

Hoover is launching the UK's first triple-drum washing machine – it can handle 3 loads at the same time on different cycles

I used to dread spider season, then I got a spider catcher – it's the easiest, kindest way to deal with spiders in your house

Experts reveal how to tell if your heating system needs a power flush and what you should do about it before it gets cold

I've selected the top dehumidifiers for banishing damp and drying laundry fast – tried and tested by the Ideal Home team

The 3 risky heating cleaning jobs I would never do myself and you shouldn't either

Spiders were covering my windows in webs all year round, until I tried this WD-40 trick

Lakeland's foldable heated airer with a built-in fragrance dispenser to freshen clothes is a laundry lifesaver – and it's now 20% off

I've selected the best steam irons – 9 tried-and-tested models that will power through laundry with impressive results

The essential piece of kit you need to buy when investing in a portable air conditioner – experts say it makes all the difference

The best portable air conditioners for cooling and beating humidity

I removed the trickiest weeds from my path and driveway in under an hour using this clever weeding duo

I've selected the best dehumidifiers under £100 – 6 tried and tested affordable solutions to combat damp in your home

3 cleaning jobs I'd never do myself and neither should you – here's why they are best left to the pros

Experts say this dehumidifier 'cooling' hack could be backfiring on your energy bills and hiking them up

I reset my interior style with a declutter during my home renovation – now it finally reflects who I am at 40