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!
Latest articles by Jenny McFarlane
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When to plant broad beans – experts reveal the perfect planting window for a successful cropThe best time to sow and grow broad bean seeds
By Jenny McFarlane
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Does central heating reduce humidity? Energy experts reveal how to use your heating system to zap excess moistureThe key is to use it in combination with one of our favourite appliances...
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to get rid of mould on walls – 7 home treatments tried and tested by the expertsYou likely won't even have to spend another penny
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to reset your boiler when it locks out – why it happens and an easy expert-approved step-by-step to fix itIs your heating not coming on? Your boiler could have gone into ‘lock out’
By Jenny McFarlane
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15 decluttering methods – expert-approved, tried and tested techniques that really workFrom the 50/50 rule to Swedish death cleaning, we take a look at the clutter busters that really work
By Jenny McFarlane
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What to do if your boiler pressure is too low – an expert-approved step-by-step to repressurise your system easily and effectivelyExperts reveal the easiest way to get your heating system firing up efficiently again
By Jenny McFarlane
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What should the humidity be in a room? Experts reveal the ideal level every home should stay at and how to achieve itIf you stick to this level, you’ll be golden
By Jenny McFarlane
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These 8 mistakes when buying an electric heater are leaving your house cold and running up your energy bills, warn expertsSteer clear of these common oversights this winter
By Jenny McFarlane
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I'm living in my house while renovating in winter — this is how we're keeping our home draught-free and cosyWe're embracing the dust and cold while keeping our sanity intact and here's how
By Jenny McFarlane
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I've set up a temporary kitchen during our renovation — with these 3 key appliancesWho needs an oven anyway?
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to balance radiators – the DIY household task experts swear will slash your energy bills this winterWhen was the last time you balanced your radiators?
By Jenny McFarlane
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Why is ice building up in my freezer? Game-changing tips to stop your freezer icing upKeep the mini freezer ice-bergs at bay
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean gas hob burners quickly – expert-approved tipsBy Jenny McFarlane
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How to defrost a freezer in 7 simple expert-approved stepsKnowing how and when to defrost your freezer will give you back more space and keep it in tip-top condition
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to defrost a freezer without turning it off - and it's a game-changerCould this be the best method to get your freezer frost-free if you’re in a rush?
By Jenny McFarlane
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Experts reveal the best time of day to defrost a freezer and why it’ll make defrosting a painless taskExperts reveal why defrosting in the morning will help your freezer thaw out quicker
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to organise a fridge - the expert-approved method to reduce food waste and save money in the processStorage solutions and organisation techniques aren't just for the kitchen cupboard, they're vital in a fridge too
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to defrost a freezer quickly - the expert approved method to defrost a freezer in under an hourThis is the quickest way to defrost a freezer, and it’s so clever
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean a kitchen sink drain - expert-approved tips to remove build-up and bad smellsClear any blockages and freshen up your sink plughole using kitchen cupboard staples
By Jenny McFarlane
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How often should I water a Christmas tree? Expert-approved top tips for keeping your tree fresh over the festive seasonDon’t let your Christmas tree go thirsty
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean a dishwasher with vinegar - experts share the best way to use this kitchen cupboard staple for gleaming resultsYou don't a specialist dishwasher cleaner to get your machine pristine
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean oven racks - expert tips for a professional cleanExperts share their top tips for how to clean oven racks to keep your oven in perfect condition
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean a dishwasher filter - 5 simple steps to a more efficient machine and gleaming dishesAnd the telltale signs your filter needs a proper scrub, according to experts
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to clean an oven – and the ONE thing you shouldn't do, according to Lynsey Queen of CleanHere are the easiest ways to clean an oven and bring back its sparkle
By Jenny McFarlane

