Jenny McFarlane

Jenny is 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. She 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 she 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 market, her love for interior design and gardening has taken on a new lease of life. She loves collecting and salvaging unique items (much to her other half's despair) but sniffing out stylish home bargains is her one true love. When she has a spare minute, she loves to do a spot of crafting, having studied textiles at university – although she 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 really love making wherever I live a little haven and working to make it stylish and comfortable. I love 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?

To repaint our living room! We've been busy renovating and updating our 1860 semi, room by room, and have recently applied for planning permission to create an open-plan kitchen/living/dining space which we can't wait to get started!