Articles by Katie Sims

Katie has been writing freelance since early 2022, specialising in all things homes and gardens. She started out writing e-commerce content for several of Future’s interior titles, including Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Livingetc, and Homes and Gardens.

Since then she’s been a regular contributor on Ideal Home’s digital team, covering news topics, how-to guides, and product reviews. She also writes for woman&home.

After graduating with an English Literature and History degree, Katie qualified with a Masters in Media and Journalism from Newcastle University in 2021, and hopes to continue producing engaging digital content in the future.

Latest articles by Katie Sims

A modern, luxury bedroom with a navy blue headboard, cream panelling, and a wooden-rattan side table.

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I tried the Japanese 5S method to organise my home — it's a game-changer for keeping on top of things day to day

Sort, set, shine, standardise, and sustain

By Katie Sims
I didn't expect Lakeland's £99 cordless vacuum to impress me – but it’s the best budget-friendly model I’ve tested so far

It's proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune for a decent cordless vacuum

By Katie Sims
I tried Marie Kondo's KonMari folding method to organise my clothes – my drawers have never looked better

This one's a keeper

By Katie Sims

My neighbour's tree covers my front path in leaves every autumn – I asked experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

Garden rake at the ready

By Katie Sims
Experts are urging homeowners to put banana skins in their gardens this November - here's why

Keep hold of those banana skins for a natural garden boost

By Katie Sims
This Philips air purifier has made my home cleaner than ever – it's smart, stylish and a solid all-rounder

It's very energy-efficient, too

By Katie Sims

I swapped my Dyson handheld vacuum for this budget-friendly Gtech alternative — this is why I love it

It's a lightweight, budget-friendly handheld vacuum that punches well above its weight

By Katie Sims
Can I cut the roots of my neighbour's tree if they're in my garden? I asked a legal and environmental expert to find out

From legal rights to garden etiquette — here’s what you can and can’t do when roots cross the boundary

By Katie Sims
I tested Blueair’s ‘smallest smart air purifier’ for two weeks in my home — it’s a quiet powerhouse for cleaner air

For under £130, it’s a solid all-rounder

By Katie Sims

I tried Lenor’s Crease Release Spray on my bedding – it's safe to say that I won't be ironing my sheets any time soon

Crease spray is the quick, easy trick for fresher, less crumpled-looking bedding

By Katie Sims
I’m rethinking my relationship with clutter – and the dissolving caterpillar method is the mindful approach I needed

If you want to declutter gently and make lasting changes, this slow and steady method might be for you

By Katie Sims
7 things you should never vacuum up — experts reveal the worst offenders that will ruin your appliance

We've all done it, but we shouldn't

By Katie Sims

How to stop pests eating your herbs – 3 tried and tested methods to protect your herb garden naturally

Expert methods for keeping your herb garden pest-free

By Katie Sims
3 plants that love tea – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your old teabags

The best plants for tea feeding and how to do it right

By Katie Sims
I finally swapped all the plastic storage containers in my kitchen for this smart alternative – it's one of the best decisions I've made

I'm recommending it to all my friends

By Katie Sims

3 plants that love coffee grounds – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your leftover coffee

Everything you need to know about feeding plants with coffee grounds

By Katie Sims
5 plants that bloom twice a year – the varieties garden experts recommend to deliver double the colour and flowers

Choose these plants if you want to enjoy more than one bloom this summer

By Katie Sims
I didn't think this *very* cheap carpet cleaner would be able to tackle the dirt and stains on my carpet – it quickly proved me wrong

A budget-friendly carpet cleaner that gets the basics just right

By Katie Sims

What is the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola? Garden experts explain the key differences to help you choose

Understanding these popular garden structures will help you pick the perfect shade solution

By Katie Sims
How often should you deadhead plants? Garden experts break down the timings for healthier plants and more blooms

What you need to know about looking after each type of plant

By Katie Sims
I've been using the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction for two weeks — making barista-grade drinks at home has never been easier

It’s smart, sleek, and makes cold brew at the touch of a button — but is it worth the hefty price tag?

By Katie Sims

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one? Experts say one option is more cost-effective, but not everyone should try it

DIY pergola kits could be the money-saving solution your garden needs

By Katie Sims
Boiling water is a cheap and easy way to remove garden weeds, but this is what experts want you to know before trying it at home

Gardening experts reveal the facts about this popular weed-killing method

By Katie Sims
Should you use distilled water in an iron? This is the perfect water combination, experts say everyone should be using in their iron

Experts reveal why a combination of distilled and tap water is best

By Katie Sims

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Katie Sims

Latest articles by Katie Sims

Feather & Black discount codes

I tried the Japanese 5S method to organise my home — it's a game-changer for keeping on top of things day to day

I didn't expect Lakeland's £99 cordless vacuum to impress me – but it’s the best budget-friendly model I’ve tested so far

I tried Marie Kondo's KonMari folding method to organise my clothes – my drawers have never looked better

My neighbour's tree covers my front path in leaves every autumn – I asked experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

Experts are urging homeowners to put banana skins in their gardens this November - here's why

This Philips air purifier has made my home cleaner than ever – it's smart, stylish and a solid all-rounder

I swapped my Dyson handheld vacuum for this budget-friendly Gtech alternative — this is why I love it

Can I cut the roots of my neighbour's tree if they're in my garden? I asked a legal and environmental expert to find out

I tested Blueair’s ‘smallest smart air purifier’ for two weeks in my home — it’s a quiet powerhouse for cleaner air

I tried Lenor’s Crease Release Spray on my bedding – it's safe to say that I won't be ironing my sheets any time soon

I’m rethinking my relationship with clutter – and the dissolving caterpillar method is the mindful approach I needed

7 things you should never vacuum up — experts reveal the worst offenders that will ruin your appliance

How to stop pests eating your herbs – 3 tried and tested methods to protect your herb garden naturally

3 plants that love tea – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your old teabags

I finally swapped all the plastic storage containers in my kitchen for this smart alternative – it's one of the best decisions I've made

3 plants that love coffee grounds – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your leftover coffee

5 plants that bloom twice a year – the varieties garden experts recommend to deliver double the colour and flowers

I didn't think this very cheap carpet cleaner would be able to tackle the dirt and stains on my carpet – it quickly proved me wrong

What is the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola? Garden experts explain the key differences to help you choose

How often should you deadhead plants? Garden experts break down the timings for healthier plants and more blooms

I've been using the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction for two weeks — making barista-grade drinks at home has never been easier

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one? Experts say one option is more cost-effective, but not everyone should try it

Boiling water is a cheap and easy way to remove garden weeds, but this is what experts want you to know before trying it at home

Should you use distilled water in an iron? This is the perfect water combination, experts say everyone should be using in their iron

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Katie Sims

Latest articles by Katie Sims

Feather & Black discount codes

I tried the Japanese 5S method to organise my home — it's a game-changer for keeping on top of things day to day

I didn't expect Lakeland's £99 cordless vacuum to impress me – but it’s the best budget-friendly model I’ve tested so far

I tried Marie Kondo's KonMari folding method to organise my clothes – my drawers have never looked better

My neighbour's tree covers my front path in leaves every autumn – I asked experts whose responsibility it is to clear it up

Experts are urging homeowners to put banana skins in their gardens this November - here's why

This Philips air purifier has made my home cleaner than ever – it's smart, stylish and a solid all-rounder

I swapped my Dyson handheld vacuum for this budget-friendly Gtech alternative — this is why I love it

Can I cut the roots of my neighbour's tree if they're in my garden? I asked a legal and environmental expert to find out

I tested Blueair’s ‘smallest smart air purifier’ for two weeks in my home — it’s a quiet powerhouse for cleaner air

I tried Lenor’s Crease Release Spray on my bedding – it's safe to say that I won't be ironing my sheets any time soon

I’m rethinking my relationship with clutter – and the dissolving caterpillar method is the mindful approach I needed

7 things you should never vacuum up — experts reveal the worst offenders that will ruin your appliance

How to stop pests eating your herbs – 3 tried and tested methods to protect your herb garden naturally

3 plants that love tea – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your old teabags

I finally swapped all the plastic storage containers in my kitchen for this smart alternative – it's one of the best decisions I've made

3 plants that love coffee grounds – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your leftover coffee

5 plants that bloom twice a year – the varieties garden experts recommend to deliver double the colour and flowers

I didn't think this *very* cheap carpet cleaner would be able to tackle the dirt and stains on my carpet – it quickly proved me wrong

What is the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola? Garden experts explain the key differences to help you choose

How often should you deadhead plants? Garden experts break down the timings for healthier plants and more blooms

I've been using the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction for two weeks — making barista-grade drinks at home has never been easier

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one? Experts say one option is more cost-effective, but not everyone should try it

Boiling water is a cheap and easy way to remove garden weeds, but this is what experts want you to know before trying it at home

Should you use distilled water in an iron? This is the perfect water combination, experts say everyone should be using in their iron

Favourite Retailers

I didn't think this very cheap carpet cleaner would be able to tackle the dirt and stains on my carpet – it quickly proved me wrong