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
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How to stop pests eating your herbs – 3 tried and tested methods to protect your herb garden naturallyExpert methods for keeping your herb garden pest-free
By Katie Sims
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3 plants that love tea – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your old teabagsThe best plants for tea feeding and how to do it right
By Katie Sims
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I finally swapped all the plastic storage containers in my kitchen for this smart alternative – it's one of the best decisions I've madeI'm recommending it to all my friends
By Katie Sims
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3 plants that love coffee grounds – garden experts reveal which varieties will thrive on your leftover coffeeEverything you need to know about feeding plants with coffee grounds
By Katie Sims
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5 plants that bloom twice a year – the varieties garden experts recommend to deliver double the colour and flowersChoose these plants if you want to enjoy more than one bloom this summer
By Katie Sims
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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 wrongA budget-friendly carpet cleaner that gets the basics just right
By Katie Sims
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What is the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola? Garden experts explain the key differences to help you chooseUnderstanding these popular garden structures will help you pick the perfect shade solution
By Katie Sims
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How often should you deadhead plants? Garden experts break down the timings for healthier plants and more bloomsWhat you need to know about looking after each type of plant
By Katie Sims
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I've been using the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction for two weeks — making barista-grade drinks at home has never been easierIt’s smart, sleek, and makes cold brew at the touch of a button — but is it worth the hefty price tag?
By Katie Sims
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Is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one? Experts say one option is more cost-effective, but not everyone should try itDIY pergola kits could be the money-saving solution your garden needs
By Katie Sims
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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 homeGardening experts reveal the facts about this popular weed-killing method
By Katie Sims
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Should you use distilled water in an iron? This is the perfect water combination, experts say everyone should be using in their ironExperts reveal why a combination of distilled and tap water is best
By Katie Sims
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4 places in a garden you should never use leftover coffee grounds – gardening experts warn that they'll do more harm than goodThe spots to swerve using this popular gardening hack
By Katie Sims
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Worried your neighbour is attracting rats? What you can legally doDiscover what steps you can take if your neighbour's habits are causing a rodent issue
By Katie Sims
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Hoover's new vacuum is one of the cheapest models on the market — and after testing, I can also say it's one of the most powerfulAt £199, I didn't expect Hoover's upright model to pack such a punch
By Katie Sims
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Bedroom wall decor ideas – 20 ways to express your style and elevate your bedroom’s wallsDon’t neglect your bedroom walls – decorate them in ways that won’t disrupt the relaxing look and feel of the space instead
By Katie Sims
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How to get wrinkles out of clothes without an iron – 5 alternative methods that will get your clothes crease-freeCreased clothes don't always need an iron - try these hacks instead
By Katie Sims
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Should you clean before a cleaner? 5 things you should do before they arriveIf you want to get the most out of a professional clean, preparation is key
By Katie Sims
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Bosch’s brand-new vacuum is the most powerful model I’ve ever tested — but it comes at a cost that won’t suit quick and easy carpet cleaningThe Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower kicks a powerful punch, but it comes at a price
By Katie Sims
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How to remove weeds from a patio in 6 easy steps – from hand weeding to natural solutionsRid your patio of unwanted plants with the help of our expert tips
By Katie Sims
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These are the five places you should never plant roses, according to gardening prosAvoid these areas if you want beautiful blooms from your roses this summer
By Katie Sims
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What is the best way to hang festoon lights in the garden? Experts unanimously agree on this foolproof methodThese two essentials will keep your festoon lights secure all summer long
By Katie Sims
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How to get rid of old electric toothbrushes – 4 creative ways to reuse them around the home and recycle themIf your electric toothbrush is due for an upgrade, this is how to repurpose and recycle the old one
By Katie Sims
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3 colours to avoid when painting window frames – experts say they might draw the eye, but not in a good wayThese are the colours to avoid if you want to transform your window frames from drab to dazzling
By Katie Sims

