
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
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Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen – 5 smart ways to squeeze it in
Take the hassle out of finding a spot for your go-to appliance
By Katie Sims
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4 appliances every parent needs for easy school night dinners – trusty tools to make life easier
Make light work of midweek meals with these staple kitchen devices
By Katie Sims
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How to create an entryway in a living room - 6 ways to define your living room's entrance
These expert design tips will create a welcoming entryway to your living room - for you and your guests
By Katie Sims
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How do I know when my carrots are ready to harvest? Key signs that indicate when to pick
Experts share what to look out for when harvesting carrots, so you can enjoy them at their best
By Katie Sims
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Coffee machine subscriptions will let you buy a coffee machine from £1 - but are they worth it?
We did a deep dive on coffee machine subscriptions to see if they actually do save money - plus, our pick of the best subscriptions right now
By Katie Sims
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18 grey bedroom carpet ideas to give this simple but versatile flooring style a modern update
Who says grey carpet has to be boring? Not us or our favourite grey bedroom carpet ideas
By Katie Sims
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4 rules interior designers always use to plan the perfect living room layout - these tried-and-tested tricks work every time
Failproof design rules that interior specialists swear by for living room layouts
By Katie Sims
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How to make compost in a bottle - an easy way to help your garden thrive
For a sustainable way to make DIY compost, this is the perfect method
By Katie Sims
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Where to place a sofa for feng shui - key factors to consider for promoting harmony in the living room
If you're striving for balance and harmony in your living room, here's where your sofa should be
By Katie Sims
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This East London home seamlessly blurs the boundary between inside and out
'It needed a lot of work, but I liked the layout, and it still had lots of original features I loved, so I went for it.’
By Katie Sims
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Do ants harm plants in pots? The problems they can spell for flower pots and planters
Ants getting comfortable in your plant pots? Here's why you might want to act, sooner rather than later
By Katie Sims
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Here's how to get rid of a mattress that's seen better days
Making room for a new mattress? Here's how to get rid of a mattress that's seen better days, whether you opt to recycle, sell or donate
By Katie Sims
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Dry iron vs steam iron - which should you buy?
We weigh up the key differences between dry and steam irons, so you can decide which your laundry pile needs
By Katie Sims
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How to maximise family room seating - five ways to create space for everyone to sit in a living room
Family room feeling short on space? These expert tips are essential for getting the most out of your seating ideas
By Katie Sims
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How to tidy a family living room fast - transform your space from chaos to calm in record time
With these speedy tips, your family living room will be neat as a pin in no time
By Katie Sims
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What's the difference between a stand mixer and a hand mixer? How to decide which one to buy for your kitchen
Experts break down the key differences between the two appliances, so you don't waste money on buying the wrong one
By Katie Sims
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7 things to look for when buying a mattress topper
We ask the experts what to look for when buying a mattress topper so you can enjoy a better night's sleep
By Katie Sims
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Should an alcove be painted lighter or darker? How to make the most of this architectural feature
Light and dark alcoves can have a completely different effect - here's how to decide which is best
By Katie Sims
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This Edwardian house renovation seamlessly mixes old and new to create a unique family home
It took 11 years, but this house has been turned into this families dream home at last
By Katie Sims
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What's the difference between a canopy and a porch?
Canopies and porches can often be confused, but they're definitely not the same thing! Here's everything you need to know
By Katie Sims
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8 colours that go with teal - the fool-proof colour pairings that will bring out the best in this vibrant shade
The fail-safe shade combinations to pair with this striking colour
By Katie Sims
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What is an analogous colour scheme? The tried and tested design method for creating a relaxed home
Analogous colour schemes are known for creating calming interiors - here's how to recreate this method in your home
By Katie Sims
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This Kent family home uses a pastel palette to soften the modern new-build
How they added character to a contemporary space
By Katie Sims
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What is a monochrome colour scheme? You may have it wrong...
And how to use this seamless design method in your home
By Katie Sims

