As an interiors journalist for 25 years, Linda Clayton has worked on a wide array of consumer titles, including Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Real Homes. She has been freelancing for Ideal Home Magazine since 2008, covering design trends, home makeovers, product reviews and much more.
She graduated from Cardiff University with a First Class Journalism degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism. She is also the proud recipient of the BMA’s Bathroom Journalist of the Year Award 2010! She has also sat on Design Awards judging panels for Designer Magazine, Homes & Gardens and, most recently, Real Homes.
Now working from her home in Devon–her fourth major DIY renovation project–Linda writes on a wide range of subjects, including product reviews, designer interviews and case studies. She can also be found pounding the pavements and exhibition halls of London, Paris, Cologne and Milan in search of the latest design trends and innovations.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
In a beer garden with family and four-legged friends after a very long walk on Dartmoor, preferably with the sun shining.
What’s your home addiction?
In this job, there are many, many temptations but I’m very partial to a pretty tile and near obsessed with lighting. I get particularly giddy when I discover a lamp or pendant that looks designer but without the price tag to match. Pooky, House Of and Mullan Lighting are excellent sources.
What is your next home project?
To finish our fourth major renovation – just the master bedroom and upstairs landing to go – and hopefully down tools for a few months before it’s time to redecorate all over again. Or move.
Latest articles by Linda Clayton
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10 mistakes to avoid when decorating your living roomGearing up for a living makeover? Here are the top decorating mistakes to avoid, according to experts
By Linda Clayton
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No fireplace living room ideas – 10 ways to find a fireless focal pointNo fireplace? No drama – there are plenty of creative and cosy solutions for lounges that lack a hearth…
By Linda Clayton
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15 banquette seating ideas to transform your kitchenBe inspired by these banquette seating ideas that will give your kitchen a beautiful and comfortable lifestyle edge
By Linda Clayton
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The small home office mistakes our team of home design experts always avoidGet your space-deprived home office in working order with our lowdown on the most common design faux pas
By Linda Clayton
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These are the colours to avoid when painting a small hallway, trust usSwerve these small hallway colour fails and create a welcoming entrance that makes you happy to invite guests inside…
By Linda Clayton
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Upcycling for beginners - 10 things every new DIY-er should knowTurn trash to treasure and banish trips to the tip with our upcycling for beginners’ starter guide
By Linda Clayton
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How to choose the best colour curtain colours for a stylish living roomFind the perfect curtain shade to suit your personality and style with our expert guide
By Linda Clayton
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Stihl RE 120 Plus Pressure Washer reviewWe tested the Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer to find out if it could handle the post-winter clean up like a pro
By Linda Clayton
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Is your home's colour affecting your mood? Here's what the experts have to sayWhat colour psychology is and how you can use it to your advantage
By Linda Clayton
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Narrow kitchen ideas – 10 genius ways to turn this tricky shape into a showstopperDon’t let a skinny space be a deal breaker; our top experts’ narrow kitchen ideas will help you amplify every inch…
By Linda Clayton
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Induction vs gas hob – which style of hob should you buy? Experts explainWe weigh up the pros and cons of the two best-selling hob types to reveal which countertop cooking method you should invest in next…
By Linda Clayton
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Kitchens without wall cabinets – 10 smart alternatives to conventional wall cabinetsBoost the sense of space and create more decorative opportunities in your kitchen
By Linda Clayton
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Experts reveal the kitchen worktop mistakes to avoid - ignore at your perilOur experts have first-hand knowledge of all the most common kitchen worktop mistakes to steer clear of
By Linda Clayton
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10 Stunning glass kitchen cabinet ideas - The timeless trend that's going nowhereWhether filled with colourful crockery, artisanal dried foods or fancy champagne flutes, glass kitchen cabinets will showcase yours in style
By Linda Clayton
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Small dining room décor ideas – 10 ways to decorate a tiny dining roomGet small dining room décor ideas that pack a punch with our space-savvy line-up
By Linda Clayton
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We tried the Neato D10 robot vacuum cleaner to see how well it deals with allergensThe Neato D10 is a hardworking robot that goes on and on. Find out how it performed during our hardcore home testing
By Linda Clayton
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10 small kitchen extension ideas to maximise your spaceA little extra space can go a long way towards achieving a sociable, easy to use kitchen, without the expense or effort of moving home…
By Linda Clayton
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Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid robot vacuum reviewThe Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid is a modern housework hero that promises to release you from the dullness of vacuuming and mopping. Find out if it delivered during our extensive home testing
By Linda Clayton
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How to fix a hole in a door – a step-by-step guide to restoring damaged doorsDiscover how to fix a hole in a door like a pro, whether it’s solid or hollow
By Linda Clayton
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Small dining room mirror ideas – 10 ways mirrors can make a big impactLost your appetite for eating in cramped conditions? It’s time you looked into the light-bouncing, space-boosting benefits of mirrors
By Linda Clayton
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Small dining room lighting ideas – 10 ways to illuminate mealtimes in styleDiscover dining room lighting ideas that can transform the fortunes of any eating area with less-than-generous dimensions
By Linda Clayton
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How to install a door knob – give your interior doors a fresh new lookLearning how to install a door knob is easier than you might think, especially if you follow our simple step-by-step guide
By Linda Clayton
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Clothes storage ideas – 10 savvy ways to solve clothing chaosGet a grip on clothing storage and make getting dressed a daily joy
By Linda Clayton
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Beldray Airgility Pet Max cordless vacuum reviewWe tested the Beldray Airgility Pet Max to assess whether this price-savvy vacuum really is value for money
By Linda Clayton

