Linda Clayton

About me

I graduated from Cardiff University with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting and, after a very short and very stressful court reporting post, decided hard news, death and tragedy was not for me. My love for interiors began when I bought my first utter wreck of a home two decades ago, and I soon realised writing about fabric and fridges would make me far happier. I’ve been working for Homes & Gardens, then sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Homes, since 2006.

My specialist subjects

I’ve covered all manner of interiors topics but Kitchens and bathrooms are my Mastermind subjects. I cut my interiors teeth on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, gadding about Europe to tour the manufacturing facilities of all the major brands. There’s not much I don’t know about carcase construction or the ins and outs of water pressure.

My favourite places to shop

For homewares it has to be Nkuku, and not just because, like me, they’re based in Devon. They support small, artisan trades globally and have a magical store and cafe near Totnes that is impossible to leave without something new, handcrafted and utterly gorgeous. I also just bought some lights from newcomer Houseof (houseof.com) and was seriously impressed by their quality and design flair, especially given their price tag.

The designers that inspire me

The late Mark Wilkinson OBE was (and still is) my all-time design hero. He was extremely talented, a genius really, but also so generous with his time. His love of fine wine and gourmet food (not to mention culinary skills) pretty much sealed my adoration.

My decorating style

I’m definitely more minimalist than maximalist – too much 'stuff' makes me anxious – but I’m always striving for a homely home. Currently on my fourth utter wreck of a home, ‘building site chic’ is probably the most accurate description right now.