Rachel Homer
Rachel Homer is a freelance digital writer who has been producing interior content since becoming a Style Assistant way back in 2003. She has since worked and contributed to some of the UK’s leading interiors and lifestyle brands including, Ideal Home, Style at Home, Realhomes.com and Woman & Home. When she’s not writing news and decorating features or compiling appealing picture led galleries, Rachel keeps busy bringing up her two boys and young puppy. So, she is very tuned into what makes a home practical for family life.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
Anywhere that's by the coast with my boys and King Charles Cavalier, Winnie. We love finding stylish and quirky holiday homes near the sea that think outside the box and cater for all ages.
What’s your home addiction?
I’m a bit of a Scandi-addict. I love fresh, easy living décor filled with colourful artwork, structural plants and anchored with black accents. It’s a look that’s easy to keep clean when there are lots of people and a pet in the house!
What is your next home project?
I love budget-friendly upcycle projects that incorporate storage. I recently bought an old pine chest for £50 from the Facebook marketplace. I painted the drawers black with Frenchic furniture paint and coated the handles in an antique gold finish with Rustoleum spray paint. It now lives in my living room and has an apothecary chest style that looks vintage. It didn’t take long to fill up!
Next, I want to paste a panel of Mineheart black and white ‘bookshelf’ wallpaper to a plain storage cupboard door to give it a fun and intriguing twist – I just can’t decide what colour to paint the wood frame surround yet…
Latest articles by Rachel Homer
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6 invasive plants you should avoid planting in your garden, according to gardening experts
Steer clear of these fast-spreading creepers to avoid a botanical invasion
By Rachel Homer
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Is ceramic or stainless steel better for irons? The pros and cons of the two soleplate materials
Ceramic v stainless steel: which iron plate lessons the laundry load more efficiently?
By Rachel Homer
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How to get rid of thistles from your garden
Keep prickly weeds under control with expert tips to eradicate for them good
By Rachel Homer
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How to store a BBQ to keep it in prime condition, according to experts
These top tips from experts show you how and where to store your BBQ grill and equipment so it's always ready for use
By Rachel Homer
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How to make your own garden water feature to turn your outdoor space into a soothing oasis
Add soothing sound, texture and movement to your outdoor space by knowing how to make your own garden water feature
By Rachel Homer
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14 shade-loving plants for pots that are perfect for brightening up dark garden corners
These shade loving plants for pots will add colour and interest to even the darkest corners of your garden
By Rachel Homer
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How to grow peppers from seed to sweeten up your kitchen garden
Delicious and colourful, knowing how to grow peppers from seed will brighten up a south facing windowsill or vegetable patch for next to nothing
By Rachel Homer
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How to wrap kitchen cabinets - the easy inexpensive way to transform drawers and doors in under 24 hours
Learn how to wrap kitchen cabinets for a cost-friendly colour change to make the hub of your home look brand new
By Rachel Homer
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The best low-maintenance ferns for filling up shady spots in your garden, recommended by experts
These simple but satisfying low-maintenance ferns are ideal for filling up shady spots
By Rachel Homer
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How to grow and care for Sweet William - the ultimate plant to add vintage style and colour to your garden
These beautiful bedding plants offer timeless colour and charm
By Rachel Homer
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Should you deadhead clematis? What you need to do to encourage new flowers on your climber
Will deadheading clematis climbers ensure they twice-flower each year?
By Rachel Homer
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How to keep weeds out of flower beds - the tricks garden experts use to keep them at bay
Without question these are the best tricks to keep weeds out of flower beds you'll ever need to know
By Rachel Homer
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6 things to consider before installing a shade sail in a garden - make sure you avoid any big mistakes
Looking for an alternative way to shelter your garden from the sun? Consider installing a shade sail for a nautical twist
By Rachel Homer
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Should you deadhead azaleas? Everything you need to know to keep them thriving year after year
How to keep the ornamental shrubs bursting with colour for longer
By Rachel Homer
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How to paint a stairwell - expert tips on how to decorate this tricky space safely
Give the smallest yet probably tallest area of your home a smooth finish with these professional tips
By Rachel Homer
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How to get rid of cabbage root flies - protect your vegetable patch from these pests
Protect your plants from these pests and their larvae with our expert advice on how to get rid of cabbage root flies
By Rachel Homer
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How to grow freesias - Experts explain how to help these delicate flowers thrive in the UK climate
These delicate flowers are a must-have addition to a cut-flower patch- here's how to grow freesias to perfection
By Rachel Homer
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How to grow potted roses - from the variety to pick, to the correct container size that will help them flourish
Get your container roses blooming with these expert tips on how to grow roses in pots
By Rachel Homer
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Can I build a pergola next to my neighbour's fence? The rules you need to follow to avoid any fallouts
Experts advise where it is reasonable to erect a garden pergola when neighbours' boundaries are concerned
By Rachel Homer
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Garlic spray is a completely natural way to keep slugs away from garden plants - here's how to make it
Don't let muddy molluscs munch on your beloved garden with this natural pesticide spray to keep slugs and snails at bay
By Rachel Homer
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How to clean artificial grass - get your fake grass looking as good as new
Fake grass looking a little faded? Here are the best ways to get in back in ship shape
By Rachel Homer
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21 balcony garden ideas to create your own outdoor oasis
From furniture and decor to planting and privacy
By Rachel Homer
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18 Kitchen sink ideas to add style to your washing-up zone
From classic Belfast sinks to practical solutions for compact living, these kitchen sink ideas will make washing up much more enjoyable
By Rachel Homer
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How to wash white towels - the best way to keep them bright, fresh and soft
Ensure, bright, fresh and soft towels with this step-by-step on how to wash white towels
By Rachel Homer