Sophie Vening
Sophie Vening has been a homes and property journalist for over 16 years. She has been Editor of Grand Designs magazine and News & Homes editor of Build It magazine, she has also freelanced and worked for many of the UK interiors magazines and newspapers, including The Metro Homes & Property and The Evening Standard Homes & Property. Using her knowledge and expertise, she is currently embracing the move to digital and is producing high-quality features for Ideal Home and Dwell.
Sophie studied and achieved an MA in Magazine Journalism at Kingston University and is well known in the homes and property industry specialising in affordable housing, property finance, self-build, real homes and project how-to guides.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?
With my family on holiday – whether that’s in the UK or abroad.
What’s your home addition?
Pottery is my current addiction. I love mixing and matching plates, bowls and mugs and am always picking up random pieces at craft fairs and local shops when on holiday. I love an eclectic look!
What is your next home project?
Having written about other people’s projects for years, I’m now hoping to do a renovation project myself. We’re planning on selling our home within the next year and hope to purchase a run-down period property with the intention of completely gutting it, building an extension and, hopefully, increasing its value!
Latest articles by Sophie Vening
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A complete guide to wood-burning stoves – everything you need to know
What do you need to know about wood-burning stoves and log burners? Read our expert advice
By Sophie Vening
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A guide to roof and loft insulation for a warmer home
Know the benefits, types and maintenance of loft insulation to increase your home’s energy efficiency and cut energy bills
By Sophie Vening
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Home heat loss – 5 ways you are losing energy and what to do
Find out what changes you can make to reduce home heat loss and lower your emissions and energy bills
By Sophie Vening
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How to lower a gas bill – 11 ways you can reduce costs and energy consumption
We outline some simple but practical steps you can take to keep your gas bill down
By Sophie Vening
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How to switch energy suppliers to get the best tariff for you and your family
Wondering how to switch energy suppliers? Follow our step-by-step guide to get the best tariff
By Sophie Vening
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Everything you need to know about taking in a lodger to boost your income
Renting out a room could bring in some extra cash, while also providing some company, here’s everything you need to know
By Sophie Vening
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Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment? The truth revealed
We spoke to the experts to get to the bottom about of whether wood burning stoves really are as damning as rumoured
By Sophie Vening
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Banish condensation on your walls and ceilings with these 10 simple methods
Stop condensation on walls and ceilings with these 10 simple ideas
By Sophie Vening
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Granny flat ideas - stylish solutions to make space for multi-generation living
Plan a stylish, yet functional granny flat or granny annexe using these clever design ideas for older living
By Sophie Vening
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Granny flat planning permission - do you need it?
Do you need planning permission for a granny annexe? Find out what you need to know about the rules and whether you should seek permission for a granny flat
By Sophie Vening
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What is a granny flat? A complete guide to annexes for multi-generational living
If you're a multi-generational household a granny flat could be the perfect solution for giving everyone there own space
By Sophie Vening
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Six reasons you might not be able to have a smart meter - and how to resolve them
The most common reasons why you might not be able to have a smart meter and what you can do about it
By Sophie Vening
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What is the R Value for insulation and why is it important?
Understand how this important measure can keep your home warm and lower your energy bills
By Sophie Vening
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The best floor insulation options for your home explained
Discover the floor insulation options available, where they are best used and how much you can expect to pay
By Sophie Vening
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Loft insulation grants – what is available?
Find out what grants are currently available in the UK for insulating your attic, loft or flat roof
By Sophie Vening
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How much does loft insulation cost and is it worth it?
If you want to save on energy bills, as well as reduce your home’s carbon emissions, installing loft insulation is a worthwhile investment
By Sophie Vening
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How to insulate a loft - a step by step guide
Look to DIY loft insulation to enjoy savings on installation and future heating bills
By Sophie Vening
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How to stop dampness coming through walls
Follow these steps to stop damp in its tracks
By Sophie Vening
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Shared ownership pros and cons - and how the scheme actually works
We highlight the shared ownership pros and cons as well as how the scheme works to help you see if it’s the right option for you
By Sophie Vening
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What's an EPC E rating and how do I improve it?
Find out why your home has an EPC E rating and what changes you can make to achieve a higher rating
By Sophie Vening
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How much does an EPC certificate cost?
How much does an EPC certificate cost? Find out how much to spend to have your home’s energy efficiency assessed
By Sophie Vening
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What's an EPC C rating and how do I improve it?
Find out more about your home’s EPC C rating and how to improve it
By Sophie Vening
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How to improve your EPC rating to improve the saleability of your house
Follow these six options to better your home’s EPC rating
By Sophie Vening
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Warm Home Discount Scheme explained - do you qualify?
Find out if you qualify for the government programme that provides a one-off rebate towards your household’s electricity bills
By Sophie Vening