Thea Babington-Stitt
Thea is the Managing Editor for the Ideal Home, website.
Thea wanted to write for a living ever since she was a teenager. After school in Northern Ireland, she attended the University of Exeter to read English Literature before gaining an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University, London.
Although she specialised in Security and Organised Crime, Thea spent some time working on fashion and lifestyle titles, everything from Stylist to The Mail on Sunday before the process of styling her rental made her realise her love of interior design.
Thea became the Deputy News & Houses Editor of LivingEtc, and over the years held positions at Homes & Gardens and Country Homes & Interiors before moving to working with the print and digital versions of Ideal Home in 2021 and her current role in 2022.
Thea has interests across every area of homes - from kitchens and colour schemes to technology and architecture. Over the past couple of years she has interviewed some of the most renowned names in interior design and is passionate about talking to people to discover new ideas, theories and ways of looking at design.
Ideal Home Truths
I adore candles. As soon as the sun goes down I get trigger happy with my matches to set the perfect relaxing mood.
There’s not too much I can do where I am but I love helping friends plan how they can decorate their homes. One has moved into a wonderful fixer-upper in the Northern Irish countryside and I can’t wait to see the visions come to life!
Latest articles by Thea Babington-Stitt
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Lakeland discount codes
Pick up a bargain on kitchenware, laundry products and appliances with these 14 active Lakeland discount codes.
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Bathroom trends for 2023 – get the lowdown on what's hot this year
Planning a revamp and want to know what's key this year? Our bathroom trends guide covers colours, materials and finishes
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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26 outdoor kitchen ideas for alfresco dining in gardens of all sizes
Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level with an open air kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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What are gutter guards - and do they really work?
They're sold as a problem solver, so we've spoken to the experts to see if they're all they're cracked up to be
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The rule of three is the secret behind every beautiful home - here's how it works
The tried and tested design trick
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Interior design experts reveal the colour rules you should be breaking
Which rules to break - and what you should be doing instead
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The 60-30-10 rule - what it is and how to use it to your advantage
The experts explain this decorating rule, how to achieve the look - and when you should be ignoring it
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Clever small kitchen layouts that will maximise even the tiniest of spaces
Expert advice on smart configurations to help boost the look and feel of space in a bijou kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Solar vs battery garden lights - everything you need to know
We speak to the experts to find out which is the better choice for you and your garden
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Galley kitchen ideas – 26 layouts to suit any space
A Victorian staple, galley kitchen ideas are renowned for their petite footprint. Discover how best to design and dress the space with these expert ideas
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to add colour to an all-white kitchen – from earthy tones to bold brights
As beautiful as they are, white schemes can be stark, here's how to add colour to an all-white kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Get your house cold weather ready by learning from the experts
Make sure your home is ready to battle the elements by paying attention to these oft-overlooked areas
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to plan a kitchen layout - everything you need to know to get it right
Our kitchen experts answer every question you have about choosing, planning and designing a kitchen layout
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Things I wish I knew before buying a cordless vacuum cleaner
What you should know before investing in a new device
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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This electric blanket is the one to pick up this winter - but you'll have to move fast
This top buy is quickly running out of stock, so move fast to stay cosy without affecting your energy bills this winter
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to insulate a home to keep heat from escaping this winter
A few fixes can make all the difference in helping to keep your home toasty warm and your energy bills down
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Meet halogen ovens - the cheaper alternative to air fryers
They may be cheaper but they're just as healthy - and they won't drive up your energy bills
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The most common mistakes when buying a mattress - and how to avoid them
Sleep easy by saving yourself from any costly - and irritating - errors
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Christmas party ideas - brilliant ways to make your gathering fabulously festive
These genius Christmas party ideas are sure to give your gathering an extra fabulous festive edge
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Christmas table centrepiece ideas – 24 ways to create a festive focal point
Some simple but effective Christmas table centrepiece ideas are the perfect way to gather guests around the table for a festive feast, from wreaths and baubles to a modern floral display
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Motsi Mabuse's Home Truths (and the one thing you'll find in every room in her home)
Strictly's Motsi Mabuse gets up close and personal with her home
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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I tried a multicooker and now use it more than my oven - here's why
This 15-in-1 appliance is saving me time while helping to cut down my energy bills
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Discover sophisticated style from the best of British brands
M&S Home has teamed up with Fired Earth for a collection that’s a masterclass in everyday elegance
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Jay Blades' Home Truths and the chore he'll happily spend four hours doing
Jay Blades, author and presenter of BBC1's The Repair Shop, gets up close & personal with his home
By Thea Babington-Stitt