Thea Babington-Stitt
Thea is the Assistant 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 where she explored the possibilities of fiction writing or screenplays, but was drawn more and more into journalism. Realising her passion for magazines could translate into a career, after graduating in 2011, Thea then gained an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University, London.
Although she specialised in Security and Organised Crime (yes, random!) she wanted to work in a magazine genre that was something she could more naturally identify with. Thea spent some time working on fashion and lifestyle titles, everything from Stylist to The Mail on Sunday before styling her first nice flat 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. Although she is yet to become a homeowner, Thea loves making her rental flat her own, and spends probably too much time idly designing her dream home.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?In my rental my favourite place to be is sitting on bed just as the sun goes down. The windows face West so the off-white walls and pink linen sheets glow the most amazing colours as a result. I love plants but with no garden or balcony, I also love my collection of potted plants in my living room which is getting, ahem, ever so slightly out of hand…
What is your home addiction?Aside from the aforementioned plants, I adore candles. As soon as the sun goes down I get trigger happy with my matches to set the perfect relaxing mood.
What is your next home project?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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When to prune bay trees to improve both their shape and health
Every question you've had about pruning bay trees, answered by the garden experts
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to prune tomato plants to ensure a delicious harvest
It doesn't take long, but you'll be rewarded for this effort
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Wet room ideas – the essential guide to creating the perfect shower space
Wet rooms offer so much potential for playing with colour and pattern - try out these ideas to revamp your shower space
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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There's still time to claim £150 off your energy bills using the Warm Home Discount – here's how
What you need to do now to apply to the scheme
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to repot houseplants – from what size pot to choose to whether you should remove all the old soil
Tips and tricks to ensure your plant babies will thrive
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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When to repot houseplants – experts share the best time of year and what signs to look for
And get ready, the best time is nigh...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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When is the best time to sow grass seed ? The experts tell us all
Find out when to do this job, how to prepare the ground and other top tips to ensure a lush, green lawn
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to clean a linen sofa to keep it in pristine condition – even in a busy family home
Say goodbye to water marks and stains, once and for all
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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24 bathroom tile ideas to add impact and transform your space
Give your bathroom the upgrade it deserves with some new floor or wall tiles to take it from drab to fab
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The Primark bouclé chair that we're all on the hunt for
And our fave alternatives, too...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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IKEA has relaunched its 'anti-stress' armchair from 1967 – it's already a classic
Self care in a seat? Just maybe...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Don't know which tog duvet to buy? The best tog for summer, winter and all-rounders
No more guessing names required - pick the perfect duvet for you by getting to grips with the tog jargon
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Reese Witherspoon champions a 'nostalgia-inspired aesthetic' - here's why decor experts say its the way forward
And it's easy to integrate into your own space
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to design a kitchen – a step-by-step guide to planning your dream kitchen
From researching and designing to buying and fitting, here's everything you need to know to create your dream kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The on-trend sofa colours that are set to dominate in 2024
From warm neutrals to retro mustard, there's a shade for every space
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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I tried the clever gadget that gives you Brita-purified running water without replacing the tap
Here's whether I think it's fab or a fad....
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Why you need to add mulch to your plants before the temperature drops any more
The key step you may not have done yet
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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This £30 M&S electric diffuser looks just like The White Company's – but £40 less
Home scenting made simple and stylish
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to clean walls before painting – the budget product even professional decorators use
Prep for success
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How much does a new kitchen cost? Plus where to save and where to invest
Work out your budget for your dream kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The Ideal Home round up of our 10 most popular kitchen appliances from 2023
Why these beloved items are worth the hype
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Nigella Lawson's red air fryer is on offer for less than £70 – here's where to get it
The cook-approved machine currently has nearly 45% off...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to make your home look bigger – without getting the construction crew in
The expert advised methods for making small spaces seem larger
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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13 kitchen flooring ideas for style on every surface
Flooring shouldn't be an afterthought - choose material and style wisely with these kitchen flooring ideas
By Thea Babington-Stitt