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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The new Habitat x Scion collection is the perfect stop for that 70s aesthetic – the hidden gems to snap up now
Our favourite retro-inspired pieces
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How much space should you have between a counter and island?
No guessing games required - the experts tell us how to work out the necessary space between counter and island
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Act fast – our top-rated Karcher pressure washer is on sale for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Jump start your spring cleaning with this game-changing device
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to prune bay trees - 5 quick and easy steps to cut back bushes and topiaries
It’s time to whip out those secateurs…
By Lauren Bradbury
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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