Andrea Childs

Andrea began her journalism career at Ideal Home and is currently Editor of our sister title, Country Homes & Interiors, which celebrates modern country style. Andrea is passionate about colour and how it can transform both our homes and our sense of wellbeing, and has completed The Power of Colour course with the prestigious KLC School of Design. Andrea's career spans interiors magazines, women's lifestyle titles and newspapers.

After her first job at Ideal Home, she moved on to women's magazines, Options and Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home.

She was then offered the job as Editor of Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for idealhome.co.uk.

IDEAL HOME TRUTHSWhere’s your happy place?

In my bed on a Saturday morning, with a book, the newspaper and a cup of coffee – the rest of the house will be empty, as my family will be off doing sports. I get up early every other day and leap into my to-do list, so this window of peace and quiet is precious.

What’s your home addiction?

My home is filled with books, so finding attractive ways to display the growing piles is a bit of a pastime! I also love my interiors to smell good, so I have scent diffusers and candles in every room. I often mix my own home fragrances from essential oils, switching up the aromas with the seasons.

What is your next home project?

We have a decked courtyard garden with wooden steps leading down into it. Both the deck and the stairs need to be replaced, so that will be a big project to tackle. My husband is planning to do the work this summer.