Ellis Cochrane
Ellis Cochrane has been a Freelance Contributor for Ideal Home since 2023. She graduated with a Joint Honours degree in Politics and English from the University of Strathclyde and between her exams and graduation, started a lifestyle blog where she would share what she was buying, reading and doing. In doing so, she created opportunities to work with some of her dream brands and discovered the possibility of freelance writing, after always dreaming of writing for magazines when she was growing up.
Since then, she has contributed to a variety of online and print publications, covering everything from celebrity news and beauty reviews to her real passion; homes and interiors. She started writing about all things homes, gardens and interiors after joining Decor & Design Scotland as a Freelance Journalist and Social Media Account Manager in 2021. She then started freelancing at House Beautiful, Country Living and in Stylist’s home team. Ellis is currently saving to buy her first home in Glasgow with far too many Pinterest boards dedicated to her many design ideas and inspirations.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
Since starting in lockdown, I try to get outside for a walk for at least an hour every day, mainly to give my eyes a break from my many screens and to get some fresh air. My favourite park, which has a pond full of ducks and swans and lots of beautiful blossom trees, is about twenty minutes away on foot, so I try to visit there as often as I can.
What’s your home addiction?
Given the fact that I only have one bed, I’m definitely addicted to buying bedding. I like to embrace pattern and colour in my otherwise white-walled bedroom, which means snapping up anything gingham, striped or even spotted, in essentially every colour I can get my hands on.
What is your next home project?
My bookshelves are currently overflowing at the moment, so my next home project and hopefully one of the first when I move is to create a built-in bookshelf spanning the entire length of one wall. On the last count I have over 250 books and it would be great to have them all in one space, instead of scattered across a range of different shelves and in boxes.
Latest articles by Ellis Cochrane
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The colour trend taking over our gardens for summer holiday vibes all year round
Terracotta hues and pots are set to be bringing Mediterranean vibes to our garden all summer along
By Ellis Cochrane
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Deckchair stripes are everywhere this summer, but they're not just for seating....
We're seeing the retro stripes everywhere this season
By Ellis Cochrane
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Balcony-friendly BBQs are the latest innovation in outdoor cooking this summer
No garden, no problem as the rise of balcony-friendly BBQs mean you can still enjoy a burger in the sun
By Ellis Cochrane
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As toxic caterpillars descend upon UK gardens, here's how to deal with them
Create a haven for birds in your garden to naturally get rid of these poisonous pests
By Ellis Cochrane
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Green tile bathrooms are trending - how to embrace the style in your own home
From sage to emerald green, we're sharing some of our favourite green tile ideas
By Ellis Cochrane
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Introducing coastal cowgirl – trend experts are calling it the 'next big interiors trend'
Beach and country combine for the interior trend taking over social media
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to get rid of weeds in gravel – an easy guide to remove unwanted plants
Learn how to deal with pesky weeds that have started to sprout up with the help of our expert tips
By Ellis Cochrane
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Bloomcore – how to make the beautiful new micro-trend work in your home
Five ways to get the nature-inspired look in practically every room in your home
By Ellis Cochrane
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Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?
The experts reveal when you'll need to seek permission before making any changes to your property
By Ellis Cochrane
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Do I need planning permission for a shed? What you need to know about adding one
The experts reveal when you will and won't need permission to add a shed to your garden
By Ellis Cochrane
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Can you paint over wallpaper? Experts explain how to make this time-saving hack work
We asked the experts if it's actually a good idea to paint over wallpaper and there tricks to get the best finish if you are
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to grow hydrangeas in pots – an easy guide for beautiful containers
The experts reveal the benefits of growing these beautiful blooms in containers
By Ellis Cochrane
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Experts are warning against these 5 viral TikTok cleaning hacks
These are the trends that we won't be trying out for ourselves
By Ellis Cochrane
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Every garden should try this Chelsea Flower Show trend – even Stacey Soloman is a fan
This lazy gardening approach can be the best thing you ever do for your garden
By Ellis Cochrane
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How to dispose of a kitchen knife safely and responsibly
If you've ever wondered what to do with your old kitchen knives, we've asked the experts for their advice
By Ellis Cochrane
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Kimberly Walsh's living room makeover proves this noughties colour is having a moment
If you've been considering a blue makeover - this is a sign
By Ellis Cochrane
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When to remove painters tape – for a seamless finish when painting walls
The experts reveal their top tips and tricks.
By Ellis Cochrane
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Morrisons take on Aldi with great-value garden furniture to upgrade your patio
We predict a sell-out!
By Amy Cutmore
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What is the diamond on a tape measure? Turns out they have an important purpose
Turns out those little diamonds on a tape measure aren't just for decoration
By Ellis Cochrane
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Spray painting bathroom taps is a quick decorating hack, but will it last long term? We have the answer
We asked the experts to weigh in on whether the spray painting bathroom taps hack is actually worth the effort
By Ellis Cochrane
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5 of the best bulbs to plant now - It's not too late to add colour to your garden
It's not too late to add a splash of summer colours with the best bulbs to plant in spring
By Ellis Cochrane
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IKEA’s new anniversary collection includes a bold spin on its most iconic designs
The classics have been given a fresh update bursting with colour and personality
By Ellis Cochrane
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'Make it look as un-styled as possible' - Interior Designer Banjo Beale reveals his secret for styling a blanket
The Interior Design Master's winner has launched a beautiful collection of blankets with the Tartan Blanket Company
By Ellis Cochrane