Holly Cockburn
Holly is a Content Editor at Ideal Home and has been working at the brand since June 2023. Specialising in kitchens and bathroom content, Holly spends her time figuring out how to make these spaces practical for everyday life, as well as undoubtedly stylish.
Prior to this, she was Features Editor at Top Ten Reviews where she focussed on practical, how-to home and garden advice. Holly graduated with a bachelor's degree in English Literature from The University of Birmingham in 2020, and immediately joined the editorial team at Howdens where her love for writing about interiors (and kitchens!) blossomed.
When she's not reading or writing, you can find her exploring the best London bars and brunch spots, or planning the next budget-friendly city break.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is curling up with a book or reality TV on the chaise section of the sofa in my West London flat, right next to the sash window. The living room is south-facing so this spot feels like I'm sunbathing, even in the winter months. When I need a break from the city, I love relaxing at my parent's house in the Bedfordshire countryside. The view of uninterrupted fields and an alpaca farm right from my bed never gets old, especially on a slow morning with a coffee.
What’s your home addiction?
My ever-expanding book collection is both a blessing and a curse. My favourite books take pride of place on the built-in shelves in my living room, and they're now sprawling out into every corner of the flat. I can't walk into a bookshop without adding to my TBR list, so I'm constantly looking for clever storage solutions to show them off. Currently, I'm on the lookout for pastel Scandi-inspired storage crates to stack books in, as well as a floating shelf for the wall.
What is your next home project?
Having recently moved into a new flat (just down the road), I am working on revamping the space. It's darker than my previous flat so making sure the decor is bright and inviting is my biggest goal. I'm also leaning towards a more traditional aesthetic in my bedroom so finding the perfect pattern-clashing decor and cosy wall light to add to my bedside is top of my priority list.
Latest articles by Holly Cockburn
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The bathroom wall panelling you should be adding, according to design pros
Your sanctuary deserves a little extra attention
By Holly Cockburn
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Butter yellow is the kitchen colour of the season - this is how to make the delicious shade work
This sumptuous sunny shade is guaranteed to make every morning cheerier
By Holly Cockburn
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Is wallpaper in bathrooms outdated? Interior experts reveal how to make pattern work in a bathroom in 2024
It can be tempting to steer away from pattern in a wash space, but these tips will give wallpaper a contemporary spin for 2024
By Holly Cockburn
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7 kitchen curtain ideas that offer privacy and style - they're not like your Nana's
The materials, styles and fittings to enhance your cooking space, plus where to shop for the best curtains
By Holly Cockburn
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10 kitchen window treatment ideas for adding privacy, style and light
Whether you're looking for dramatic drapes or pared-back blinds, these kitchen window treatment ideas will complete a space
By Holly Cockburn
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What paint finish should your kitchen walls be? Expert decorators give their tips for the perfect finish
A comprehensive guide to the best paint finishes for a bright and spacious kitchen aesthetic
By Holly Cockburn
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Should kitchen walls be lighter or darker than cabinets? This is the secret to a bright kitchen, according to pros
These are the key things to think about when choosing a kitchen colour scheme
By Holly Cockburn
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This is why I-shaped kitchen layouts are the best choice for a small space, according to kitchen designers
Everything you need to know about I-shaped kitchens, including how make the layout as functional as possible
By Holly Cockburn
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How to dress a small kitchen window to create a bright and airy cooking space
From fitting tips to colours to materials to go for
By Holly Cockburn
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7 clever optical illusions to make a kitchen window look bigger
From fitting tips to colour recommendations, these simple switches will enhance natural light in your kitchen
By Holly Cockburn
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Should your kitchen island have a sink or hob? Kitchen designers reveal this choice is best
Hob, sink or both? We asked the experts which to choose and how to plan it into your design
By Holly Cockburn
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5 modern features to add to your kitchen island for a sleek and sophisticated scheme
A kitchen island is made for modern life - here's how to give it the makeover to match
By Holly Cockburn
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The best kitchen island layout ideas for a sociable and practical cooking space
Kitchen designers reveal the ideal kitchen layout ideas to make the most of every inch of space
By Holly Cockburn
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The secret to making your kitchen island look more expensive, according to design experts
The materials, colours and accessories you need to know about...
By Holly Cockburn
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Open plan kitchen vs closed plan kitchen - kitchen experts agree that this modern layout is the best choice
Which layout gives you the most functional and stylish cooking space? The experts have the answers
By Holly Cockburn
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Everything you need to know about hanging pendant lights over a kitchen island, according to experts
Plus how high to hang them and which styles to choose
By Holly Cockburn
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6 kitchen island storage ideas to make the most of your space, according to kitchen designers
Carefully planning your storage will make your island work all the harder
By Holly Cockburn
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How to decorate with Little Greene Hicks' Blue - the ultimate statement navy shade
The classic navy blue shade you need to know about
By Holly Cockburn
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How to make a small kitchen look luxurious - without breaking the bank
Luxury isn't synonymous with large, after all
By Holly Cockburn
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Is magnolia paint back in style? How to make the once dated shade look brand new
Don't fear yellow undertones - magnolia could be the inviting shade your home is missing
By Holly Cockburn
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How to design a transitional kitchen – how design pros achieve a timeless scheme
Balance old and new for a style that will look chic for years to come
By Holly Cockburn
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What colours make a small living room look bigger? Elevate your lounge with this simple colour trick
These clever colours will make a compact lounge feel bigger
By Holly Cockburn
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5 golden rules for pattern clashing - design pros on how they avoid a messy look for a striking scheme
The only rules you need to know for creating a premium-looking design
By Holly Cockburn
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Bathroom wall art ideas - how to safely and stylishly decorate a washroom
Add personality to a washroom with these simple and affordable bathroom wall art ideas
By Holly Cockburn