Holly Reaney
Holly is one of Ideal Home’s content editors. She started my career in 2018 as a feature writer and sub-editor for Ideal Home’s sister brand Period Living magazine, and writes a wide range of interiors and renovation content ranging from features about designing the perfect kitchen to choosing the right windows for a period home.
Expanding her role, Holly also regularly contribute to Country Homes & Interiors magazine – interviewing leading designers and researching the latest home and garden updates – in addition to pieces on the Ideal Home website. She'a also written features for websites including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and Gardeningetc.
A keen gardener, Holly has been faced with the challenges of gardening in a rental property leading to a vast array of potted plants – ranging from fruit trees to pretty annuals – and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?
I’m at my happiest when I’m in nature. I love hiking – especially in the Lake District – there’s something so peaceful about the scenery and I love spotting all the wildlife. I have also recently taken up paddleboarding which is the perfect way to decompress after a busy day.
What’s your home addiction?
Houseplants! I’m running out of surfaces but that doesn’t seem to stop me from buying them. I love to hunt the clearance shelves and rescue unloved plants – there’s something so satisfying about nursing them back to health and watching them thrive.
What is your next home project?
Our current home is a rental so we’re limited in terms of home projects, however, this hasn’t stopped me from putting my stamp on it. I’ve recently been trying my hand at upcycling furniture – I’ve found some beautiful pieces on Ebay and have loved sanding them back and painting them to suit our scheme.
Latest articles by Holly Reaney
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Why is my asparagus fern turning yellow? 7 possible causes and how to fix them
Stop your asparagus fern turning yellow with these seven quick fixes and expert houseplant care tips
By Holly Reaney
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Do you really know the difference between pruning and deadheading? How to ensure you're doing the right one
They both involve cutting, but have very different results
By Holly Reaney
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The rose deadheading mistakes that could be killing your prized plant
And what to do instead...
By Holly Reaney
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Should you water plants in sun? Experts warn against this time of day
What you need to know to ensure that your garden survives any heatwaves
By Holly Reaney
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How to improve clay soil for gardening - boost your garden's health and help plants thrive
Learn how to improve clay soil for gardening and improve your garden's health and productivity
By Holly Reaney
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How to make soap at home – an easy step-by-step guide
Create fragrant combinations to elevate bathtime
By Holly Reaney
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How to organise a shed and bid farewell to the clutter
Create a pleasing space in which to plan and prepare for the seasons ahead
By Holly Reaney
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I tried the viral tea towel slug control hack – here's why I won't be doing it again
This popular hack left me sorely disappointed
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for aloe vera - help this easy-to-care-for plant thrive in your home
Learn how to care for aloe vera and you'll quickly fall in love with this spiky specimen
By Holly Reaney
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I tested the viral copper scourer slug hack in my flowerbed and couldn't believe the results
This viral slug hack using a copper kitchen scourer was surprisingly effective
By Holly Reaney
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The best evergreen plants for pots - ensure year-round colour in your garden with these smart choices
Plant the best evergreen plants for pots and you'll have year-round colour and interest – even in the darkest months of the year
By Holly Reaney
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The 5 low-growing evergreen shrubs every garden needs
They'll bring year-round interest, colour and character
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate anthurium – the three best ways to double these pretty tropical plants
Whether you propagate anthurium through cuttings or separation, you'll love these ways to increase your collection
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for Anthurium for long-lasting colour
With their vibrant colours and tropical look, Anthurium andraeanum or Flamingo flowers make for an eye-catching addition to a kitchen, bathroom or conservatory
By Holly Reaney
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'When you’re sat here, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world’
Inspired by a beautiful seaside location and the St Ives sunlight, Paul and Helen created a bright and airy kitchen that is brimming with coastal charm
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate Burro's Tail and get more of this plant for free
Effortlessly increase your houseplant collection
By Holly Reaney
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Learn how to care for Burro’s Tail and you'll be richly rewarded
This quirky hanging succulent strikes a stunning silhouette and is undoubtedly worth the effort
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate a string of turtles - easily double your houseplant collection for free
The perfect houseplant investment if you're looking to grow your collection on a budget
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for a string of turtles - it's often overlooked but is the ultimate houseplant for shelf displays
This dainty houseplant is full of character and looks stunning trailing down the side of a shelf in a decorative pot
By Holly Reaney
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Container garden ideas – add colour and personality to your plot regardless of its size
Whether you have a tiny balcony or a sizable plot, these container garden ideas will fill your garden with colour, fragrance and life
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for spider plants to get the most from this resilient beauty
The retro houseplant is making a comeback – here's how it can thrive
By Holly Reaney
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Bathroom flooring ideas to bring wow-factor to your space
Whether you prefer to play with pattern or keep it pared-back, these bathroom flooring ideas will zhuzh up a space
By Holly Reaney
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How to propagate a rubber plant - expand your houseplant collection for free
Why have just one rubber plant when you can have loads?
By Holly Reaney
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How to care for a rubber plant – the almost unkillable houseplant
Low maintenance and fast-growing, the rubber plant is the perfect choice for beginners and ideal for making a statement in a home
By Holly Reaney