Holly Walsh
Holly Walsh is a freelance Interiors Writer and Shopping Editor, but worked in-house here at Ideal Home for nearly 10 years. She joined the mag as Style & Decorating Assistant, making sure the big decorating shoots ran smoothly and compiling the inspiring shopping pages. In 2017 she became Features Editor of both Ideal Home and our sister mag Style at Home, where she continued to work on all things shopping, design and style, for both the magazines, and the website too. In 2021 she became Content Editor, and while she continued to produce decorating, style and advice features for the magazines, she spent a big chunk of time writing and adding to our vast library of inspiring content online.
Holly has worked in the world of interiors for nearly 15 years, starting out on the lifestyle team at a Sunday Supplement magazine, before making the leap to a monthly mag where she was until deciding to continue her career as a freelancer in 2024. Holly studied Interior Design at University, and prior to that Textile Design at Art College so her passion for homes and interiors also comes with a background of studies too.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is on our big, blue velvet, squishy sofa with my husband, two children and our cat, watching movies and chilling out (with the cat of course taking up most of the space!). The sofa was my pride and joy when we first bought it, but one fluffy cat and two small children later, it’s not exactly looking its best anymore, but it’s still my favourite spot to sink into at the end of the day.
What’s your home addiction?
I have a bit of an obsession with trays, and can’t seem to stop myself from buying more, much to my husband's dismay! I have a rather lovely collection now in an array of shapes and sizes, the latest being a hot pink scalloped-edge number which currently resides on the living room coffee table. They are great for making surfaces seem less cluttered and messy, and house all sorts of things, from TV remotes and candles, to lego figures and hairclips!
What is your next home project?
We sold our first home last year, which we lovingly restored and decorated over the 7 years lived there, and are now living in a house that needs that same treatment again! Having made a start on the living room, I think the kids rooms will have to be next on our list.
Latest articles by Holly Walsh
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The 7 biggest mistakes to avoid when deciding where to put a TV in a living room
Get your TV placement right for enjoying screen time in comfort and to ensure your space looks great too
By Holly Walsh
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How to paint IKEA furniture like a pro – the tools you need and mistakes to avoid when transforming your flatpack furniture
A step-by-step guide to elevating your IKEA pieces with the help of paint as recommended by experts
By Holly Walsh
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The lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours interior experts love using to transform a room
Have you used any of these colours in your home?
By Holly Walsh
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Is brown a good colour for a bathroom? 10 Brown bathroom ideas that will convince you it is
Brown bathrooms are set to be big news in 2025
By Holly Walsh
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6 questions I wish I'd asked before starting my bathroom renovation
From double checking my budget to choosing more exciting taps these are my top tips to avoid costly mistakes when it comes to a bathroom reno
By Holly Walsh
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How to decorate with Dulux Overtly Olive - 7 ways to use this earthy green shade
Expert-approved tips for using this popular colour in your home
By Holly Walsh
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Small garden ideas — 34 ways to maximise your outdoor space, from planting tips to landscaping techniques
Our favourite tips, from living walls to slimline furniture
By Holly Walsh
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Where should I place a monstera plant in my home? The 3 best spots according to feng shui and plant experts
Help you and your plant babies thrive by styling them up in the best spots in the house
By Holly Walsh
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Bathroom tile trends 2025 – the inspiring new looks to have on your radar
Ensure you're up-to-date with all the latest looks, colours and styles
By Holly Walsh
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How to make a bed smell good - 6 methods experts use to maintain that fresh out the washing machine scent
Looking for ways to make your bed smell as fresh as a daisy every time you get in between the sheets? We've got the know-how.
By Holly Walsh
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The 7 best kitchen layouts for maximising worktop space - secrets for a practical and tidy kitchen, according to experts
Check out our top tips for making the most out of your kitchen counter space, before you plan your next reno project
By Holly Walsh
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Are ottoman beds better than divan beds? The pros and cons explained
Looking to invest in a storage bed but not sure which to choose? We've got the expert answers to help you make your decision to avoid any costly mistakes
By Holly Walsh
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5 things experts urge you to consider before buying an ottoman bed to make sure you avoid a costly mistake
Looking to invest in a storage bed? Follow our easy guide to ensure you have thought of all the considerations before buying an ottoman
By Holly Walsh
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Do bedroom curtains and bedding need to match? The experts all agree on this approach
To match or not to match, that is the question. (And luckily we have the answers!)
By Holly Walsh
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7 things you shouldn't store under a bed
Avoid making these common mistakes when looking to store items under your bed and find out what you should be keeping under there instead
By Holly Walsh
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9 bedroom carpet ideas to keep your sleep space cosy
From patterns to plains, synthetics or naturals, our round up of bedroom carpet ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to keep toes toasty
By Holly Walsh
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How to decorate a small bedroom for Christmas – 8 ways the experts bring festive flair to snug spaces
Bring seasonal style to cosy corners and bijou box rooms this December
By Holly Walsh
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What’s the best white paint? Experts reveal the ideal shade for every room
From small spaces to north-facing room, there’s a white paint for every area of your home
By Holly Walsh
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How to choose colours for a guest bedroom
A team of colour experts give the low-down on things you should think about before picking up a paintbrush
By Holly Walsh
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Bedroom lighting ideas - 18 ways to create the perfect ambience and promote sleep
Ensure a calming space to relax and unwind, plus promote great sleep too
By Holly Walsh
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9 things making a guest bedroom less cosy and how to remedy them
Don't make these common mistakes in your guest bedroom or you won't have the warm and welcoming space you were hoping for
By Holly Walsh
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Inexpensive bedroom flooring ideas to transform your sleep space
Don't let your budget stop you from creating the bedroom of your dreams, with our round up for flooring ideas that won't break the bank
By Holly Walsh
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Alternative advent calendar ideas – 20 ways to add a personalised touch to the Christmas countdown
Get creative with your treat-filled countdown to Christmas with the help of these 20 crafty ideas
By Holly Walsh
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How to make a bed look more luxurious
Looking for ways to elevate your bed to new heights of luxury? Follow our guide for a lust-worthy bed set-up every time
By Holly Walsh