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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Let the Christmas countdown begin! Follow our six-week festive checklist to get ready for the big day
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail - ensure the festive period runs smoothly with this simple six week checklist
By Holly Walsh
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Christmas table decoration ideas for decadent dinners and chic soirées
From personalised place settings to dramatic centrepieces, these ideas will get you prepped for the big day
By Holly Walsh
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37 modern kitchen ideas – transform this key room into a contemporary space
We give you the lowdown on what’s trending with our expert interior advice on modern kitchen ideas
By Holly Walsh
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11 of the most common home office design mistakes to avoid
Make your WFH as perfect as possible by avoiding these common home office design mistakes
By Holly Walsh
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How to grout tiles – a step-by-step guide for kitchens and bathrooms
All the tips you'll need to give your bathroom or kitchen a fresh update - without calling in a professional
By Holly Walsh
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Under-the-stairs ideas to make the most of this awkward space
Be inspired by these transformative under-the-stairs ideas – the neat nook that can do so much more
By Holly Walsh
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Add illumination and ambience to a space with these 18 utility room lighting ideas
Add illumination, ambience and style with these utility room lighting ideas that will upgrade a practical space
By Holly Walsh
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Karcher RCV5 Robot Vacuum review
Looking to make the load a little lighter when it comes to keeping on top of the housework? A robot vacuum could be the answer so we put the Karcher RCV5 to the test
By Holly Walsh
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How to zone an open-plan space – with dedicated areas to separate tasks
Learn how to zone an open-plan space, from colour blocking to perfect furniture placement, and give each area a sense of purpose
By Holly Walsh
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Budget bathroom ideas – 28 ways to update your bathroom cheaply but with style
Our budget bathroom ideas are full of clever tricks and mini decor projects to make your bathroom more beautiful
By Holly Walsh
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How to create a mini outdoor kitchen to take meal times alfresco in a super-small space
Don't let a bijou balcony, a petit patio or a cosy courtyard stop you from enjoying dining outside this summer but opt for an outdoor kitchen with a super-small footprint
By Holly Walsh
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I'm a decor editor and these are my style secrets for achieving a spa bathroom
My simple design ingredients are all your need to create a luxe-hotel-style bathroom, perfect for pampering and relaxation
By Holly Walsh
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Deck railing ideas - 16 designs to give your decking a stylish and functional surround
Finish off your decking or patio with these deck railing ideas for a polished and safe boundary
By Holly Walsh
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Give an old cabinet an on-trend update with this clever hack for under £20
Transform a glass-fronted cupboard, cabinet or wardrobe with just a sheet of humble window film
By Holly Walsh
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How to paint interior windows - a step-by-step guide
Follow our top tips and take on this easy DIY job to give your interior windows a smart refresh with a lick of paint
By Holly Walsh
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A step-by-step guide on how to paint a shed to give your garden a pop of colour
Give your garden a refresh with this step-by-step guide on how to paint a shed
By Holly Walsh
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How to cover a lampshade with fabric - an easy guide for a low-cost revamp
Create a bespoke lighting design with a fabric to suit your style
By Holly Walsh
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How to paint a radiator - an easy guide to update an ugly radiator in an afternoon
Give a tired radiator a brand new lease of life with a lick of paint in just an afternoon's work
By Holly Walsh
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I'm a decor expert and Mum- these are my tips to future-proof a kids room
I share my simple recipe to achieve an inspiring yet timeless kids bedroom to take them from toddler to teen
By Holly Walsh
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How to build a radiator cover - a step-by-step guide
Ugly radiator ruining your room scheme? Disguise it with a simple cover in just a few straightforward steps
By Holly Walsh
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22 Kitchen shelving ideas for a stylish display that doesn't compromise storage
Banish clutter and boost your storage with these nifty kitchen shelving ideas for a streamlined kitchen
By Holly Walsh
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How to create an exposed brick wall - a step-by-step guide
Everything you need to know about creating a characterful feature in your home by stripping back the walls to bare brickwork
By Holly Walsh
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How to organise your wardrobe - 9 easy ways to curb the clutter and restore order
Crammed clothing rails and over-stuffed shelves? Follow our top tips to streamline your wardrobe in just a few easy steps
By Holly Walsh
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How to organise your bathroom - 11 simple ways to streamline your space
Restore order in your washroom with our round up of savvy storage solutions for a more spa-like space in no time
By Holly Walsh