Linda Clayton
As an interiors journalist for 25 years, Linda Clayton has worked on a wide array of consumer titles, including Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Real Homes. She has been freelancing for Ideal Home Magazine since 2008, covering design trends, home makeovers, product reviews and much more.
She graduated from Cardiff University with a First Class Journalism degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism. She is also the proud recipient of the BMA’s Bathroom Journalist of the Year Award 2010! She has also sat on Design Awards judging panels for Designer Magazine, Homes & Gardens and, most recently, Real Homes.
Now working from her home in Devon–her fourth major DIY renovation project–Linda writes on a wide range of subjects, including product reviews, designer interviews and case studies. She can also be found pounding the pavements and exhibition halls of London, Paris, Cologne and Milan in search of the latest design trends and innovations.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
In a beer garden with family and four-legged friends after a very long walk on Dartmoor, preferably with the sun shining.
What’s your home addiction?
In this job, there are many, many temptations but I’m very partial to a pretty tile and near obsessed with lighting. I get particularly giddy when I discover a lamp or pendant that looks designer but without the price tag to match. Pooky, House Of and Mullan Lighting are excellent sources.
What is your next home project?
To finish our fourth major renovation – just the master bedroom and upstairs landing to go – and hopefully down tools for a few months before it’s time to redecorate all over again. Or move.
Latest articles by Linda Clayton
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Are two-toned kitchen cabinets still in style? How to reinvigorate this popular design to guarantee timeless appeal
Dial into the current mood for two-tone cabinets and find out whether the trend has sufficient staying power for your next makeover
By Linda Clayton
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11 Christmas decorating ideas for small spaces – because even the tiniest of rooms can be turned into a little festive wonderland
You don’t need tons of space to go all out on your Christmas decorating ideas
By Linda Clayton
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The best boiling water taps of 2024 and how to choose one for you
Buy the best boiling water tap for your kitchen with our roundup of the best six hot water taps
By Linda Clayton
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Best kitchen sink materials for hard water areas - 5 options that will make cleaning easier
Beat the hard water blues with the best kitchen sink materials and top advice for taking limescale buildup in your stride
By Linda Clayton
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How to decorate a small living room for Christmas – 14 space-saving festive decorating ideas for a tiny lounge
These are the best ways to inject the festive spirit into your small living room in a stylish way without it feeling cluttered
By Linda Clayton
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How do boiling water taps work? Everything you need to know about this genius appliance before you invest
Discover the inner workings of boiling water taps and what features are worth having
By Linda Clayton
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Discover the steps for a hassle-free installation and when to call in the pros
Considering fitting a boiling water tap yourself? This is everything you need to know first
By Linda Clayton
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I’ve renovated four kitchens - these are the 7 trends I regret falling for, and what I'd now do instead
Learn from my kitchen trend mistakes
By Linda Clayton
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8 places interior designers and stylists buy bedroom lighting
Get the inside scoop on the best bedroom lighting brands
By Linda Clayton
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How to plan bedroom lighting like a pro
Banish bad bedroom lighting forever with our step-by-step guide
By Linda Clayton
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Renter-friendly bathroom lighting ideas - 6 smart lighting hacks to instantly upgrade your space
Our smart lighting hacks will help add some personality to your rental bathroom without breaking your lease
By Linda Clayton
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8 speedy and stylish lighting ideas to update a rental kitchen—no electrician necessary
Give your rental kitchen a lighting upgrade
By Linda Clayton
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Is an expensive pillow worth it? I investigated whether a higher price tag can guarantee a better night's sleep
Weighing up the cost of comfort–we ask the experts whether premium pillows are really worth the splurge?
By Linda Clayton
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Should I use a kitchen designer? 7 benefits of hiring a pro to help bring your dream kitchen to life
There’s no shame in getting a little help
By Linda Clayton
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I've renovated 6 bathrooms – these are all trends I regret falling for, and my advice for choosing lasting trends
Six bathrooms later, I’m finally getting a grip on timeless style
By Linda Clayton
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Simba Hybrid Original mattress review 2024 – tried and tested
Is Simba's original mattress worth the hype? Our Simba Hybrid Original mattress review puts this bestseller through its paces to uncover the truth
By Linda Clayton
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The most popular types of sofa selling out right now
Snuggle down on these comfy sofa picks
By Linda Clayton
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Should bathroom flooring match the rest of the house? This is what design experts want you to know
Is consistency crucial or is it time to break the rules?
By Linda Clayton
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8 bathroom flooring rules interior designers always follow - and you should too
Unlock the secrets to flawless bathroom flooring with these must-know bathroom flooring rules from the pros
By Linda Clayton
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Bathroom floor tile ideas – 15 ways to incorporate stylish tiles underfoot
Get creative with floor tiles for an easy-use bathroom that’s eye-catching and practical
By Linda Clayton
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I’ve spent 7 months building an extension and these are the 9 lessons I learnt
Help your next extension project run smoothly by doing as much research as possible, starting with my top take-homes
By Linda Clayton
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Chic budget ways to elevate your small bedroom - for maximum style with minimum cost
Affordable ideas to revamp your smallest bedroom without needing to remortgage
By Linda Clayton
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Box room ideas – 10 ways to maximise space and style in a tiny room
Small spaces can be big on style and functionality with the right box room bedroom design ideas
By Linda Clayton
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8 things a professional organiser would never keep in a hallway – and you shouldn’t either
Learn what to keep for convenience and style, and what to avoid to achieve a neat and inviting entrance to your home
By Linda Clayton