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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The ultimate decluttering checklist – Experts share the 50+ things you should get rid of right now
Take a cut-throat approach to clutter, tackling it room-by-room, and discover the joy of living with less
By Linda Clayton
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Where should a sink be in a kitchen? 7 key factors that will determine the best place for your space
Balance functionality, plumbing logistics, and traffic flow to find your sink sweet spot
By Linda Clayton
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Should you replace your bathroom vanity doors for curtains?
Design experts consider the case for replacing cabinet doors with curtains…
By Linda Clayton
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How to sell your old kitchen when doing a kitchen renovation — it could be worth more than you think
Upgrading your kitchen? Find out how to sell your old one, and swerve a trip to the tip in favour of some extra cash
By Linda Clayton
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9 bathroom cabinet trends taking over in 2025 — the colours, textures and styles designers are most excited about
From the practical to the beautiful, these are the cabinet trends to transform your bathroom with this year
By Linda Clayton
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Bathroom lighting trends – our top 7 ways to do bathroom lighting in 2025
Lean into the latest lighting trends and put your bathroom in the style spotlight
By Linda Clayton
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Kitchen colour trends - 7 bold new shades to embrace in 2025
Discover the hottest new ways to get colourful in the kitchen this year…
By Linda Clayton
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The 10 bathroom colour trends to bring your powder room, en-suites, and family bathrooms into 2025
Say hello to personality-packed bathrooms with this year’s exciting new colour trends
By Linda Clayton
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Are sage green kitchens still trending in 2025?
This classic shade is still turning heads this year with these subtle updates
By Linda Clayton
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14 kitchen cabinet ideas to inspire an on-trend yet practical cooking space in 2025
From on-trend colours and the latest materials to design solutions that are practical and pretty, we’ve got all the best kitchen cabinet ideas covered
By Linda Clayton
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The 6 smartest kitchen storage trends for 2025 - stylish ways to organise your kitchen, according to pros
Discover the latest ways to keep your kitchen neatly organised and looking great…
By Linda Clayton
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The kitchen island trends dominating 2024 - the liveable looks we predict will become new classics
Smart storage, luxe materials and fluted moments are all on the horizon
By Linda Clayton
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7 questions I wish I’d asked before starting my kitchen renovation
Complete this quick questionnaire to save time, stress, and money before beginning your next kitchen reno
By Linda Clayton
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What worktops go with white kitchens? The combinations that will elevate this classic colour scheme
From sleek and modern to rustic and organic, discover the worktop options that work best with a white kitchen
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 in the UK 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