Thea Babington-Stitt
Thea is the Managing Editor for the Ideal Home website. Thea became the Deputy News & Houses Editor of LivingEtc, and over the years held positions at Homes & Gardens and Country Homes & Interiors before moving to working with the print and digital versions of Ideal Home in 2021 and her current role in 2022.
Thea wanted to write for a living ever since she was a teenager. After school in Northern Ireland, she attended the University of Exeter to read English Literature before gaining an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University, London.
Although she specialised in Security and Organised Crime, Thea spent some time working on fashion and lifestyle titles, everything from Stylist to The Mail on Sunday before the process of styling her rental made her realise her love of interior design.
Thea has interests across every area of homes - from kitchens and colour schemes to technology and architecture. Over the past couple of years she has interviewed some of the most renowned names in interior design and is passionate about talking to people to discover new ideas, theories and ways of looking at design. In addition to her role at Ideal Home, Thea is studying for a diploma in interior design with The Interior Design Institute.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where's your happy place?Anywhere near a coastline. Although ideally in a cute beach house that fully leans in to the theme with bleached woods, woven textures and blues tones aplenty!
What's your home addiction?I adore candles. As soon as the sun goes down I get trigger happy with my matches to set the perfect relaxing mood.
What is your next home project?Very glamorously it's winter-proofing my Victorian flat – the current insulation is next to none.
Latest articles by Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to clean walls before painting – the budget product even professional decorators use
Prep for success
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How much does a new kitchen cost? Plus where to save and where to invest
Work out your budget for your dream kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The Ideal Home round up of our 10 most popular kitchen appliances from 2023
Why these beloved items are worth the hype
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Nigella Lawson's red air fryer is on offer for less than £70 – here's where to get it
The cook-approved machine currently has nearly 45% off...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to make your home look bigger – without getting the construction crew in
The expert advised methods for making small spaces seem larger
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The smart home trends experts say will be taking over for 2024
What's predicted to be the latest in must-have home tech
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Lighting trends 2024 – the expert predictions for the year ahead
The best and brightest ways to light up your life this year
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The home decor trends every design expert is talking about for 2024
The styles, colours and materials to know about – and how to achieve them in your space
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to choose and care for real Christmas trees this December
Everything you need to know about choosing the perfect real Christmas tree - and keeping it alive
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Bedroom trends 2024 – all the colours, patterns and styles to know now
What design experts are saying will lead the way in bedroom design for the year ahead
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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28 Christmas living room decor ideas to transform your home for the festive season
Take inspiration from our round up of seasonal styles for your living room, to ensure your home is the best dressed ready for the holidays
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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These Christmas lights are guaranteed to make your decor look more expensive – and they’re on sale right now
Merry and Bright meets Quiet Luxury
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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What home fragrance experts use to make their homes smell amazing at Christmas – aside from candles
From Jo Loves to The White Company, we ask fragrance experts how they scent their homes for the holidays
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Looking for the nearly sold-out Meaco Arete dehumidifier? These are the in-stock alternatives to shop today
The Meaco Arete dehumidifier is scarce on the ground, but we think these alternatives pack a punch
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Why you need a rain chain to deal with the autumnal downpour
An inexpensive but stylish way to deal with rainfall
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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This IKEA light has been transformed into a stunning disco ball – and it's simply genius
It's shimmering beautiful
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Today's top Argos lighting deals – the best discounts on lamps and lights from Habitat, Philips, BHS and more
Our selection of the best Argos lighting deals - from bargain ceiling lights to table lamps, floor lamps, smart lighting, and more
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to clean rust off metal and give your belongings a shiny new lease of life
Get ready to say hello to sparkling surfaces
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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'This is ingenious. Marvellous. Thank you queen' – the hack to curb impulse shopping
I had to put this hack to the test...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Beckham just revealed the one thing he can't go to bed without doing – and we feel seen
We'll be buffing it like Beckham here on out...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Living room lighting ideas - 32 ways to transform your space with light
Create the perfect ambience by finding the perfect living room lighting ideas for your scheme
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The 7 vinegars you shouldn't use for cleaning – avoid using these to save your home from damage
Not all vinegars are made equally...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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It's getting hot in here – or is it? This is when you should be turning your heating on this year
The experts explain when we should crack that thermostat up – and when we should let things feel the chill
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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What vinegar to use for cleaning – which type to use for each task
You may have more choices lurking in your cupboard than you thought...
By Thea Babington-Stitt