
Sarah Harley
Sarah has been an avid lover of all things homes and interiors since she started redecorating her bedroom as a teenager. Since then she has worked in a number of different roles from copywriting, PR, events management and photography to interior design and home staging. With her two passions being the written word and the joys of a beautifully-designed home, she eventually found her way to writing about interiors and has never looked back. When it comes to her personal building and renovations experience, viewers saw her don a pink hard hat on Grand Designs to project manage the renovation of a Grade II listed folly with the addition of a sweeping modern extension. Prior to this, as well as undertaking smaller interior projects, she renovated and extended a cottage in Kent and also worked for clients, redesigning a central London gym and making improvements to properties that needed to be sold . She admits she has never actually left a property she has lived in untouched, and with over 20 moves to her name, it’s fair to say that she knows lots of tricks for turning a house into a home. Although she still dreams of living in a contemporary self-build somewhere by the sea, she’s decided to leave the packing boxes in storage for now. In the meantime, she continues to fill her Pinterest boards with ideas and inspiration….just in case.
Latest articles by Sarah Harley

We explore the 7 main types of loft conversion and how to assess which one is the right fit for your home
By Michael Holmes, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
From pros and cons to which home they suit the most, we breakdown the 7 types of loft conversion if you're thinking about extending upwards

Why asking which room to renovate first really isn't the best approach
By Sarah Harley published
Racing ahead isn't what the experts recommend when it comes to your renovation plans. Instead, it's about taking a bigger picture approach to get the best results

These walk in pantry ideas live rent free in my head — and it's time to share them with you
By Sarah Harley last updated
If kitchen chaos lies in the heart of your cabinets, a walk in pantry could be just what you need. Here's 13 ideas that are a recipe for success

17 bathroom design ideas that will make a splash in all the right ways
By Sarah Harley last updated
Seeking washroom inspiration? We've rounded up some of our favourite bathroom design ideas to help you get started

Perfect the art of kitchen storage with pantry ideas that suit kitchens of all styles, shapes and sizes
By Sarah Harley last updated
Pantry ideas work best when they meet your personal and culinary needs. From bespoke pantry rooms to clever cupboards here's 17 pantry ideas to inspire you

Chimney stack removal costs: What you can expect to pay and what's involved
By Sarah Harley last updated
Wondering what to budget for chimney stack removal costs? Here's what's involved and what you should set aside in your budget for getting the job done well

Expert tips on getting the fundamentals of your bathroom design spot on
By Sarah Harley last updated
Well thought out bathroom design should cover everything from layout through to the walls, ceiling and floors. Here's what experts recommend you consider

Can a single storey timber frame home still provide you with a house for life? These 10 ideas suggest it can
By Sarah Harley published
We've rounded up 10 single storey timber frame home ideas that prove you don't always need two floors to create a home that's impactful, purposeful, and useful

Designing a barn conversion layout? Here's what architects say is the key to creating a home that works for you
By Sarah Harley published
Converting a barn can be a rewarding experience, but isn't without its challenges, not least of all because designing a barn conversion layout can be tricky

I asked insulation experts for the 4 most common loft insulation mistakes — so you can be confident you aren't getting it wrong
By Sarah Harley published
Loft insulation mistakes can easily be made if you don't follow the right advice. Experts explain how to make sure your loft insulation doesn't let you down

'These are the 5 main barn conversion mistakes we warn clients about.' Discover the pitfalls leading architects say need to be avoided at all costs
By Sarah Harley published
From fudged floorplans to failed finances, making barn conversion mistakes is avoidable when you know how. We asked leading architects what to steer clear of

Fed up of water streaks on your walls? Me too. This is what's causing them and what you can do about it
By Sarah Harley published
Water streaks on walls might not be as visible as water stains, but can be just as annoying and damaging if you don't deal with them. I know because I have them

12 breakfast bar ideas for the perfect seating spot
By Sarah Harley last updated
Searching for breakfast bar ideas? You're in the right place. From standalone solutions to stylish stools we've got 12 ideas for creating the perfect perch

Fitting a kitchen takes planning and know-how. How to create a design that works for you
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're looking to fit a kitchen on a DIY basis or calling in the experts, follow our handy how-to guide to help remove the stress

19 bathroom panelling ideas that will wash your walls with style, substance and a practical, hard-wearing finish
By Sarah Harley last updated
Once a room reserved for tiles and paint, bathroom panelling ideas offer a fresh and innovative alternative when choosing your wall finishes

Planning a new garden in 2026? Experts share their garden trend predictions for the year ahead
By Sarah Harley last updated
Garden trends in 2026 will focus not just on the user-experience, but also on nurturing the land. From mini meadows to wellness zones here's what to expect

I wait with anticipation for the Pantone Colour of The Year announcement every December, but this year I'm disappointed — is it even a colour?
By Sarah Harley published
The Pantone Colour of the Year is usually embraced in the world of design and it pops up everywhere in the year ahead. But will this be the case in 2026?

If your sash windows are letting in cold air, here's how to draught proof them to preserve the heat inside your home
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Tackling the job of draught proofing your sash windows may require professional help, but there are also some easy DIY methods you can employ yourself

Best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites

Do you check these three bathroom weak spots regularly? You really should if you want to avoid damp in bathrooms says building expert
By Ian Rock published
Damp bathrooms are commonplace, but damp in bathrooms is a problem none of us want to deal with. Here's how to identify the problem areas and keep damp at bay

I asked a listed building expert for five practical rules to follow when renovating a listed building and here's what he recommends
By Sarah Harley published
Renovating a listed building takes time, care and expert help. But, understanding where to start and how to tackle it will help make the job a little easier

Looking for a guest bed with storage? The Dusk Berkeley Ottoman Storage Bed has never let me down and has an extra 25% off in the Black Friday sales
By Sarah Harley published
This bed has been the best bedroom storage solution I've ever owned. So much so that I'll never buy a bed that's not like this again

The 2026 interior design trends are like a warm hug from your best friend — and I'm here for every single one of them
By Sarah Harley last updated
The great thing about interior design trends is that you can pick and mix from them depending on your personal taste. Here's your menu for 2026 and we rate it

The best way to hang a wreath on your front door — after all, no-one wants a new front door on their Christmas list next year
By Sarah Harley published
Knowing the best way to hang a wreath on your front door is the key to a damage-free festive entrance. We share expert tips and tricks

Wondering why mould keeps appearing on your outside walls? Check out these expert tips on how to stop it and identify serious issues
By Sarah Harley last updated
If your exterior walls are looking mouldy, here's how to stop it. Plus, we look at when it might be a sign of something that requires further investigation
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