
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

21 sunroom ideas to bring the outdoors in all year round
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves last updated
Sunroom ideas can bring in light and a sense of the outdoors, all year round, when you get the design and placement right

How much value does an extension add and which type could reap the biggest reward?
By Sarah Harley published
Choosing to add an extension is usually based on increasing space and improving your relationship with your home. But how much value does each type add and is it only about the money?

If you're building or renovating a home, here's 27 house design ideas worth saving to your wish list
By Sarah Harley, Claire Lloyd last updated
Finding the right house design ideas can take lots of time and research which is where we can help. We've rounded up 27 of our favourite ideas for you to peruse

Kitchen extension ventilation — what's involved and how to get it right
By Sarah Harley published
Follow these expert kitchen ventilation extension tips to help ensure your new space, and the rest of your home remains odour and moisture free

5 kitchen layout mistakes and how design experts say you can avoid them
By Sarah Harley published
Kitchen layout mistakes can be costly and result in an unusable space. These are the 5 main mistakes according to experts and how to steer clear of them

Why the viewpoint needs to be practical and pretty when designing a kitchen for an upside down house layout
By Sarah Harley published
Designing a kitchen for an upside down house layout is usually about maximising on the view. But what do you need to consider from a practical point of view?

15 charming farmhouse kitchen lighting ideas that celebrate countrycore style
By Sarah Harley published
Looking for farmhouse kitchen lighting ideas? Here's 15 that are perfect whether you're lighting a farmhouse or just a fan of a cosy and eclectic countryside feel

25 wall panelling ideas to add a new dimension to your interiors
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf last updated
From bedrooms to bathrooms, living rooms to hallways, wall panelling ideas can transform a humble wall into a focal point. Here's 25 ideas to inspire you

How to convert a barn: An expert guide to a successful countryside conversion
By Michael Holmes, Sarah Harley last updated
The decision to convert a barn presents the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home packed with character. Follow this expert advice to get it right

Moving a kitchen to another room isn't a task for the faint-hearted. Here's what to consider before you start
By Sarah Harley published
Think your kitchen could serve you better if it was relocated to another room? Find out just what's involved and if you think it's still worth it

How much does it cost to build an oak frame home? Here's how much to set aside and how to stay on budget
By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated
We take a look at what is the cost of an oak frame home to help you set a realistic budget for this type of self build or custom build project

29 kitchen ideas from colours to cabinetry and layouts to lighting, to help you create your perfect cooking space
By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Turn your kitchen from everyday into extraordinary with these 29 kitchen ideas that will help inspire your next kitchen makeover or new build

These are 5 hotel bathroom ideas experts say won't work in your home, plus 5 you can include instead
By Sarah Harley published
Tempted to replicate your favourite hotel bathroom ideas at home? Experts say these are the ones to avoid and instead share alternatives which combine style and practicality in equal measures

Why solid wooden flooring in a bathroom isn't a good idea — plus, what to use instead
By Sarah Harley published
Although solid wooden flooring in a bathroom may look good, it's a bad idea say experts. Instead, here's how to get the look without the risk

14 kitchen innovations that are on my kitchen wish-list — and why you should add them to yours
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
If a hi-tech culinary zone is your dream, take a look at the latest kitchen innovations that don't just look good, but also improve how your kitchen performs

Get your pantry design right warn the experts or it could be a waste of time, space and money
By Sarah Harley published
Get your pantry design wrong and it could become nothing more than a wasted space. Here's what the experts advise when it comes to size, layout and storage tips

21 kitchen layout ideas that will serve up a kitchen that's practical, purposeful and above all else, perfectly stylish
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Getting your kitchen layout ideas right is key to making sure your kitchen is easy to work in, as well as being worthy of its position as the heart of your home

An expert guide to MVHR: everything you need to know about this ventilation system
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
MVHR – mechanical ventilation with heat recovery helps to improve airflow and energy efficiency, experts explain what's involved

9 Japanese bathroom ideas to embrace — and the one to avoid adding to your wash space
By Sarah Harley published
Japanese bathroom ideas can be simplistic, stylish and enhance many bathroom designs. Which ones should you choose and are there any to avoid?

Eco houses: An expert guide on what it means to build an eco home
By Sarah Harley, Tim Pullen last updated
Considering building an eco house? There are several ways to approach your project depending on what you want to achieve. We explore the options

Why having a freestanding bath in a small bathroom is possible — and how to get it right
By Sarah Harley published
Think freestanding baths are for large bathrooms only? We think you'll change your mind once you've read our expert-led guide to including one in a small space

Considering a loft conversion? Here's what you need to know
By Michael Holmes, Sarah Harley last updated
Adding a loft conversion is one of the best and most cost effective ways to get more space without extending your home's footprint – but is it the right route for you? Our expert guide explains the key factors you need to know

Does a pantry add value? Yes say the experts but make sure you add these key elements into the mix
By Sarah Harley published
Kitchen pantries have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, but does adding one add any value? If so, how much and what can you do to maximise its worth?
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