
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

Extension snagging — what's involved, when should it be done and who's responsible?
By Sarah Harley published
Extension snagging can be time consuming but is a must do task. But, what falls into the category of snagging and who should remedy any problems? Here's the best advice for getting final sign off and a beautifully completed project

How much will a kitchen extension cost? Here's how to work out your budget when planning your new space
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead, Tim Phillips last updated
Although a number of factors will influence your final kitchen extension costs, our expert guide helps you work out how much to set aside

Is two dishwashers in a kitchen a good idea or appliance overload? Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of doubling up
By Sarah Harley published
Love the thought of two dishwashers in a kitchen, but wonder if you should double up? Experts share their thoughts on when two is better than one

How much will a new kitchen cost you in 2025?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
New kitchen costs can quickly mount up if you're not prepared. Here's what you can expect to pay if you're planning on investing in a new kitchen in 2025

18 loft conversion bathroom ideas to elevate your space
By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated
Adding a loft conversion bathroom when extending upwards is a great addition to the space. We've rounded up 18 ideas and expert advice to help you get it right

Which bathroom innovations and smart bathroom ideas can help future proof your washroom? Here's what the experts recommend
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're seeking hi-tech smart bathroom ideas or bathroom innovations to add a sense of luxury or longevity, these are the best options say our bathroom experts

Can you mix and match colours in a kitchen? Experts say yes — but only when you combine the right ingredients
By Sarah Harley published
Should you mix and match colours in a kitchen or not? Experts say colour combinations are possible and here's how to get it right

Found a self build plot? Follow these 13 steps to assess its potential
By Michael Holmes, Sarah Harley last updated
Knowing how to assess the potential of a self build plot is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Follow these 13 important checks before you seal the deal

I tested this eye-catching hot pink Arada bioethanol stove — here's why I recommend it for homes like mine
By Sarah Harley published
Bioethanol stoves heat your home using a liquid, smokeless fuel. But, is it true they don't produce much heat? Or are the comments all smoke without fire?

8 smart kitchen ideas to enhance how you use the space
By Sarah Harley published
Smart kitchen ideas should enhance your kitchen and how you use it. Here are the eight areas where smart design can impact how you use the space the most

Pantry or larder — is there a difference and which one do you need?
By Sarah Harley published
Not sure whether you need a pantry or larder? Here's the difference and how to choose the right one for your new kitchen

Electric shower vs mixer shower — which one do you need?
By Sarah Harley published
Not sure of the differences in an electric shower vs mixer shower? We explain how each one works so you can make sure the one you install runs fast and hot

Can you spot the back kitchen? How this trend gives you an instant tidy cooking space even if you don't have time to clear up
By Sarah Harley published
Is a clean and clear kitchen your goal? Beware. Once you find out what is a back kitchen, you'll need to increase your budget, as we guarantee you'll want one

13 small kitchen extension ideas that pack a compact but powerful culinary punch
By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf last updated
These small kitchen extensions ideas prove that with careful planning and joined up design, even compact spaces can serve your cooking needs perfectly well

Split level kitchen island ideas are on the rise. We've got 10 designs we're confident won't divide opinion
By Sarah Harley published
Split level kitchen island ideas could transform your island into something even harder working. Here's 10 ideas for a stylish and practical kitchen centrepiece

These 15 cottage bathroom ideas will transform a washroom even in the smallest of spaces
By Sarah Harley published
From classic to contemporary, we've compiled 15 cottage bathroom ideas that show how working with smaller spaces needn't be limiting

We asked an interior design expert how to remodel a kitchen. Here's what she recommends to get the best results
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Knowing how to remodel a kitchen isn't just as simple as replacing old with new. A good kitchen remodel will reimagine your space and sometimes even relocate it

Can eco friendly bathrooms be stylish and sustainable? Experts say yes and share their must-have choices
By Sarah Harley published
If an eco friendly bathroom sounds devoid of style, you need to think again say the experts. It can be just as stylish as a standard one – and longer lasting

Oak frame extensions add character and charm but what's involved? Find out in our expert guide
By Sarah Harley, Claire Lloyd last updated
Adding an oak frame extension is guaranteed to give your home a stylish makeover, so here's everything you need to know about choosing to extend in oak

Is hanging curtains in a kitchen a recipe for disaster? Experts say they're the perfect ingredient if you follow these 3 golden rules
By Sarah Harley published
Think of kitchen windows and it's likely blinds will spring to mind. But is hanging curtains in a kitchen ever a good idea? These experts say yes and here's why

These 10 walk in pantry ideas are perfect for anyone obsessed with organising their kitchen cupboards
By Sarah Harley published
Keen to keep kitchen clutter at bay? These 10 walk in pantry ideas could become the best kitchen design feature you didn't even know you needed....until now

Mocha Mousse, double drenching and a nod to nature. We take a look at 10 paint trends experts say will feature in our homes in 2025
By Sarah Harley last updated
From double drenching to food inspired shades, we lift the lid on 10 paint trends experts say will shape our interiors in 2025

How to avoid sleeping in your ski clothes – 6 essential tips for building an extension through winter
By Sarah Harley published
Building an extension through winter isn't for the faint-hearted. Follow these six essential tips to help survive the bad weather and mitigate delays
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