
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

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?

17 real-life eco homes that perfectly blend style and sustainability
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves last updated
If you're looking at eco homes we've rounded up 17 real life projects that are not only environmentally friendly, but also unquestionably stylish

Could an oak frame conservatory be the extension idea you need?
By Sarah Harley last updated
Oak frame conservatories invite natural light and garden views into your home. Read on to discover everything you need to know from the rules and regulations to designs and costs

What is bookmatching and could this luxurious finish elevate your kitchen design?
By Sarah Harley published
Subtle, but extremely effective, we take a look at the technique of bookmatching and how it can add a layer of extra luxury to your kitchen design

15 cottage kitchen ideas to transform your cooking space into a whimsical hideaway
By Sarah Harley published
Whether you're seeking cottage kitchen ideas for renovating, or simply love the cosy feel of one, here's 15 ideas guaranteed to turn you into cottage-core fan

Are open plan bathrooms only for the brave, or are they a concept worth considering in your bathroom design?
By Sarah Harley published
Can open plan bathrooms ever work, or is the bathroom a space where broken-plan design will always work best?

The four kitchen island mistakes to avoid at all costs, according to interior designers
By Sarah Harley published
Having the extra functionality of a kitchen island can make your kitchen experience even better. But what are the main kitchen island mistakes to avoid and why?

Steer clear of these 14 extension mistakes say the experts if you want to avoid delays, extra costs or even a disaster
By Michael Holmes, Sarah Harley last updated
Planning on extending? Avoid these 14 extension mistakes to ensure your build progresses smoothly and without any major hitches

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
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