Thea Babington-Stitt
Thea is the Assistant Editor for the Ideal Home, website.
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 where she explored the possibilities of fiction writing or screenplays, but was drawn more and more into journalism. Realising her passion for magazines could translate into a career, after graduating in 2011, Thea then gained an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University, London.
Although she specialised in Security and Organised Crime (yes, random!) she wanted to work in a magazine genre that was something she could more naturally identify with. Thea spent some time working on fashion and lifestyle titles, everything from Stylist to The Mail on Sunday before styling her first nice flat rental made her realise her love of interior design.
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 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. Although she is yet to become a homeowner, Thea loves making her rental flat her own, and spends probably too much time idly designing her dream home.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?In my rental my favourite place to be is sitting on bed just as the sun goes down. The windows face West so the off-white walls and pink linen sheets glow the most amazing colours as a result. I love plants but with no garden or balcony, I also love my collection of potted plants in my living room which is getting, ahem, ever so slightly out of hand…
What is your home addiction?Aside from the aforementioned plants, 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?There’s not too much I can do where I am but I love helping friends plan how they can decorate their homes. One has moved into a wonderful fixer-upper in the Northern Irish countryside and I can’t wait to see the visions come to life!
Latest articles 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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Monty Don explains how to cut back lavender to ensure they bloom again
How and when to give these fragrant shrubs a trim to keep them in tip-top condition
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
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When is Black Friday? The key dates to know for 2023
When is Black Friday? We've got the answers to all your burning Black Friday questions ahead of the big day in November
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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We establish if The Grind One pod coffee machine is more than just an Instagram friendly buy
We know it brings a luxe aesthetic to your worktop, but we discover if it’s all style and no substance
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Country kitchen ideas to add authenticity and charm to the heart of your home
Give the heart of your home a taste of rural life with our top country kitchen ideas
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to prune tomato plants to ensure a delicious harvest
It doesn't take long, but you'll be rewarded for this effort
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The Ninja secret sale - how to get on the list
You can nab Ninja gadgets for less, but you'll have to be quick
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to water orchids - and, no, you shouldn't use an ice cube
Take the guesswork out of your watering
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Gorgeous living room colour schemes to make your home the envy of all your friends
Who needs a single colour living room when you can have two? Our living room colour schemes have got you covered
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Picnic table paint ideas to bring new life to your garden
Whether you're a painting novice or a DIY pro
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The 5 Joseph Joseph items I wish I'd waited until Prime Day to buy
Learn from my mistakes and grab these savings while you can
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Act fast! The Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier is ridiculously affordable this Prime Day
It'll be tricky to find a better air purifier deal this Prime Day...
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The limited edition copper Ninja Dual Zone air fryer is now sold out - here's what to buy instead
If you missed out on the copper Amazon-exclusive Ninja Food Max Dual Zone air fryer, we have good news - there's another choice
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to grow lavender from seed - yes, dried seed heads count!
Grow this fragrant shrub right from seed without breaking a sweat (or the bank)
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Wood burners vs central heating - which one is right for your home?
The expert guide to choosing between two of the most popular ways of heating
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The chic outdoor entertaining essential your garden is missing - move over outdoor kitchens
Cookery writer Skye McAlpine explains how to achieve this season's coolest entertaining essential
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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How to get rid of mosquitoes and keep your family bite-free
Make your home an insect-proof fortress with these natural and effective solutions
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Stylish succulent garden ideas to bring a new look to your space
Whether you want to plant in the ground, in pots or create a decorative display...
By Thea Babington-Stitt