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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Bedroom trends 2023 - the styles, colours and materials to use now
The latest trends in bedroom decor according to design experts
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Wallpaper trends 2023 – the styles, colours and patterns to know now
The expert-led guide to the wallpaper trends of the year
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The rule of three is the secret behind every beautiful home - here's how it works
The tried and tested design trick
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Interior design experts reveal the colour rules you should be breaking
Which rules to break - and what you should be doing instead
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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What is a rain chain and why do you need one?
An inexpensive but stylish way to deal with rainfall
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Wet room ideas – the essential guide to creating the perfect shower space
The most inspirational designs, plus everything you need to know to add a wet room into your home
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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The 60-30-10 rule - what it is and how to use it to your advantage
The experts explain this decorating rule, how to achieve the look - and when you should be ignoring it
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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When is the best time to sow grass seed ? The experts tell us all
Find out when to do this job, how to prepare the ground and other top tips to ensure a lush, green lawn
By Thea Babington-Stitt
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Clever small kitchen layouts that will maximise even the tiniest of spaces
Expert advice on smart configurations to help boost the look and feel of space in a bijou kitchen
By Thea Babington-Stitt