Features Writer

Ellie Tennant

What do you do? 'I write features for the magazine, supplements and website, so I'm always hunting for great news stories and going to press shows to see the latest trends.'

What do you love about Ideal Home? 'It's a very fun and friendly team to work on and the work here is really varied. There's never a dull moment.'

Favourite shop? 'Cath Kidston. I am absolutely addicted to vintage floral patterns and I love her cute accessories and lovely wallpaper designs. I also love Pedlars for quirky gifts, Plumo for beautiful home accessories, Clare Nicolson for gorgeous cushions and Petra Boase for funky patterns. I like Lisa Stickley too – her quirky vintage style is right up my street.'

How would you describe your style? 'Shabby-chic. I love old furniture and unusual retro finds.'

Favourite item in your home? 'It's too difficult to choose just one thing. I love my vintage chapel chairs – my boyfriend's father got them for us from a local church when they were thrown out. I also really love my 1950s kitchen cupboards, which are painted bright green. They're perfect for storing my collection of vintage teacups and plates. My best buy is my Suffolk white bedstead, from Tesco Direct. It was an absolute steal, but it looks like an expensive piece of furniture.'

Best decorating tip 'I am a great believer in recycling. A lot of my furniture is second-hand from markets and junk shops. You can do wonders with a lick of paint and a bit of imagination! With second-hand finds you can give your home a unique look, and it's better for the environment than buying everything new.'

Worst decorating mistake? 'A dodgy floral stencilled border in my old bathroom. We live and learn!'

Most suprising thing? 'I used to live in a haunted house!'

Contact Ellie: ellie_tennant@ipcmedia.com

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