Anna Cottrell
Anna is Consumer Editor across Future's home brands. She moved to the world of interiors from academic research in the field of English Literature and photography. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor, consumer rights, and gardening.
Anna Cottrell
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3 ways your garden can save you money – and add value
Your garden can save you money while making your property more desirable at the same time – here's how
By Anna Cottrell •
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How to plant window boxes – 10 easy steps to create a beautiful display
A beginner's guide on how to plant window boxes properly. What to line yours with, how to secure it and planting techniques for a beautiful floral display – outside and in.
By Anna Cottrell •
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Best kitchen knives 2021: knife sets for home chefs at every budget
These are the best kitchen knives of 2021 for slicing, dicing, chopping and carving. Keep reading for our top picks
By Anna Cottrell •
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Do house plants remove carbon dioxide from homes?
Do plants absorb CO2 from the air in your home? We take a look at the science behind the claim that plants reduce your carbon footprint
By Anna Cottrell •
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The most common hot tub myths, busted – and the one thing you must do to keep your tub safe for use
Do hot tubs cause skin rashes? What about spray tan – can you use a hot tub if you've got one? The myths – and truths – of hot tub use, revealed
By Anna Cottrell •
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10 best bedroom plants for better air quality and a beautiful sleeping space
The best bedroom plants will perfect your serene decor scheme and purify the air too. These are the varieties that produce the most oxygen for a relaxed, healthy environment.
By Anna Cottrell •
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3 things you didn't know reduce home value
If you are selling a home, be aware of these value-reducing features
By Anna Cottrell •
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We tried the dishwasher tablet in shower hack – here's what happened
Should you put a dishwasher tablet in the shower to clean it? We've tested the latest cleaning craze ourselves so you don't have to
By Anna Cottrell •
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Decluttering? Science says you should always start with this space
There's now scientific research that suggests you should declutter certain spaces before others to make the most of your organizing efforts.
By Anna Cottrell •
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How to grow sweet peas – from seed, in pots or not for fragrant flowers
Grow sweet peas easily from seed, in a pot or border to enjoy their colorful, scented flowers – perfect for picking and a spectacular garden feature.
By Anna Cottrell •
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12 easy flowers to grow in pots, in the garden or inside your home
Easy flowers: Add color to your garden or other outdoor space with these simple florals that anyone can bring to bloom, outside or in!
By Anna Cottrell •
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This is best time in the week to sell your house for more – and faster
If you want to guarantee your house will sell, and want to sell for more money, choosing the right day to send your listing live is crucial
By Anna Cottrell •
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How to grow cucumbers – from seed, in pots, vertically or in your vegetable patch
Grow cucumbers from seed in a pot, up trellis or in a garden patch. Plus, what to do with the flowers...
By Anna Cottrell •
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How to lay a patio yourself – prepare the ground for pavers, using cement or not
How to lay a patio: DIY with our 10-step guide. How to prep the ground to install a patio on grass or not, using cement, or not...
By Anna Cottrell •
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Gardening for beginners: 20 ways to get started without a green thumb
Gardening for beginners is easier than you think – especially if you read our guide for the best planting techniques and more.
By Anna Cottrell •
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30 patio ideas – how to design and style a big or small patio, on a budget or not
Patio ideas: Get your patio layout and look perfect. with our guide. Create a cool look that is functional too – without a big spend.
By Anna Cottrell •
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Interior designer reveals the 4 things you should never buy new - from mirrors to bedframes
These are the things you should never buy new for your home, according to interior designer Rebecca Hay
By Anna Cottrell •
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13 garden edging ideas – keep your lawn in place and your borders neat
Garden edging ideas: Neaten up your lawn and planting with brick, wood or other budget-friendly lawn edging solutions.
By Anna Cottrell •
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Housing market forecast: home values show early signs of having peaked
The latest housing market forecast is showing that home value growth may finally be flattening, with more sellers ready to enter the market
By Anna Cottrell •
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Garden room ideas: 23 modern designs for all garden sizes, and budgets
Garden room ideas: Be inspired to take your WFH space, living or cinema room and more outside into a great garden room. Big or small garden, lots of budget or not.
By Camille Dubuis-Welch •
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Avoid these 3 kitchen colors if you want to sell your home, experts say
If you're selling your house, these the kitchen colors to avoid –they're not just off-putting for buyers, but will reduce the value of your home
By Anna Cottrell •
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10 shade plants – best flowering and evergreen plants for low-light gardens
Shade plants: Best 10 perennial, evergreen shade loving plants that will flower and thrive in low-light conditions.
By Anna Cottrell •
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30 simple garden ideas – easy and speedy upgrades for a stylish outdoor space
Simple garden ideas: Upgrade your outdoor space – big or small – with minimal effort, time and budget but great results
By Anna Cottrell •
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How to make compost: 7 steps to make your own at home
Learn how to make compost at home in seven easy steps, whether you have a bin or want to create a compost heap.
By Anna Cottrell •
