Anna K. Cottrell
Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She is interested in how people make houses into homes, and how our concepts of what's stylish change over time. On H&G, she specializes in writing about property – buying, selling, renting, mortgages – sustainability, and eco issues. These are areas that really interest her and she loves nothing more than getting to the detail of a difficult subject. She rents her home and is always looking at ways to make it cozy without having to do major DIY.
Latest articles by Anna K. Cottrell
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7 practical ways to upgrade your curb appeal in a weekend
Real estate professionals advise on the best ways to upgrade your curb appeal in a weekend.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Is waxing floors a good idea? Experts explain the pros and cons
Wondering if waxing your floors is a good idea? Here's what you need to know about the art of floor waxing.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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How to design a home that stays cool – 5 essential tips that will save you money long-term
Here's how to build a home that stays cool, even without air conditioning.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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How to dust and clean a chandelier without breaking it – 3 tips from professionals
Dusty chandelier? Here's what you need to do to get it sparkling again.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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These 8 genius laundry hacks will help you conquer mounting piles of laundry
Professional home organizers swear by these laundry organization hacks to stay on top of their laundry
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Conquer your laundry with our straightforward guide to washing machine settings
Our essential guide to washing machine settings will help you get the most out of your washer, whatever brand or model you have.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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5 common rhubarb mistakes – and how to avoid them
Avoid these rhubarb growing pitfalls to ensure healthy plants and strong yields
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to fix chipped paint on interior walls – advice from expert painters
We've asked professional painters how to fix chipped paint on walls. Here's the expert advice for DIY-solving the problem.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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7 raised bed gardening mistakes – for a bumper flower, fruit and vegetable harvest
Here’s what the experts avoid in their raised beds – to promote strong plants and an abundant vegetable crop
By Anna K. Cottrell Last updated
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Cleaners reveal how to dust open shelves without damaging your belongings
Here's how to dust open shelves without damaging your belongings, according to professional cleaners.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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This is how to cool down a bedroom fast, even if you don't have an air conditioner
Struggling to sleep in a hot bedroom with no AC Unit? Here's how to cool down a bedroom fast, according to experts
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Experts reveal 10 things you should never buy at an estate sale
Spend wisely: these are the things you should never buy at an estate sale, according to experts
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Experts share their secrets for separating trash from treasure at an estate sale
From timing your visit to picking through the items, these are expert estate sale tips for separating trash from treasure
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Experts share the best ways to organize deep drawers to maximize space
Here are the best ways to organize deep drawers in different rooms in your home
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Is hard water ruining your plumbing? Here's how to fix it once and for all
Professional plumbers give their advice on how to fix hard water in your home
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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6 ways to future-proof your home against extreme weather – your home (and wallet) will thank you
Here's how to future-proof your home against extreme weather, according to experts.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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How to find the perfect architect for your next home renovation project
Renovating your home? Here's how to find the right architect for your home renovation
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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We asked designers how to aesthetically organize a closet – this is what they suggest
We asked interior designers how to aesthetically organize a closet to be both functional and beautiful to look at
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Are these design and layout mistakes making your home feel depressing?
Find out if your interior design choices are making your home look sad; plus, interior designers give advice on what to do instead.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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9 ways to future-proof your home for later life
Want to future-proof your home for later life? Here's how to do it, according to home improvement experts.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Is your home as healthy as it could be – experts recommend these five upgrades to improve wellbeing
Enhance your physical and mental health with these expert-recommended healthy home upgrades.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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5 key signs it's time to repot your snake plant – plus expert tips on how to do it
Identify when your favorite indoor plant has outgrown its current home
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Why are my orchid flowers falling off? These houseplant experts have the answers
What's happening to your orchid flowers and how to fix the problem
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Are these design mistakes making your home feel colder?
Interior designers name the top mistakes that make your home feel cold and give top tips for creating a warm and cozy interior instead.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published