Karen Darlow

I'm the homes editor of Period Living magazine and an experienced writer on interiors and gardens. I've also moved house quite a few times – totting up 10 homes in 12 years during a particularly nomadic time in my life. I like to think that makes me quite the homes expert, or at least very experienced and with a clear idea of what I like and don't like in a home.
I love visiting and writing about old houses for Homes & Gardens' sister magazine Period Living and working with photographers to capture all kinds of historic properties. It's inspiring to talk to people about their traditional homes and to hear the stories behind their furnishing and decorating choices. And by the time I've finished an interview with a homeowner I've always got a handful of new ideas to try in my own house, as well as plenty of good stories for the magazine. It's the perfect work-life balance.
Latest articles by Karen Darlow
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Cottage hallway ideas – style inspiration to create a welcoming space
Be inspired by these ideas for cottage hallways – decorating, furnishing and style advice
By Karen Darlow •
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Monty Don's top 5 vegetable gardening tips – what to plant this weekend
The celebrity gardener shares five important vegetable gardening tips for the kitchen garden in March and April
By Karen Darlow •
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Enter the Period Living Home & Garden of the Year awards
If you feel proud of your period home or garden, enter Period Living's Home & Garden of the Year awards and you could win a cash prize of up to £2,000
By Karen Darlow •
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Are stinging nettle benefits to be believed? Top chef Jamie Oliver says yes – we investigate
Nutritious, delicious and good for wildlife, stinging nettles deserve a second glance and a place on our plates, and the time to pick them is now say foraging experts
By Karen Darlow •
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Cottage bedroom ideas – design inspiration for cozy restful spaces
Be inspired by these key design ideas to create a relaxing bedroom scheme full of characterful cottage style
By Karen Darlow •
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Monty Don shares his simple tips for dividing herbaceous perennials
Now's the time to split herbaceous plants to rejuvenate growth and boost their flower power. The celebrity gardener explains how to divide and conquer
By Karen Darlow •
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3 reasons why we're choosing traditional bedroom style for comfort right now
Thinking about a nostalgic look for your bedroom? Experts explain why looking to the past hits the style notes
By Karen Darlow •
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Traditional bedroom ideas – 11 ways to combine tradition, luxury and comfort
These traditional bedroom ideas, from antique brass bedsteads to inviting window seats, will bring sweet dreams every night
By Karen Darlow •
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Monty Don's plant support ideas and tips will ensure showy blooms – and you can even make your own
The TV gardening guru’s simple plant support ideas will keep garden showstoppers high and mighty throughout the flowering season
By Karen Darlow •