Karen Darlow
An experienced writer on interiors and gardens, Karen Darlow is houses editor for homesandgardens.com, and homes editor for Period Living. She loves visiting historic houses for Period Living and says by the time she’s finished an interview with a homeowner she’s always got a handful of new ideas to try in her own house, as well as plenty of good stories for the magazine. She began her career as a sub editor at Hi-Fi News and Record Review magazine, starting to write album reviews just as they switched from vinyl to CD releases. Her move to women’s magazines came soon after, in the shape of Living magazine, a forerunner of the supermarkets’ own magazines, which covered cookery, fashion, beauty, homes and gardening. The standout moment was meeting the Body Shop’s founder, the late Anita Roddick, who Karen says was every bit as dynamic – and fun – as you’d expect.
From Living Karen moved to Ideal Home magazine, where as deputy chief sub, then chief sub, she started to really take an interest in properties, architecture, interior design and gardening.
After a career break to raise a family of three boys, she freelanced as a writer and book editor – on topics as diverse as gardening, cookery, art, education, health and beauty – before returning to work full time as homes editor for Period Living magazine.
Karen is a real Francophile and adores France, (French wine and cheese!) and French country style interiors. She likes featuring rustic Scandi homes, and is now fast becoming an expert on US home style reference points. She enjoys talking to interior designers and homeowners from all over the world and hearing about the choices they make and the challenges they face in putting together some of the beautiful interiors we feature in the world’s best homes here at homesandgardens.com
Latest articles by Karen Darlow
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Downsizing? Here's how to edit cherished furnishings for a stylish new beginning
Downsizing is a big move, but as this Texas home shows, with expert help, the results – and the process – can be uplifting
By Karen Darlow Published
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See how calming neutrals and a zen-like feel blend with rustic style in this modern farmhouse home
Warm whites, grays and luxurious textures are layered to perfection in this sophisticated and relaxing space
By Karen Darlow Published
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How do you update a heritage NYC apartment without losing the charming original details? Designer Joshua Smith knows
Transitional style was key to ensure this period home maintained its character but was still suited to modern life, here designer Joshua Smith talks us through the project
By Karen Darlow Published
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Old, new, and retro-Southern styles are balanced to perfection in this charming Texas home
Inspired by the owners' eclectic tastes and retro collections, this Texas home is a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll
By Karen Darlow Published
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This calm coastal new build features some of the best built-ins we've ever seen
Warm woods and earthy shades give this East Coast home a refined Californian vibe, but we're obsessing over the bespoke built-ins and storage solutions
By Karen Darlow Published
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How to update a historic home for modern living – 9 lessons we learned from this artful redesign
Updating a heritage home without losing its unique features and charm – Lisa Schwert of Innate Studio shows how it's done
By Karen Darlow Published
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This small London apartment is a jewel box of color and pattern, filled with unexpected design moments
The London pied-à-terre of a French collector, this apartment is filled with the kind of design that delights the eye
By Karen Darlow Published
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Is cream paint back on trend? 7 ways interior designers use this once shunned shade
Cream paint is enjoying a bit of a moment. Interior designers reveal their favorite shades and how to use them
By Karen Darlow Published
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This cozy mountain cabin became a home for all seasons, with elegant interiors and a stunning lakeside view
More calm retreat than all-action ski chalet, this Nevada home's layered interiors reflect its beautiful lakeside setting
By Karen Darlow Published
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'Start with the art' was this interior designer's mantra for an elegant townhouse
A historic townhouse has a luxurious new look, all designed around its impressive views and even more impressive art collection
By Karen Darlow Published
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Which small updates make the biggest difference to your home? We asked interior designers
It's all in the detail – discover which small updates make the biggest difference to your home, according to the experts
By Karen Darlow Published
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This California wine country home will surprise and delight you with its English country house style
Textured wallcoverings and floral notes restored the sparkle in this Napa Valley home, adding English country house style
By Karen Darlow Published
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10 transitional design lessons we learned from this luxurious penthouse that blends antiques with contemporary decor
This elegant city apartment design started with the antiques and artwork, before adding luxe textiles and wallcoverings
By Karen Darlow Published
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This cozy mountain home mixes modern minimalism with retro log cabin cool – and looks good in all weather
Modern interiors combine with retro charm to create the perfect holiday hideaway in the Canadian mountains
By Karen Darlow Published
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12 ways to modernize an outdated kitchen without totally replacing it
How do you update a kitchen without changing everything in one go? Designers share some budget-friendly quick fixes
By Karen Darlow Published
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10 lessons on how to balance work and life in your interiors from a chic apartment that doubles as an office
Mixing business with pleasure – how this New Orleans pied-à-terre became a multi-functional space with style
By Karen Darlow Published
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How can you update a living room without buying anything new? 7 interior designers share their most simple ideas
Can you improve the look of your living room without spending money? Interior designers say yes you can – here's how
By Karen Darlow Published
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This 1930's Beverly Hills remodel proves that being bold with pattern and color can really bring a home to life
This major remodel of a 1930s home in Beverly Hills not only created extra space, but added bold color and pattern too
By Karen Darlow Published
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Step inside a redesigned LA home that showcases the art of quiet luxury and simple elegance
Designed by California's architect to the stars, Robert L Earl, this LA home's recent remodel is the essence of refined luxury
By Karen Darlow Published
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How do you redesign a home fast? This 90s-style home was remodeled with small and speedy changes – here are the steps the designer swears by
Here's how designer Carolyn Brandwajn overhauled an entire home in under six months
By Karen Darlow Published
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6 calming colors to create an instantly more restful scheme
The calming color schemes design experts say we all should know about to create a tranquil home – and what to avoid
By Karen Darlow Published
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6 soothing decorating ideas that will bring calm to your home
Looking for soothing decorating ideas for all around the home? Interior design experts share their favorite ways to create calm
By Karen Darlow Published
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How to turn a blank canvas into a warm and welcoming home – 8 lessons to take from this San Francisco redesign
Adding character to this once-neutral property created a relaxed family home with a mid-century modern appeal
By Karen Darlow Published
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A heritage home that perfectly blends traditional and modern interiors
This historic San Francisco home mixes traditional and modern styles for a relaxed family living space
By Karen Darlow Published