Ellen Finch
Ellen is deputy editor of Livingetc magazine, a job she thinks might just be the best in journalism – after all, what’s better than compiling pages of the best ideas and most beautiful homes from around the world every month? After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, she spent a year working at a true life media agency before starting her career in interiors journalism in 2017, where she joined Real Homes magazine as features editor. There she coordinated shoots, sought expert advice from designers and architects, and interviewed homeowners and renters about their passion projects – and kickstarted a love for design that’s driven her career ever since. She became deputy editor at the title in 2020 before moving to Livingetc two years later, thrilled to be able to write across architecture, design and travel with an eye on what’s going on in the fashion and food worlds, too. In her current role Ellen works with our talented art and production teams to publish the monthly print magazine, which features pages and pages of the most inspiring homes around the globe, interviews with leading interior designers and tastemakers, reporting on the hottest trends, and shopping edits of the best new pieces to refresh your space. From time to time she writes for other titles across Future, including Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc.
Of course, being surrounded by so much inspiration makes it tricky to decide what to do first in her own home – not exactly the worst issue to have. She bought her flat in a converted Victorian house in the Midlands (UK) in 2023, and has since set about investing in timeless furniture pieces (her best purchase: the widest, deepest, butter yellow sofa she could find), finding new ways to display her growing ceramics collection and establishing a tiny but much-loved balcony garden. When budget allows, she’s excited to renovate her bathroom and update her kitchen – her moodboard right now is all rich wood cabinets, glossy zellige tiles and plenty of open shelving for her considerable hoard of recipe books (it’s a bit of a problem). She’s obsessed with the work of Laura Gonzalez, YSG Studio and Rodolphe Parente, but finds inspiration everywhere – from Toronto stylist Katie Merchant’s Substack to the art of Alice Neel or the oh-so-cozy library at the Ibiza Gran Hotel.
In her spare time, Ellen can be found pottering around watering (and, ahem, talking to) her plants, reading her way through her overstacked bookshelf (favorite book: Olivia Laing’s Crudo) or planning her next holiday. She’s a semi-regular member of two local book clubs and enjoys volunteering as a mentor for young women from disadvantaged communities. She’s a big foodie and enjoys researching vibey new restaurants like it’s her second job, but she’s just as happy trying out new recipes in her tiny kitchen, preferably with glass of wine in hand and a good podcast playing in the background.
Latest articles by Ellen Finch
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Are these the world's best modern dining room ideas? 10 stylish spaces with forward-thinking designs
Need fine dining inspiration? Look no further – these modern dining room ideas are packed with designer secrets
By Ellen Finch Last updated
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How can I get a kitchen island on a budget? 8 ideas to cut costs without compromising on style
From reclaimed furniture to mixed materials, these kitchen island ideas on a budget will help you achieve the look you want for less
By Ellen Finch Published
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Is it okay to have more than one mirror in a room? This is the one instance designers say it's never okay
Great design or style faux pas? We asked the experts for their thoughts on multiple mirrors – and how to use them to the best effect
By Ellen Finch Published
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What colors make a room feel bigger and brighter? Designers share their tips for space-enhancing schemes
These are the colors to choose for small and dark spaces – plus tips on how to use them for the best effect
By Ellen Finch Published
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How do you choose a color scheme for a living room? Designers share their secrets for a put-together look
Picking a living room color scheme is more than just choosing your favorite paint – here's how to establish a successful palette
By Ellen Finch Published
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Should you always paint a ceiling white? Designers explain when to go against this classic decor rule
We spoke to the experts about when and when not to paint a ceiling white – and what to try instead for a little extra pizzazz
By Ellen Finch Published
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Architects are loving a new design trend which makes your home desk space more beautiful and creative
Done right, a built-in desk can pay homage to a home's unique character – no wonder architects and designers are embracing it
By Ellen Finch Published
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Curtain trends – the colors, patterns and looks designers predict will be big in 2023
Get ahead of the curve with these five design-forward curtain trends for the new year – as envisioned by the experts
By Ellen Finch Published
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The best fall flowers to plant for autumnal color in your garden
We asked the experts for their favorite fall flowers to plant – here's what they recommend for an injection of vibrancy
By Ellen Finch Last updated
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How to add texture to your walls - a beginner's guide to the many beautiful plaster finishes
Indulge in a bit of textural healing and go rogue with your next decorating project – these are the wall finishes designers love
By Ellen Finch Published
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Is carpet out of style? Designers share how they’re using it now – and what to try instead
We spoke to the experts to ask if carpet is still on-trend – and how to make it work in a modern home
By Ellen Finch Published
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5 fresh takes on the painted arch trend that will convince you to try out the look
The painted arch trend is going nowhere – and we love these ideas for getting the look in a sophisticated scheme
By Ellen Finch Published
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Are curtains out of style? Top interior designers on how to choose them now and what to use instead
We ask the tastemakers if curtains are still on-trend – and how to work them in a contemporary scheme
By Ellen Finch Published