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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These are Monty Don's favorite tender annuals – and his top tips to succeed in growing them
Gardening guru Monty Don shares his top picks of colorful tender annual plants – and wise tips for growing them well
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Gardener Scott's top 5 tips for companion planting – they will change the way you think about growing plants together
Is companion planting all it's cracked up to be? What plants should be grown together? Gardener Scott answers your questions
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Painting your bathroom this color will add thousands to the value of your home – but choose the shade carefully
This bathroom color adds value to your home and looks great in almost any bathroom
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Lake Tahoe is the best place to own a second home in the US – here's why
If you're thinking of purchasing a vacation home and renting it out, there's no place like Lake Tahoe
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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US demand for backyard greenhouses is growing – here's why
Backyard greenhouses are more popular than ever; not only do they look great, but they may also provide solutions for many problems US gardeners now face
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Lumber prices soar amid housing boom and severe timber shortages – this is what homeowners need to know
A lumber shortage is driving up prices, making an average US home $24,000 more expensive to build. Here's what's the behind the extraordinary price hikes
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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The top 5 backyard improvements that add value to your home – and what not to do
Does improving your backyard actually add value to your home? We investigate
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Gardener Scott's top tips on protecting plants from frost – even in late spring
Late frosts have been hitting much of the Northern Hemisphere this spring; here's what you should and shouldn't do to keep your plants safe, according to Gardener Scott
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Monty Don top 3 tips for supporting plants – and why you need to do it now
Supporting plants is crucial to beautiful borders; do it right with these top tips from gardening guru Monty Don
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Selling your home? This is the best week of the year to list it
Research reveals that right now is the best week for selling a home – but be sure to list it before the weekend for best results
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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This is the kitchen color combination most likely to add value to your home – and buyers love it
New analysis shows the unexpected kitchen color combination that can add value to your home – and which buyers find most attractive
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Sun mapping a garden is essential for planting success – Gardener Scott tips will help you get it right
Sun map your garden to see a dramatic difference in the health of your plants; follow Gardener Scott's easy tips for creating your own sun map
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Why pricing your home right is crucial when selling – property experts warn
Pricing your home right is an absolute must if you want to sell your home fast; real estate experts explain what pricing a home correctly means
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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5 gardening mistakes that spoil our gardens – and really frustrate us
These gardening mistakes are easy to keep making year after year; Gardener Scott give his tips for eliminating them and enjoying a better garden
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Biophilic design is 2021's most exciting new interior trend – how to use it in your home
Biophilic design is great news for our homes and gardens; architects and interior designers give their top tips on easily incorporating it into your home
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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The trees that increase property value – and the ones that will lose you money
Here's what to look for to identify trees that increase property value – and those that will reduce it
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Does a home theater increase home value? Here's what real estate experts say
The answer to this question will depend on several factors – here's what they are, according to experts
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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These are the two rooms to spend your budget on – if you want to increase the value of your home
If you want to increase the value of your home post-pandemic, you're guaranteed to benefit from spending money on these areas of your home
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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5 hotel decoration secrets for backyards – to transform your al fresco dining area in time for summer
Missing the pleasure of dining out in an impeccably-designed outdoor lounge in a hotel? A luxury interior and hotel designer advises on hotel decoration in your back yard
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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The best paint colors for selling a house – interior designers advise
If you're looking for the best paint colors for selling a house quickly, you're in the right place. We have interior design advice for using them, too
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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5 best ways to cut house moving costs – as revealed by consumer experts
You can cut your moving costs, and these are the top ways to do so
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Sarah Raven shares her favorite herb for growing in a small garden – and how to look after it
Sarah Raven sings the praises of the 'overlooked' plant that can make for a stunning display in your garden if grown correctly
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Home prices surge, but homeowners aren't selling: here's the one thing you should do if you're a buyer
As home prices continue to surge, there are fewer and fewer listings for buyers to choose from; here's why homeowners are wary of selling, according to a property expert
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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4 compromises home buyers should never make – according to a property expert
Buying a house requires flexibility and compromise, but these are the non-negotiables, according to a property expert
By Anna K. Cottrell Published