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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Creating zoned spaces in a modern open plan? This Texas home turns it into a fine art
A contemporary take on a country home, with a smart floor plan that works equally well for togetherness and privacy
By Karen Darlow Published
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Does a coffee table make a room look bigger or smaller? Design experts share a magic formula
What effect can a coffee table have on your space? Interior designers share their tips and a design secret to help you get it right
By Karen Darlow Published
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This Paris home blends classic American design notes with effortless French style
It's chic, smart and classically elegant, and yes, that really is the Eiffel Tower that you can see from the bathtub
By Karen Darlow Published
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Farmhouse style gets a luxury rethink in this characterful country home
Casual yet sophisticated, with a country aesthetic that's both rustic and elegant, this Houston Oaks home is full of pleasing contrasts
By Karen Darlow Published
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This cabin home turns 1970s style and pared-back minimalism into a winning combo
Tour this dreamy mountain cabin - and get ready for retro cool and chilled-out neutrals in this perfect treetop hideaway
By Karen Darlow Published
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Vintage furniture and heritage prints give this historic Californian home a look that's very now
Designer Caitlin Flemming borrowed the colors of the landscape and added extra vintage charm to update this historic home
By Karen Darlow Published
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Yes, you can have it all – casual elegance and smart luxe finishes are balanced to perfection in this welcoming home
One house, two roles: a relaxed setting for weekend crowds, and a cosy weekday home for a family of three. Here's how it works
By Karen Darlow Published
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A sympathetic restoration has transformed this 17th-century Grade II listed converted barn into a rural masterpiece
Removing the orange wood and worn carpets left over from its 1980s conversion has transformed this barn and put the focus back on its glorious original features
By Karen Darlow Published
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10 ways British coastal decor meets Christmas in this interior designer's cute cottage
Renowned designer Katharine Pooley shows us how to bring Christmas alive in a coastal cottage
By Karen Darlow Published
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How to prune hibiscus – to keep them flowering for longer
Learn the simple art of how to prune hibiscus to keep your plant in good shape and to maximize blooms
By Karen Darlow Last updated
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This fully renovated London townhouse expertly blends antiques and modern design classics
A curated collection of antiques, artwork and more recent design classics sit side by side in this renovated London home
By Karen Darlow Published
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This ancient thatched cottage has had new life breathed into it
Restoring this beautiful old thatched cottage using traditional methods and materials breathed new life into its ancient frame
By Karen Darlow Published
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This charming country cottage is full of pretty ideas for stylish vintage looks
Mixing floral fabrics with toile print wallpapers and antique treasures gives this cottage an eclectic but very pretty charm
By Karen Darlow Published
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8 lessons we learnt about luxury from this $12m contemporary farmhouse home
Architectural designer Jae Omar shares 8 luxury design details that will bring a touch of high-end LA style to any home
By Karen Darlow Published
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6 lessons in retro style from a smart, smooth kitchen with a hint of 50s glamor
Sleek walnut cabinets and cool soapstone counters – the smart mid-century style notes to bring any kitchen up to date
By Karen Darlow Published
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Inside Churchill's wartime HQ – a luxury designed apartment full of surprises
This Raffles branded apartment has a fascinating history, but its luxurious interiors are forward thinking and very now
By Karen Darlow Last updated
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The worst home on the block became one of the best – natural colors were the key
This neglected home in an NYC suburb has been transformed with earthy colors and natural textures for instant curb appeal
By Karen Darlow Last updated
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Full of handmade quilts and vintage finds, this home offers the warmest welcome
This pretty home layers up checks, chintz and patchwork quilts to create a crafter's paradise with a touch of nostalgia
By Karen Darlow Published
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This picture-perfect country cottage is full of antiques and vintage treasures
Set in a secret walled garden, this brick built cottage is a treat outside and in, with antique furniture and treasured finds
By Karen Darlow Published
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Traditional bedroom ideas – 20 timeless designs to inspire
These traditional bedroom ideas, from statement headboards to inviting window seats, will bring sweet dreams every night
By Karen Darlow Last updated
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Cottage bedroom ideas – design inspiration for cozy restful spaces
Be inspired by these key cottage bedroom ideas to create a relaxing space full of characterful cottage style
By Karen Darlow Last updated
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Pale wood and white walls give this Hollywood oasis its cool California soul
Designed around a tranquil inner courtyard, this Hollywood Hills home keeps things cool and harmonious inside and out
By Karen Darlow Published
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9 great ways to mix old and new – lessons in style from a converted Victorian school
A striking architectural kitchen addition and reinstated period details look equally at home in this former school
By Karen Darlow Published
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Best winter houseplants – 21 plants to grow indoors in winter
The best winter houseplants are those that can cope with low light levels and changeable conditions indoors so add some of these expert picks to your home
By Karen Darlow Published