Most of us are often on the hunt for that golden nugget of advice that’ll magically make our home lives a little bit easier. Whether it’s a clever cleaning hack, a home-renovation tip, secret storage solutions or the key things worth actually spending money on around the house – who better to turn to for guidance than the experts at Good Housekeeping?
So, we’ve asked five GH editors to reveal the best piece of home advice they’ve ever received and the difference it made to their homes, with a little help from the experts at Hillarys.
"Take your time on big decisions"
“When it comes to technical areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s worth taking your time when planning how to use your space – and don’t be afraid to call in the experts where needed.
“It takes time, but like all prep, it will stop you from making big (and expensive) mistakes. I always dreamed of a big roll-top bath, but with my bathroom size I was encouraged to keep it as a shower enclosure – and it feels much larger and more luxurious this way. My biggest regret is not spending a bit more on underfloor heating, for that ‘hotel feeling’ when you step out of the shower on a winter’s day.” Sarah Keady, Style & Interiors Director
"Spend money on high-quality materials"
“The best piece of advice I received from family and friends is that when you’re investing in the structural design of your home, you should spend as much as you can afford on high-quality materials that will go the distance.
“For me, this included having shutters installed on our windows – a more expensive option than curtains, but their advantage is durability and versatility. Having these professionally fitted with a trusted service provider like Hillarys (who measure and then return to fit the shutters or blinds, as part of their bespoke fittings service) has meant they’ve remained as pristine as the day they were installed, many years later.” Isabel Frederix, Branded Content Lead
"Be clever with storage solutions"
“I’m a great fan of Stacey Solomon and her home hacks, and while watching her BBC show, Sort Your Life Out, I’ve been inspired so much when it comes to storage solutions.
“One of my favourite easy hacks is to attach sticky-back hooks to the back of my cupboard doors, to hang up dishcloths and rubber gloves beneath the sink. I’ve also recently started vacuum-packing my winter jumpers and popping the bags on the top shelf of my wardrobe. For someone like me who’s obsessed with clothes, it’s a revolutionary space-saver!” Ella Dove, Commissioning Editor
"Consider savvy space-saving tricks"
“I live in a small flat and am a bit of a hoarder, so making the most of every bit of space is crucial. I invested in a king-size ottoman bed so I could keep suitcases underneath, and had shelves fitted in my boiler cupboard to add extra storage. But the best piece of advice I’ve ever received was from my dad, who suggested I purchase Perfect Fit blinds, which clip directly onto a uPVC window frame and look amazing. They’re popular in Europe and have saved a huge amount of space around all of my windows.” Emma Justice, Deputy Editor
Perfect Fit blinds can be purchased from a number of major retailers, but by choosing an expert service provider like Hillarys, you’ll also have a team of local advisors on hand to measure and fit everything for you – ensuring a seamless process.
"Make your own cleaning products"
“Forget about spending money on a huge range of branded cleaners. Distilled white vinegar makes short work of a huge range of cleaning tasks around the house, from descaling the kettle to cleaning work surfaces and hobs. It’ll even make your windows sparkle!
“Not only will switching to vinegar save you money, but it’s also better for the environment than many of the chemicals you’ll find in cleaning products.” Emilie Martin, Consumer Affairs Director
Discover the full range of blinds, curtains and services at hillarys.co.uk