Annie Collyer
About Annie
Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday.
My niche(s) Home fragrance! I swear by the fact that the smell of your home is just as important as your decor. Otherwise, I am currently reviewing a bunch of sleep buys including pillows, and I am always on the hunt to test the latest cordless vacuum.
Why listen to me? I graduated with a First Class honors degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Portsmouth. After a stint in PR and a few internships here and there, I landed the role of Deals Editor at Real Homes in 2018. Since then, I've been the Shopping Editor and Deputy Ecommerce Editor for a number of brands, and now, I'm back at Real Homes as Head Ecommerce Editor which means I curate all of the content that makes us money. Which is how we continue to write our amazing content! I've done my fair share of Black Friday events and have slowly learned how to spot an actually decent deal, otherwise, I've got experience in reviewing pretty much every product area, from mattresses to vacuums and portable grills. You can also find my expertise written into words at Ideal Home, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.
About my Real Home... My apartment is a healthy mix of Scandi and boho. Lots of white, lots of wood, small pops of muted colors. I had dried flowers at my wedding which I've been able to keep ever since (best idea ever!) so there's so much pampas grass.
My fave home buys
It's sooo hard to choose, but I would say that it has to be my Dyson fan which I use all year round, during a heatwave or so as to not turn my heating on. Otherwise, I'm a sucker for a candle (obviously) and Nest New York's Himalayan Salt & Rosewater candle is my year-round favorite. I am also obsessed with my Shark vacuum cleaner because I simply just hate doing this chore, and it makes it a lot easier and faster.
On my to-buy list
Honestly, everything! I'm expecting a small human soon so when I am not looking at diaper caddies and baby monitors, I am constantly thinking of ways to make my home look nice while being child safe for when they're a little more mobile. I do need some new dining chairs, and I've been eyeing up these ones from Amazon for a while now.
I am currently working on...
Reviewing lots of sleep items, from white noise machines to pillows and luxury bed sheets. As well as reed diffusers (as always) and cleaning gadgets, such as carpet cleaning machines.
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8 sustainable cleaning tools you need for an eco spring clean
The Real Homes guide on the best sustainable cleaning tools to buy for your home in 2021. Made from bamboo instead of plastic...
By Annie Collyer Published
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This modern fire pit is perfect for chilly evenings – and it's only £129
Yes, this modern fire pit is a bargain right now. It's still in stock at Made.com – not for long, though!
By Annie Collyer Published
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Stacey Solomon's EXACT Kärcher pressure washer is on sale
The Kärcher K4 is selling fast as Stacey Solomon is using it to tap to tidy Pickle Cottage – and we are obsessed with the results
By Annie Collyer Published
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New in homeware buys from our favourite shops – for April 2021
Here's everything we are eyeing up that's new in for April 2021 from our favourite shops. Including Anthropologie, Habitat and Dunelm
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best power tools: get those DIY jobs sorted
These are the best power tools you can buy. Whether it's a loose screw or errant roof felting that needs fixing, make sure you have the right tool for the job
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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This £6 patio cleaner transformed my garden in hours – here's where you can buy it
Jeyes Fluid patio cleaner works without a pressure washer to clean your outdoor patio – and it did a pretty amazing job on mine
By Annie Collyer Published
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La Redoute home buys: 8 lovely items in their spring sale
Here are our favourite La Redoute home buys – from garden furniture to rugs and bedding – as handpicked by our Shopping Editor
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best electric grill: 5 best buys for outdoor and indoor cooking
The best electric grills are great multitaskers – use them to make panini, grilled vegetables, burgers and more – even when you fancy cooking outside
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best drills: tackle those DIY tasks with ease
The best drills are here to help you perfect all your DIY home projects
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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All of the Christmas kitchen essentials you need to serve up a feast this year – quick!
Cooking Christmas dinner at yours this year? Here are the kitchen essentials you need to make your day stress-free (more time for cocktail drinking...)
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best ab machine 2021: 6 top picks to achieve that six-pack at home
Buy the best ab machine around to achieve those dream abs with ease – kit out your home gym while you've got the time (and money)
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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28 Mrs Hinch storage buys you need to keep your home tidy and organised
All of the best Mrs Hinch storage buys for your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, nursery and more. From eBay, Lakeland, Amazon...
By Annie Collyer Published
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This B&Q egg chair is in stock right now – if you missed out on the Aldi version, don't wait any longer!
Doing up your garden in time for spring? Check out this B&Q egg chair – it's made from rattan, it's large and it's in stock...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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15 female-owned homewares to buy this International Women's Day – as chosen by us
Take part in International Women's Day 2021 by giving your support to one of these female-owned businesses – here's what's in our basket...
By Annie Collyer Published
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BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max review
We tested the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max in our home –is this the best new multi-surface cleaner out there?
By Annie Collyer Published
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Sodastream Spirit review – it's the best ever eco purchase I've made
We put the Sodastream Spirit to the test – is it worth the money, and a spot on your kitchen counter?
By Annie Collyer Published
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The £6 washing machine product that pet owners NEED – as recommended by Mrs Hinch
Mrs Hinch has wowed us with this washing machine hack to rid your blankets, clothes and more from your pet's hair – it even dissolves the hair so as not to clog up your washing machine
By Annie Collyer Published
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21 home date night ideas for Valentine's Day and beyond – and what to buy
The Real Homes guide on home date night ideas – lockdown style. Here are 21 things you need to buy to spice up the romance at home...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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33 last-minute Valentine's Day gifts your other half will love – order now for delivery
The Real Homes edit of the best Valentine's Day gifts to give in 2021 – last-minute buys that will arrive in time for February the 14th
By Annie Collyer Published
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16 Pancake Day essentials you need for a Shrove Tuesday in lockdown
Here's everything you need to celebrate Pancake Day 2021 in lockdown – from a pancake flipper to the best pancake pan, a pancake-scented candle and more...
By Annie Collyer Published
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We're obsessed with these household subscription services – you'll never run out of essentials again
These household subscription services can save you a trip (or five) to the shops. Yes, you can get everything from deodorant to washing tablets, vitamins, dog food and more, delivered
By Annie Collyer Published
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Proscenic P11 vacuum cleaner review: the cordless stick vacuum that can mop too
We've reviewed the Proscenic P11 vacuum cleaner mop and we think it's a very convenient purchase for smaller homes with hard flooring. Here's what else...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best baby monitor: keep your baby safe at nap time
These best baby monitors ensure your little one is safe come bedtime
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Lockdown gifts: 12 lovely things to send to family, friends (or yourself) in 2021
Searching for some lockdown gift-spiration? We can help. Here are 12 post-friendly presents to put a smile on a loved one's face
By Annie Collyer Published