Alison Jones
Alison is Assistant Editor on Real Homes magazine. She previously worked on national newspapers, in later years as a film critic and has also written on property, fashion and lifestyle. Having recently purchased a Victorian property in severe need of some updating, much of her time is spent solving the usual issues renovators encounter.
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Before and after: Savvy recycler transforms her garden for £100
Becky Lane created a blissful-looking Mediterranean-style escape in her own back yard, all on a budget
By Alison Jones Published
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Real Home tour: A cold and dingy kitchen now oozes traditional charm after a major makeover
We'd get some great bakes on in this newly extended kitchen space. Let's take a tour.
By Alison Jones Published
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Before and after: Thinking pink takes this kitchen from grim to gorgeous
Everything's coming up rosé thanks to the perfect mix of pastels and industrial colours
By Karen Wilson Published
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Before & after: An overgrown garden's now the perfect spill-out party space
There's seating for all with built-in benches facing the outside fireplace
By Alison Jones Published
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Before and after: the eclectic gallery wall that's turned a bleak living room into an Abigail Ahern–style masterpiece
This dramatic makeover is proof that investing time into your home can be just as effective as investing money
By Alison Jones Published
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Before and after: A concrete courtyard gets a fairy-tale makeover
We'd love to go out for dinner in this transformed garden with its antique touches, soft lighting and lush flower beds
By Laura Crombie Published
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Home security: 11 ways to protect your home
These home security solutions are just what you need to protect your home. Discover easy – and affordable – security tricks, how technology can enhance home safety and more
By Alison Jones Last updated
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How to clean baseboards: 5 easy hacks to get them looking as good as new
Stay on top of cleaning baseboards with our hacks. From your vacuum and vinegar to qtips, mops and more – this is how to get results whether you want to paint yours or not!
By Alison Jones Published
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How to clean silver at home using baking soda, Coke, toothpaste and other methods
Discover how to clean silver and restore your tarnished items to their former glory using baking soda, coke, toothpaste and more brilliant methods
By Alison Jones Published
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Real home: a dream kitchen-diner with a modern treehouse charm
When Cathy and Andrew Fagg needed to extend the kitchen at the top of their home, their architect rose to the challenge with a stunning design
By Alison Jones Published
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These self watering planters are what you need to buy before you go on hols
Self watering planters will keep your house plants looking lush even when you're away, or forget to water them regularly
By Alison Jones Last updated
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Are you using your cleaning products wrong?
If you're using your cleaning products wrong, it could just spread dirt and germs and ruin your surfaces
By Alison Jones Published
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Real home: this stylishly renovated home is full of surprises
Interior designer Clare Pater's skills at finding a bargain have helped her transform an 'absolute disaster' into a stunning family home
By Alison Jones Published
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UK snow forecast! The big freeze is coming... and these are the quick tips you need to stay warm this winter, cheaply
With snow forecast for the UK in the next week, we can tell you how to stay toasty and not spend a fortune on heating
By Alison Jones Published
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'Throwaway attitude' in the home is costing consumers thousands
Brits are spending more by buying cheaply and replacing often when it comes to appliances and furniture
By Alison Jones Published
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Philips Hue smart lighting goes outdoors... and the results are magical
Philips Hue smart outdoor lighting can magically transform your garden in winter, even when it's not looking its best... and we love it
By Alison Jones Published
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Ssshh! This amazing kitchen lighting is from CostCo (we won't tell if you don't)
US readers! Get designer-style kitchen lighting from CostCo while you're bulk buying your bargains. UK readers, we've slipped a little something in for you at the end...
By Alison Jones Published
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One in 20 homes has potentially lethal gas and electrical appliances. Does yours?
Thousands of homeowners risk injury (and worse) by not having regular safety checks carried out. Here's what you need to know
By Alison Jones Published
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These tips will help you move home by Christmas
Want to sell up and move into a new home by Christmas? These tips are a must-read...
By Alison Jones Published
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These are the top turn offs for home buyers – fix them or lose a sale...
Large cracks in walls and stains on walls, floors and ceilings are named as the major turn offs on house viewings
By Alison Jones Published
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A-Level results day means one thing for mum and dads: choosing what to do with a reclaimed room
A new start at uni for students, but a new guest room or gym for their parents. A-Level results day shapes more than just your child's future as it reshapes your home, too
By Alison Jones Published
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Beware the property ghosters
Property ghosting is the new scourge for estate agents – these are fairweather 'buyers' who waste sellers' time. Have you fallen victim? Or are you a property ghost?
By Alison Jones Published
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Satanic rituals and sex parties: the weirdest things cleaners have to deal with
Cleaners and maintenance people are faced with all manner of bizarre requests and situations
By Alison Jones Published
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This advice will keep your garden alive while you're on holiday
Never, ever return to dead flowers and brown grass after a break again...
By Alison Jones Published