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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Best bath rug
Buy a bath rug to cushion your feet from cold tiles both before and after washing.
By Annie Collyer Published
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These home decor accessories match the Dulux colour of the year 2022
Incorporate the gorgeous Bright Skies into your home with furnishings and accessories instead of paint. Here's our Dulux colour of the year shopping edit
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best bar stools
The best bar stools to make the most of your kitchen island or bar, with adjustable and swivel options.
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best knife sets
The best knife sets for your every kitchen need, including carving, chopping, and slicing.
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best bath tray
Buy a bath tray to store your things away from the water when you are in it. We're talking phones, books, drinks, candles, and more...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best wood floor cleaners: 8 top picks for spick and span flooring
Restore your floorboards with one of the best wood floor cleaners out there
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best bathroom cleaner: 6 top picks to blitz grime in the bathroom
Armed with the best bathroom cleaner, you can tackle soap scum and grime in a flash
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best oven cleaners: 6 buys for blasting burnt-on food off shelves, glass and more
Some of the best oven cleaners, these can help get your oven looking shipshape once again
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best washing up liquids: 5 top buys for cleaning your dishes
Keep your dishes clean with our pick of the best washing up liquids from Ecover to Method and Waitrose
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best hedge trimmer: 7 top buys for tidy bushes and shrubs
Take the elbow grease out of keeping shrubs in check with the best hedge trimmer. See our top picks of both cordless and corded models for every budget
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Father's Day gifts: 25 present ideas for Dad's home
All of the Father's Day giftspiration you need, because let's face it: Dads can be so tricky to buy for!
By Annie Collyer Published
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The best things to ask Alexa – 25 questions and commands for this voice assistant
These are the best things to ask Alexa – to help you in daily life, to make you laugh and more
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Copy Jamie Oliver's cookware as we've sussed out where he shops
Here's where Jamie Oliver gets his cookware from* (shhh! It's a secret)
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best hand mixer: 9 handy buys for fast food and small kitchens
Owning the best hand mixers will be an invaluable ally in the kitchen – whether you’re a regular Star Baker or more of an enthusiast – for everything from cake batters to light-as-air soufflés. Here are our top nine, for the best prices...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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We've got heart eyes for Le Creuset's latest collection – here are the best bits
The Le Creuset Botanique Collection is live on site now, with prices from £27...
By Annie Collyer Published
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The best paint stripper: 6 best buys for easy paint removal
It's worth investing in the best paint stripper if you're looking to remove paint with ease. Browse our top picks whether you prefer a high-powered heat gun, or the paste and scraper route
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best kitchen lighting: top picks to brighten up your kitchen space
We take a look at the best kitchen lighting around to help you completely transform your space this year
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best kids' table and chairs
Buy the best kids' table and chairs so your little ones can eat, play and socialize in comfort.
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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Best mixers
Buy the best mixer around to combine your ingredients with ease. No more lumps or aching arms.
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best slow cooker
Buy the best slow cooker to enjoy easy one-pot meals. Faster cooking and a speedier clean up.
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best umbrella holder
Buy an umbrella holder to store this item – wet or dry – with ease. No more shoving it inside a cupboard.
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