Welcome to Houmee! I’m Oliver Hartley, the founder, editor, and lead voice behind this platform where practical home improvement meets design inspiration. Based in the UK and backed by over 15 years of hands-on experience, I’m passionate about helping people transform their homes into more beautiful, functional, and joyful spaces.
I created Houmee as a place where homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, interior lovers, and modern homemakers can find real-world advice, innovative ideas, and trustworthy solutions for everything related to home living. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, upgrading to smart home systems, reimagining your garden, or exploring architectural updates, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
My Background in Home Improvement
My journey into home improvement began back in the early 2000s, working alongside skilled craftsmen on both residential and commercial projects. I learned everything from the ground up—flooring, carpentry, painting, kitchen installations, landscaping, garage door automation, and even complex architectural layouts.
After years of refining my skills and consulting for others, I launched my own full-time career as a home improvement consultant. From fixing the tiniest design flaw to overseeing full-scale renovations, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for how details come together to shape a living environment.
Over the years, I’ve worked with leading UK-based interior designers, architects, and construction experts to deliver outstanding results. Each experience shaped the vision for Houmee: a place where expert knowledge meets everyday usability.
What You’ll Find on Houmee
Houmee is more than just a blog—it’s your go-to home companion. I write comprehensive, easy-to-follow content that covers a wide range of topics:
- Home Improvement: From small fixes to major renovations, I provide actionable advice and project walk-throughs.
- Floors & Furniture: Whether it’s restoring wood flooring or selecting the right furniture layout, you’ll get tips you can trust.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms: Two of the most impactful areas in any home, my guides focus on style, function, and cost-effective upgrades.
- Architecture & Layout: Learn how to work with your home’s structure and potential to maximize comfort and efficiency.
- Interior Design: Discover fresh inspiration, styling tips, color palettes, and space-saving ideas.
- Smart Home Tech: Automate your home life with tutorials and reviews of smart thermostats, lighting, security, and appliances.
- Gardening & Outdoor Living: Landscaping, seasonal planting, outdoor lighting, garden storage, and DIY patio projects.
- Garage Doors & Storage Solutions: Explore modern garage systems, organization tips, and space-enhancing techniques.
Every article is crafted with an NLP-friendly structure, so you can quickly find the information you need through natural language searches or voice assistants. I aim to make every guide as helpful, clear, and easy to implement as possible.
Why I Do What I Do
Home improvement isn’t just about aesthetics or resale value—it’s about quality of life. I believe that every homeowner deserves a space that reflects who they are, supports how they live, and brings daily joy.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer figuring out floor plans or a seasoned DIYer ready for a kitchen remodel, I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. That’s why I focus on making complex topics simple, showing you how to get the best value without cutting corners.
A Philosophy Built on Trust and Experience
Everything you read on Houmee comes from real-world trials, honest assessments, and hands-on experience. I never recommend products or methods I wouldn’t use myself. I also partner with trusted brands and certified professionals to ensure everything on Houmee is reliable and up-to-date.
Beyond the blog, I’ve contributed to online magazines and been a guest expert on UK home shows, offering insights into emerging trends in smart homes, energy-efficient living, and adaptive design for growing families.
Join the Houmee Community
I believe in the power of community and shared knowledge. That’s why I encourage readers to reach out, share their project wins, ask questions, or even pitch a guest article if they’ve got something useful to share.
Connect With Me
Have a question or collaboration idea? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at houmee04@gmail.com or visit the Contact page on houmee.co.uk.
Follow along for practical home tips, inspiration galleries, how-to guides, and more. Whether you’re building a cozy reading nook, upgrading your tech, or planning a full renovation, Houmee is here to inspire every step of the journey.
Thanks for stopping by, and welcome home!
Oliver Hartley
Home Improvement Expert & Founder, Houmee.co.uk