Editor, Homes
Joy Archer
Joy Archer is an Editor for Home Passions at Saga Exceptional. Always the intrepid adventurer, Joy arrived in London with little more than a backpack and a dream to live a gorgeous life. This plan first took her to the City of London where she applied her professional journalism qualification to creating digital and print publications for Thomson Reuters.
Yet her passion for interior design could not be ignored. After a two-year bohemian adventure in New York to feed her creative senses, Joy returned to London and enrolled at top interior design school, KLC. She went on to work on a dizzying array of design projects for high-profile clientele served by top studios, including Godrich Design Collective, Louise Jones, Tala Fustok and Dragons of Walton Street.
Joy has also completed a wide array of solo residential and commercial projects in the UK and internationally – House and Garden named her as one of their favourite traditional interior designers and her recent work has featured in 25 Beautiful Homes and on NBC’s Open House TV show.
Never straying far from her pen, Joy’s recent journalism includes pieces highlighting the ins and outs of the evolution of Forbes Monaco; interviews with the creme of social media superstars; intimate insights from Ukrainian political activists and developments in sustainability within built spaces.
Having a geeky obsession with earning expert status on every aspect of construction, Joy’s idea of a good time is pottering about in builder’s yards – she has been known to go to unheard-of lengths to get her hands on particularly fetching samples of marble.
Articles by Joy Archer

What colours go with cream kitchen units?
Cream kitchens units are timeless and classic staples for your kitchen. In this guide, we show you how to enjoy this neutral in your kitchen in classic to unexpected ways.

What colours go with grey kitchen units? We have 9 bright ideas
Grey kitchen units are timeless staples for your kitchen. In this guide, we show you how to pair this smart neutral with other colours

How your front door colour can add value to your home – or leave you with a hefty fine
The right paint colour can add value to your front door. Property experts share door colour advise with the Exceptional Homes Team.

Styling kitchen shelves: 15 top tips for getting it right
When it comes to open shelving displays, there’s a fine line between classy and cluttered. Our tips for styling kitchen shelves will help you strike the right balance

Small kitchen design: 16 ideas for tackling a limited space
Tackling a small kitchen design can almost feel more daunting than filling a large space. Our ideas focus on both the practical essentials and beautiful design

What is interior design? The principles and concepts explained
Understanding what interior design is can be useful whether you’re training as an interior designer, hiring one, or simply want to be a better decorator