Gemma Johnstone

Contributing Writer

Gemma has been a freelance writer and editor in the home and lifestyle space for the past five years and has a bachelor's degree in communication studies.

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Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone

About

Gemma has been a freelance writer and editor in the home and lifestyle space for the past five years and has a bachelor's degree in communication studies. She is especially passionate about sustainable living topics and is a regular contributor to major publications, including Reader's Digest, The Spruce, Hunker, The American Kennel Club, and more. When she is not interviewing experts and advising readers on everything from how to have an energy-efficient home to pet-proofing a yard, you can find Gemma rummaging for vintage homewares or hiking with her rescue dog, Annie, in the Italian Alps, where she is based.

Passions: Gardening, indoor plant care, sustainable living, decorating, and design

Favorite design style: Mid-Century Modern and Chalet Chic

Articles
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
9 Best Fence Paint Colors for Your Yard
Deciding on the best fence paint color is difficult. This guide will help you choose a shade that creates the right vibe alongside your house color and landscaping.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
10 Types of Trees That Can Cause Trouble
Planting trees in your yard can have aesthetic, environmental, and practical benefits. But some trees are messy, invasive, or weak-wooded, and you should steer clear of them altogether. Find out about 10 trees to avoid planting in your yard and why.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
7 Outdoor Sink Ideas to Make a Splash in Your Garden Kitchen
These outdoor sink ideas will help you decide on the size, shape, material, and style you need to make your backyard kitchen more practical and polished.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
10 Window Treatment Ideas for Small Windows
When dressing a small window, you want to let in as much natural light as possible and avoid making a space look smaller. Here are 10 inspirational window treatment ideas for small windows—from blinds to shutters to patterns and colors.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
Tips to Help Repair a Water-Damaged Bathroom Vanity
Major leaks can cause irreparable bathroom vanity damage, but some water damage can be rectifiable. Whether it's peeling paint or veneer, warped or sagging panels, learn some techniques for repairing a water-damaged bathroom vanity.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 15, 2026
What Is a GFCI Outlet and How Does It Work?
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. But what is a GFCI outlet, exactly? See how they lower the risk of shock or fire and where to use them.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 10, 2026
How to Tell If Your Security Camera Has Been Hacked and Tips to Prevent Hacking
Learn how to tell if your security camera has been hacked and what precautions to take to minimize this rare but alarming home security cybercrime.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 10, 2026
Who to Hire to Fix a Sagging Ceiling
Are you wondering who to hire to fix a sagging ceiling? The best pros for the job and if you can DIY the project depend on the cause and extent of the damage.