Lauren Bradbury
Lauren Bradbury is a freelance writer and major homes enthusiast. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Chichester in 2016, before dipping her toe into the world of content writing. After years of agency work, writing everything from real-life stories to holiday round-ups, she decided to take the plunge and become a full-time freelancer in the online magazine world. Since then, she has become a regular contributor for Real Homes and Ideal Home, and become even more obsessed with everything interior and garden related. As a result, she’s in the process of transforming her old Victorian terraced house into an eclectic and modern home that hits visitors with personality as soon as they walk through the door.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is sitting in my living room with my dog by my side. Myself and my husband have painted the walls around five times since we moved in, but have finally settled on a sage green colour that has turned it into the cosy space I was really hoping for.
What’s your home addiction?
I just can’t get enough of candles and reed diffusers. Every room in my house smells different, which means I’m hit with a new smell everywhere I walk. For some reason, this just puts a smile on my face and really awakens my senses - especially when I’m working from home.
What is your next home project?
Since moving into my home in 2020, I’ve tried to avoid any major renovations, but my bathroom is in need of some serious TLC. Like many Victorian properties, the bathroom is on the ground floor and is extremely hard to ignore. So, I’m hoping to transform the old, white bathroom into a bright oasis that still acknowledges its Victorian roots.
Latest articles by Lauren Bradbury
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What is boiler flow temperature? Heating experts urge you to check yours now as you could be overpaying on your energy bills
Turning this little-known number down just a few degrees can result in some serious savings
By Lauren Bradbury
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Electric heater vs electric blanket — heating experts weigh in on the effectiveness (and affordability) of these winter warmers
Constantly cold at night? Experts weigh in on whether an electric heater or electric blanket will suit you best
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘Purge Parties’ are taking social media by storm — and this new trend solves one of the biggest decluttering problems everyone faces
You’ll be happy to know that it has nothing to do with *that* horror film
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to choose a dehumidifier — 5 things you need to know before you buy to get the most out of your money
This is everything you need to make the right decision
By Lauren Bradbury
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Do you need to clean a patio in winter? Paving experts say it’s key to avoiding these 3 expensive (and potentially dangerous) consequences
Have you cleaned your patio yet this winter?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of dust — 7 easy tricks that'll leave your home spotless and prevent future build-up, according to cleaning experts
Say hello to a dust-free home
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is a wall-mounted or freestanding electric heater better? The differences to consider before wasting money on the wrong one
How to choose which one is best for your home, according to experts
By Lauren Bradbury
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Oil-filled radiator vs fan heater - which one is best for staying warm on a budget this winter?
We pipped these two portable heaters against each other
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to bleed a radiator without a radiator key — banish cold spots and improve the efficiency of your heating system with this alternative tool
You don’t necessarily need a radiator key, but you should still exercise caution
By Lauren Bradbury
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How many electric heaters do you need to heat a house? It all depends on these 5 things, according to experts
5 things to consider if you want to know exactly how many you’ll need to beat the chill this winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you plant bulbs in January? Yes — but experts are warning of a big drawback for spring bulbs
Here's what you need to consider
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a washing machine with soda crystals — why experts say you should ditch bicarbonate of soda for this cheaper alternative
Live in a hard water area? Soda crystals will be your best friend
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best air-purifying indoor plants — 10 brilliant options to improve air quality in the home
Add these houseplants to your collection for a fresher home
By Lauren Bradbury
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Argos deals – how and when to get the best savings savings on Habitat, Shark, Emma and more
How to shop to get top prices on furniture, appliances and home decor
By Lauren Bradbury
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Stanley Tucci’s Shark vacuum cleaner is one of the brand’s bestselling products — right now it’s £200 off
Stanley loves a Shark, too!
By Lauren Bradbury
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Bagged vs bagless vacuum cleaners — there’s one clear winner if you suffer from allergies and want a squeaky clean home
We compare bagged vs bagless vacuum cleaners in terms of suction power, cleanliness, ease of use, and affordability
By Lauren Bradbury
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The Gtech AirRAM 3 has the best edge-cleaning technology I’ve ever come across - but some sacrifices too
The vacuum promises to pick up dirt like no other and never needs maintenance, but I had a few niggles with it
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune plum trees — here's how to prevent silver leaf disease from attacking your tree
The best times to prune young and established plum trees
By Lauren Bradbury
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Winter composting hacks – 6 ways to accelerate a compost pile and fill your garden beds for free next spring
Don’t let the colder temperatures slow down your composting efforts
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried the 5 most common ways to get pet hair out of carpet – here's which ones worked and which ones aren't worth it
I put different tools to the test against my fluffy cocker spaniel
By Lauren Bradbury
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How we test vacuums for pet hair at Ideal Home — the exact methodology
Our pet vacuum review process puts bestselling and newly launched vacuums through their paces, and this is how we do it
By Lauren Bradbury
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Interval cleaning will help you work smarter to keep your home clean - here's how to do it
This cleaning method will take the hassle out of hosting this Christmas
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does the Christmas tree boiling water hack work? Why experts are warning us to dodge this popular trick
It works, but it's risky
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my poinsettia dropping leaves? 5 common causes and how to rescue your plant
Wondering why your poinsettia is shedding its leaves? We asked the experts...
By Lauren Bradbury