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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Can you kill weeds in autumn? Experts reveal that completing this task now could keep your garden weed-free next year
Get a head start to keep next year’s garden weed-free
By Lauren Bradbury
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Dehumidifier vs tumble dryer - there's a clear winner if you want to dry your clothes on a budget this winter
This appliance will dry your clothes AND save you money
By Lauren Bradbury
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Do windows need cleaning in winter? How this simple task can help to reduce your energy bills and improve your mood
Cleaning windows in winter may sound pointless, but it has more benefits than you'd think
By Lauren Bradbury
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I just found out that my washing machine is lying to me - this is why yours probably is too, and it's not a bad thing
You’re not imagining it - but should you be concerned?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my cyclamen drooping? 5 reasons why - and how to perk it up in time for Christmas, according to experts
Don’t worry; there’s plenty you can do to perk your cyclamen back up
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to prevent mould in wardrobes - expert-approved tips to protect your furniture and your clothes
Say goodbye to mould for good
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to prune fuchsias – the techniques you need to try for your bushiest plants yet
Bushier plants are just a prune away...
By Lauren Bradbury
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Where to buy a sofa – I've spent over 25 hours testing sofas and these are the 10 brands I'd recommend
I’m a sofa expert – and these are my top 10 recommended places where to buy a sofa
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you put battery-operated lights outside in winter? The dos and don’ts to follow if you want to successfully brighten up your garden
Battery-operated outdoor lights can really shine in winter… within reason
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to plant amaryllis bulbs in pots for guaranteed winter blooms, according to experts
Everything you need to grow this festive favourite
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you leave dahlias in pots over winter? You can, but only if you follow these 4 expert-approved tips
Dahlias aren’t as high maintenance as they look, but they still need protection over winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant amaryllis bulbs for blooming plants over the Christmas period
You'll need to act fast if you want to add this beauty to your Christmas table
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to degrease a kitchen splashback - follow these steps once, and you’ll never have to do it again
Your kitchen splashback will look better than ever
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean brass items - 5 household products that will prevent tarnishing and make your hardware shine
Who knew you could use ketchup to clean brass?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you plant bulbs too deep? Experts warn gardeners of this common mistake that could have disastrous consequences
How to determine how deep you *really* need to be planting your blooms
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 signs you need to replace the insulation in your home - the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts
Have you spotted any of these signs in your home?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a soup maker - and the one thing you should NEVER do, according to experts
Say goodbye to tomato soup stains
By Lauren Bradbury
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4 plants to prune in November to promote healthy growth, bumper crops and better displays
It's the perfect time to be pruning these plants
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to store a hot tub in winter - 6 steps to successfully winterise your hot tub, whether you plan on using it or not
Follow these steps to winterise your hot tub
By Lauren Bradbury
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What size dehumidifier do I need? Expert tips to ensure you’re picking the right size for your home
With so many dehumidifiers on the market, we’ve got the low-down on what size you actually need for your space
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you put a slow cooker pot in the oven? How to figure out which ones are (and aren’t) oven-safe
It’s not a black-and-white answer
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you cut grass in November, or have you missed the boat? This is what the experts had to say
Time is running out
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are you cleaning these 5 things around your home with a pumice stone? Experts say you should be
No, pumice stones aren’t just for your feet…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does ivy kill trees? Experts reveal whether this invasive plant can cause serious damage to your garden
Ivy can be problematic, but not all the time
By Lauren Bradbury