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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How to store pizza ovens in winter - top tips to protect it from the elements when summer ends
Everything you need to know about weatherproofing this outdoor kitchen essential
By Lauren Bradbury
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What flowers to plant in September – 10 blooms you can add to your garden now for beautiful displays next year
These are the flowers you can plant and sow in September
By Lauren Bradbury
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9 plants to propagate in September to get a head start on next year’s garden without spending a penny
Why buy more plants when you can propagate what you already have?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop slugs coming in the house - and get them to escargot forever
Keep the nocturnal intruders out of your home for good
By Lauren Bradbury
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Do solar lights work in winter? Top tips to make your garden glow all year round
Solar lights struggle during the winter months, but there are things you can do to help
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead lavender? You can, but there’s another option to consider if you want free fragrant shrubs next year
You might assume that you have to deadhead lavender, but that’s not the case
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried Dyson’s first-ever wet floor cleaner - and it’s a game changer for busy families
Dyson is set to disrupt the hard floor cleaning world with this new release
By Lauren Bradbury
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Rain pots are making waves as an attractive water butt alternative - here’s how to make one for your own garden
You’ve heard of water butts… but have you heard of rain pots?
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune hellebores to ensure this winter favourite will bloom this Christmas
There’s a big pruning window, but you still need to time it perfectly
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my dahlia leaves turning yellow? 5 reasons why and how to fix it, according to experts
If caught early, you can restore your dahlias to their former glory
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to cut back peonies for beautiful, bushier plants
This is when you should be pruning your peonies
By Lauren Bradbury
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Aldi has stocked its middle aisle with Joseph Joseph dupes - run, don’t walk to snap up these clever kitchen buys
Aldi has done it again…
By Lauren Bradbury
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10 lawn care mistakes that could be ruining your lawn and how to avoid them, according to experts
Sometimes you need to know what can go wrong to get it right
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead zinnia? Yes, but there’s another option to consider if you want to fill your garden with these beautiful blooms next year
You have a choice to make
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 reasons why your orchid leaves are turning yellow and what you can do to fix it, according to experts
Don’t worry, you can revive your orchid
By Lauren Bradbury
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Air bed vs sofa bed - How to choose the right option for your space and your guests
Air beds and sofa beds are ideal for guests, but is one better than the other?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Have you cleaned your washing machine paddles? According to Cleantok you could be missing a vital step
...or are you?
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 decluttering tips for small spaces - maximise available space and get rid of clutter with this expert advice
Size *does* matter when it comes to decluttering
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 easy ways to attract butterflies to your garden
Butterflies need our help, and who doesn’t love to see butterflies fluttering by in the garden?
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is the ski slope method of decluttering? I tried it out - and for once, I didn’t get distracted
It’s time to go skiing…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why has Nancy Birtwhistle chosen to keep caterpillars in her veg patch? Everything you need to know - and what the experts say about it
She’s controlling her very hungry caterpillars the natural way
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use natural predators for garden pests - keep nuisance slugs, snails, caterpillars, and aphids at bay
Natural predators are everywhere… you just need to use them to your advantage
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune blueberries – time it right for your best crop yet
Pruning will reward you with plenty of tasty fruits
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 plants that repel spiders - indoor and outdoor options to keep spiders away from your home
Keep these creepy crawlies at bay in the best way
By Lauren Bradbury