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 clean metal garden furniture to remove rust, algae, and dirt
Restore your outdoor furniture in six simple steps
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to make laundry detergent from conkers - wash your clothes for free with Nancy Birtwhistle’s natural recipe
It’s conker season, after all!
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is pruning the same as cutting back? No, and choosing the wrong option could spell disaster for your plants
They may seem interchangeable, but they’re not the same…
By Lauren Bradbury
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What temperature should underfloor heating be set at? Experts reveal how to heat your home without damaging your flooring
This is the ideal temperature for a toasty home
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant winter pansies - Now's the prime time to fill your garden with colourful blooms for the colder months
Pansies will need a little headstart to grow big and bushy this winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant iris bulbs - the deadline is looming if you want to fill your garden with bulb or border irises next year
Autumn = Iris planting time
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are smart heating systems worth it? The pros and cons of upgrading your thermostat this winter
There are a few things to consider before investing in a smart heating system
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my Christmas cactus dropping leaves? How to save this festive favourite before it’s too late
If you spot the signs early, you’ll be able to save your Christmas cactus
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can I use washing-up liquid to clean walls before painting? This sugar soap alternative could be the key to a flawless finish
You might not have sugar soap lying around, but you’ll definitely have washing-up liquid…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my paint bubbling while painting? Explains explain this bizarre phenomenon and how to fix it
It’s a common paint problem, but it could be a sign of something more sinister
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