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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I tried the four-box decluttering method - it toyed with my emotions, but in the best of ways
I’ve finally found a decluttering method that leans into my emotions instead of pushing them down
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant agapanthus - the exact time you should be planting bare-root plants and seeds for guaranteed summer blooms
The timing is dependent on what you choose
By Lauren Bradbury
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I just discovered this hack for protecting border plants when trimming hedges - and I can't believe how clever it is
It’s so simple…yet so effective
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can a mattress topper save you money and revive an old mattress? We asked the experts
Deciding whether to buy a new mattress or opt for a mattress topper instead? Here's everything you need to know in the mattress topper vs new mattress debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are melamine plates worth it? Here’s why they’re the unconventional hero of outdoor summer tablescapes
You might think they’re old-school, but melamine plates are having their moment
By Lauren Bradbury
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How and when to prune lavender - expert tips to ensure this beautiful pollinator continues to flower year after year
Prune your lavender plants in 4 easy steps
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my hydrangeas turning brown? It could be one of these 5 things, but this is how you can fix it
Brown hydrangeas are a sure sign that something is wrong
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to tackle an overgrown garden - tame an unloved outside space and restore it to its former glory
An overgrown garden can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be
By Lauren Bradbury
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How do you dry out a flooded garden? 6 ways to restore a wet garden and stop it happening again
Drainage is key
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead petunias for a second flush of blooms before the summer is over
It’s the easiest way to get the most out of your petunias
By Lauren Bradbury
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Hybrid mattress vs memory foam - what’s the difference, and which one is better?
Our sleep experts weigh in on the hybrid mattress vs memory foam debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does an air purifier cool a room? The experts have bad news for those looking to beat the heat this summer
There is an alternative to consider, though
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best mattress for side sleepers, plus more expert advice for sleeping comfortably
We asked various sleep experts what's the best mattress for side sleepers, which pillow to opt for, and how to sleep more comfortably on your side
By Lauren Bradbury
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This is how much it costs to replace gutters around a house - and how to spot when it's time to switch the old with the new
There are so many factors to consider
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my tomato leaves curling? 5 common reasons and what you can do to fix it, according to experts
Tomato leaf curl is more common than you’d think
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead agapanthus? You can, but there’s another option you might want to consider beforehand
You can deadhead agapanthus, but that doesn’t mean you should
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead sweet peas in 3 easy steps to promote growth and prolong their blooming period
Keep this cottage garden favourite alive for longer
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 ways to reuse memory foam – how to breathe new life into your old mattress or mattress topper
Handy ways to repurpose memory foam
By Lauren Bradbury
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Everdure vs Weber - Does the classic American or the stylish Australian win the battle of the BBQ brands?
We’ve compared everything you need to know
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to install an outdoor hot water tap for cleaning your patio, washing the dog, or filling the paddling pool
Want hot water on tap? This is everything you need to know
By Lauren Bradbury
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How do you use a heated clothes airer effectively? Quick and easy tips to get the most out of this trusty appliance
If you look after your heated clothes airer, it’ll look after you
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you leave a heated clothes airer on overnight? It’s possible, but only if you follow these expert-approved safety tips
You need to check a few things first
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to recycle a mattress - who can help and how much it’ll cost you
Everything you need to know about recycling a mattress
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to choose the right mattress size for you, your sleeping position, and your bedroom
Size does matter when you’re buying a new mattress
By Lauren Bradbury