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 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
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Painting over new plaster - How to do it and how long you have to wait before getting the paintbrushes out, according to experts
No, you can’t paint straight onto new plaster…
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to keep spiders off garden furniture - 5 ways to keep these creepy crawlies (and their cobwebs) at bay
Sorry, spiders, but you weren’t invited…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does baking soda kill weeds? Yes, but experts urge you to think twice before using this cupboard essential in your garden
Yes...but it’s not the only thing it can kill
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is drip watering? How this handy irrigation system can save water and stop weeds from invading your garden
Say goodbye to underwatering and overwatering your plants
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to harvest sunflower seeds - you'll need to act soon if you want to grow these sunny blooms for free next year
The experts explain everything you need to know about harvesting sunflower seeds for planting
By Lauren Bradbury
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What to do with sunflowers after flowering to ensure you get the most out of these sunny blooms
You have two options to choose from
By Lauren Bradbury
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What are the best security measures for a house? 6 ways to deter potential thieves and protect your home
Burglars, beware
By Lauren Bradbury
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Gas grill vs pellet grill - Should you invest in a tried-and-trusted classic or the new BBQ on the block?
The stakes (or should we say steaks?) are high…
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 plants you should never put in pots or raised planters, according to experts
These plants really don’t like confined spaces…
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best household essentials and top-rated cleaning products - including bulk buys to save money all year round
Take advantage of these epic discounts on cleaning products and household essentials to cut down your trips to the supermarket
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are home security systems worth it? We asked the experts whether it’s worth paying extra to protect your home
We weigh up the pros and cons of home security systems
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts reveal the secret to getting rid of flying ants
Sorry, flying ants. It’s time for you to fly away home
By Lauren Bradbury
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The one garden tool you should invest in if you have no storage space, according to a professional gardener
This multi-purpose tool is a small space lifesaver
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to flood-proof your garden - 6 ways to protect it from what experts predict will be one of the wettest summers on record
Don’t let your garden suffer this summer
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my hydrangea not flowering? 6 possible reasons why and how to fix it, according to experts
Top tips to bring back their bloom
By Lauren Bradbury
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Today's top vacuum cleaner deals – the best discounts on Shark, Vax, Henry, Beko, and more
It's not just Prime Day vacuum cleaner deals you can shop right now
By Lauren Bradbury
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9 plants that slugs love - and why sacrificing them could be the best way to keep these slimy invaders at bay
Trap cropping is the next big thing
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 scents clothes moths hate - the essential oils, herbs, and spices to add to your wardrobe
They’ll keep moths at bay… and your clothes fresh
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 things you should know before buying an egg BBQ - is this premium product worth the high price tag?
Egg BBQs are all the rage, but they don’t suit everyone
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of brambles - a step-by-step guide to banish these prickly bushes once and for all
It's all about the roots
By Lauren Bradbury
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How much electricity does a home security system use? It all depends what you choose, according to experts
There are ways to keep costs down, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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I put three blind cleaning tools from Amazon through their paces on my dusty blinds - and now I’m throwing out my duster for good
Amazingly, my top pick is less than £5
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you transplant when soil is wet or dry? Experts reveal the ‘perfect’ soil conditions to avoid transplant shock
You need to make sure the soil is just right
By Lauren Bradbury