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
-
How to prune hedges - a simple step-by-step process to cut them back safely and efficiently
Pruning hedges isn’t as daunting as it seems
By Lauren Bradbury
-
When to prune azaleas - timing is critical if you want your shrubs to flower next year
If you prune azaleas too late, there’s a high chance they won’t flower next year
By Lauren Bradbury
-
When to deadhead agapanthus - experts reveal the exact time you should remove these spent flowers
It all depends on your plans for your plants
By Lauren Bradbury
-
When to plant hydrangeas for beautiful blooms year after year
Here are the best times to plant them
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to grow a mini meadow - experts reveal everything you need to grow wildflowers in a small garden
Who says you need a giant garden to have your own wildflower meadow?
By Lauren Bradbury
-
4 signs your lawn is suffering from heat stress - and what you can do to fix it, according to the professionals
The hot weather can wreak havoc on your lawn
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to deadhead hydrangeas - top tips to improve blooming and tidy up your garden
Deadheading hydrangeas is as easy as pie
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to grow citronella and make the most of this natural pest repellent, according to experts
Citronella is nature's pest repellent
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Should you deadhead marigolds? You can, but there’s another alternative that will give you free marigolds for life
You have a choice to make
By Lauren Bradbury
-
When to plant potatoes for Christmas - the cut-off date is approaching, so act fast
Plus, top tips to ensure your festive spuds are the talk of the town
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Should you be pruning your orchids? This is how to work out if you need to prune yours or not, according to experts
To prune or not to prune… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
-
When to plant rosemary - experts explain why temperature is key to a successful herb garden
If you want to upgrade your herb garden, timing is key
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Corded vs cordless lawn mower - we’ve compared ease of use, run time, weight and affordability so you don’t have to
To choose corded or cordless… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to stop caterpillars eating my plants - 6 natural ways to protect your plants from these pests
See ya later, caterpillars
By Lauren Bradbury
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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