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 a Shark vacuum filter - the essential task to keep your vacuum cleaner in full working order
When was the last time you cleaned your Shark vacuum filter?
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 5 worst places to put a kettle in a kitchen, according to experts
It might be time to move your kettle elsewhere
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune fig trees - experts reveal the perfect time to improve the health of your tree (and its fruit)
Pruning at the wrong time could spell disaster for your fig tree
By Lauren Bradbury
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Stacey Solomon’s DIY flower cloud ceiling is the ultimate ode to spring, and we’re obsessed
It’s easy to replicate at home, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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What size dehumidifier do I need? How to pick the best size to get the job done
With so many dehumidifiers on the market, we’ve got the low-down on what size you actually need for your space
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean Venetian blinds – the best and easiest way to make them look good as new
Don't resign yourself to grubby Venetian blinds - here's the kit and know-how you need to banish dirt and grime
By Jennifer Ebert
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5 things to declutter in February - quick and easy tasks to maintain your New Year reset
Let the decluttering commence
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is a French drain? This innovative drainage solution could rescue waterlogged lawns
Waterlogged lawn? A French drain can help
By Lauren Bradbury
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How much electricity does a slow cooker use? It’s even cheaper than you’d think
Cooking ‘low and slow’ could be the key to lower energy bills
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to cut back salvias - cutting back at the wrong time could spell disaster for these stunning blooms
Cutting back salvia isn’t a one-size-fits-all job
By Lauren Bradbury
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Air purifier vs dehumidifier - which should you buy for a happy and healthy home?
They’re both so different, but is one better than the other?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use old towels in the garden - 5 handy ways to repurpose them
Don’t throw away your old towels!
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 5 worst places to put a microwave in a kitchen, according to experts
If your microwave is in any of these places, you need to move it immediately
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 reasons you should think twice before buying a faux leather sofa, according to experts
If you want a sofa that lasts, faux leather probably shouldn’t be your first choice…
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 ways to disguise a dehumidifier to keep your home condensation (and eyesore) free
Dehumidifiers are handy, but they’re not always pretty…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Where to buy bedding – the bedding brands that offer top-quality sheets without breaking the bank
If you’re wondering where to buy bedding, these brands will definitely offer you a one-way ticket to snooze-town
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a Dyson filter to keep your vacuum cleaner, air purifier and fan in working order
When was the last time you cleaned your Dyson filter?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to care for sweetpeas - fill your summer garden with these stunning annuals
From sowing to deadheading, this is the ultimate sweet pea care guide
By Lauren Bradbury
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How do I know what fence is mine? What to do when a fence in your garden is blown over or damaged
How to determine who is responsible for the repair or replacement cost
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to sow forget-me-not seeds - the perfect time for planting in the ground or in containers
Fill your garden with beautiful blue hues
By Lauren Bradbury
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What to do with houseplants that are exposed to the cold - help them recover fast
Help your houseplants deal with the cold
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 ways to fake wall-panelling - smart alternatives to get the luxe look for less
No, you don’t need to spend a fortune
By Lauren Bradbury
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The cost to reupholster a sofa vs buying a new sofa – which is the cheapest (and best) option for you?
We’ve weighed up the options for you
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hang pictures on a wall - a foolproof guide to hanging pictures simply and safely
Hanging pictures on a wall isn’t a one-size-fits-all job
By Lauren Bradbury