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 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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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
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What plants like waterlogged soil? The 10 best flood-proof plants for rainy weather or clay-filled gardens
These plants are pretty hardcore
By Lauren Bradbury
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Powdery mildew on plants - Experts explain what causes this harmful disease and how to get rid of it for good
Powdery mildew isn’t always fatal, but you still need to act fast
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you get rid of ragwort? This is what the experts - and the government - have to say about this injurious weed
There are serious legal implications associated with this weed
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 things the experts want you to know before buying a gas BBQ
Want to go for gas? There are a few things you should consider before investing
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best place for a rain garden - 5 things you need to consider if you never want to water your garden again
A rain garden can prove invaluable as long as it’s in the correct location
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to increase the water pressure in a hose - experts reveal 6 reasons why your garden hose has lost pressure and how to fix it
Give your garden hose a much-needed boost
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you paint pebbledash? Yes, but only if you follow these expert-approved tips
Painting pebbledash is tricky, but you can still paint it if you know how
By Lauren Bradbury
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Wondering what to do in the garden when it's raining? This wet-weather gardening guide will keep you busy
Summer 2024 is set to be a washout, but that shouldn’t stop your gardening efforts
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to test for nutrient deficiencies in your soil - and how to fix it, according to experts
You need just enough of the ‘big four’ to help your plants thrive
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best plants to grow according to your soil's pH - and how to change the pH to suit the plants on your wish list
Ideally, you should aim for a pH of 6.5
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 signs your plants are suffering from heat stress - and how to fix it, according to experts
If you’re feeling the heat, then so are your plants…
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 reasons why your plant leaves turn yellow and how to fix them, according to experts
Get your green garden back
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is it better to water plants in the morning or at night? Experts reveal which option is best for happy, healthy, and hydrated plants this summer
There’s a clear winner
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use Epsom salt for plants - and why this cupboard essential could be the secret to happy and healthy plants
Just make sure you use it on the right plants
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to keep a garden cool in a heatwave - 9 top tips to protect your family and plants this summer
It’s getting hot out there…
By Lauren Bradbury