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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Can I burn coal in a wood-burning stove? Experts issue warning to those using the wrong fuel for their log burners
You might want to think twice before burning coal in your wood-burning stove
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to grow sweet peas from seed - fill your garden with colourful blooms this summer
How to sow and grow these stunning and fragrant blooms
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a Nespresso machine - 3 simple steps to keep your machine running smoothly
Top tips for cleaning the inside AND outside of your Nespresso machine
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can mini air fryers revolutionise ‘on the go’ cooking? Meet the next big appliance trend
Air fryer lunch in the break room, anyone?
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 of the best fast-growing houseplants to help you buy small and save some cash
Love houseplants? Hate the high price tag? We’ve got you covered
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 rules for decluttering the under-the-stairs cupboard - put a stop to the never-ending clutter
Clutter… be gone!
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 shoe storage ideas for small spaces - handy and efficient solutions to declutter your home
No more tripping over your shoes on a daily basis…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Steaming vs ironing - which is better for your clothes and which works harder to tackle the wrinkles?
All the pros and cons you need to know about in the divisive steaming vs ironing debate to help you make the best choice
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to sell furniture second-hand - the best tricks to make money from decluttering
From prepping the furniture to driving a hard bargain, this is everything you need to know about selling on eBay, Facebook and more
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop damp in a bedroom - 10 foolproof ways to keep mould at bay
These small changes can make a big difference
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a burnt iron - an easy guide to revive your scorched soleplate and avoid stained clothes
All you need are two store cupboard essentials
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant lupin seeds - experts reveal the perfect time to add these hardy perennials to your garden
It’s almost time…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best air-purifying indoor plants - 12 houseplants that will cleanse your home and remove toxins from the air
Air-cleaning indoor plants that are both practical and naturally beautiful
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to care for amaryllis - four tips to keep it blooming for decades to come
An amaryllis isn't just for Christmas, but only if you know how to look after it properly
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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Oil-filled radiator vs fan heater - which one is best for staying warm on a budget this winter?
We pipped these two portable heaters against each other
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a stained toilet bowl - experts reveal the best cleaning hacks for a sparkling loo
Yes, a pumice stone is on this list…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you plant bulbs in January? Garden experts have warning if you're planting spring bulbs late
Have you missed the boat?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to bleed a radiator without a radiator key, according to heating experts
You don’t need a radiator key, but you should exercise caution
By Lauren Bradbury
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How much does it cost to run an oil-filled radiator? And how to save money when using one
This affordable and portable heating option could be the answer to your winter woes
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you wash new bedding before using it for the first time? We’ve asked the experts
To wash or not to wash… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune plum trees - experts reveal the perfect time to avoid the deadly silver leaf disease
No, you shouldn’t prune a plum tree in the winter…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can I plant bulbs in December? Yes, but experts reveal the one thing that could work against you
It’s a little late, but you can still get away with planting bulbs in December
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you heat the whole house or just the room you're using? These 5 things will help you decide
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer...
By Lauren Bradbury