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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Should you deadhead dahlias? Yes, but there is an exception you should consider before cutting off the spent flower heads
Nine times out of ten, deadheading is the way to go
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of vine weevils - 5 natural ways to protect your plants from these irritating pests
You don’t need harmful chemicals to get rid of vine weevils
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to fix a fence - expert-approved tips to restore your fences to their former glory without spending a fortune
The ultimate guide to fixing your fence, from replacing rotten posts to swapping out arris rails
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to grow pak choi - a step-by-step guide for a tasty crop in as little as five weeks
Choose to grow from seed or supermarket scraps
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to make your own rose fertiliser for the biggest and brightest blooms yet
No, you don’t have to spend a fortune on store-bought fertilisers
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 reasons why your sweet peas aren't flowing - and what you can do to fix it
No blooms? No worries
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead geums - Top tips to extend their flowering season and encourage a second flush of blooms
But you don’t have to deadhead *all* of your geums if you don’t want to
By Lauren Bradbury
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What are nematodes? Everything you need to know about this natural pest control and how to use them in the garden
They’re a gardener’s best friend, but they do come with their downsides
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of slugs – 12 natural ways to keep these slimy invaders out of your garden for good
The experts reveal their top tips for keeping slugs away from your plants and outdoor areas this summer
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to kill ivy on a fence - 5 easy steps to keep this fast-growing species off your fences for good
Restore your fences to their former glory
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead geraniums - expert-approved tips to extend their blooming period and encourage growth for next year
Deadheading geraniums couldn’t be simpler
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 of the best flowers for raised garden beds - Step up your garden game with these beautiful blooms
Raised beds are the ideal location for these flowers
By Lauren Bradbury
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Slugs and snails invading your garden? This slug trap hack claims to get rid of them - and I can vouch that it works
I gave it a go and I’ve barely seen a slug or snail since
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 common rose problems and diseases - and how to fix them, according to experts
Keep your roses happy and healthy
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 perennials to avoid in the garden - and what you can plant instead, according to experts
You might want to steer clear of these pesky perennials…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts issue urgent warning to homeowners looking to add ‘invasive’ bamboo to their gardens
Don’t get caught out
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop bamboo from spreading - and it all starts with knowing the difference between the two different varieties
Bamboo can be an invasive nuisance… but it doesn’t have to be
By Lauren Bradbury
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What to do if you have invasive bamboo - How to spot the signs, who to contact, and how to minimise expensive structural damage
Bamboo can push over walls, sprout through floorboards, and even grow out of an oven!
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 foolproof ways to stop birds from flying into windows, doors, and outdoor mirrors
Keep the little birdies (and your windows) safe
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts urge parents to avoid these 9 toxic garden plants for a child-friendly garden
You don’t want your kids going anywhere near these poisonous plants
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 essential lawn care tasks for June - plus, an extra step for those who want to maintain a healthy lawn this summer
Tick these off your June to-do list
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to make a cheap water butt look more attractive - or hide it from view completely
Plastic isn’t so fantastic…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts warn against using 7 common garden products that could be poisoning the wildlife in your garden
Thankfully, there are much safer alternatives you can use instead
By Lauren Bradbury
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What to do with foxgloves after flowering - and it all depends on the type you have
Don't let these bell-shaped blooms go to waste
By Lauren Bradbury