Lauren Bradbury
Lauren Bradbury started writing for Ideal Home's House Manual section back in 2023 as a freelance writer, writing about everything you need to make a house a home - from cleaning tips and DIY hacks to energy-saving guides and decluttering methods. After building up a wealth of information on the practical side of running a home, she joined the team permanently as Content Editor for House Manual in January 2025. When she's not writing how-to guides and handy features, Lauren is constantly updating many of our home appliance buying guides and is now the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, having spent over 50 hours testing different vacuum models - as well as the latest releases in the world of dehumidifiers, electric heaters, air purifiers, and more. In doing this, Lauren is able to assess everything a consumer may want to know about the essential household products that make life so much easier. Before joining the Ideal Home team, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She then dipped her toe into the world of content writing, primarily focusing on home content. After years of agency work, she decided to take the plunge and become a full-time freelancer for online publications, including Real Homes and Ideal Home. It was during this time that she also took an interest in transforming her bland Victorian terrace into a cosy home with the help of affordable DIYs and considered styling.
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 we 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 lavender? You can, but there’s another option to consider if you want free fragrant shrubs next year
You might assume that you have to deadhead lavender, but that’s not the case
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried Dyson’s first-ever wet floor cleaner - and it’s a game changer for busy families
Dyson is set to disrupt the hard floor cleaning world with this new release
By Lauren Bradbury
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Rain pots are making waves as an attractive water butt alternative - here’s how to make one for your own garden
You’ve heard of water butts… but have you heard of rain pots?
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune hellebores to ensure this winter favourite will bloom this Christmas
There’s a big pruning window, but you still need to time it perfectly
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my dahlia leaves turning yellow? 5 reasons why and how to fix it, according to experts
If caught early, you can restore your dahlias to their former glory
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to cut back peonies for beautiful, bushier plants
This is when you should be pruning your peonies
By Lauren Bradbury
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Aldi has stocked its middle aisle with Joseph Joseph dupes - run, don’t walk to snap up these clever kitchen buys
Aldi has done it again…
By Lauren Bradbury
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10 lawn care mistakes that could be ruining your lawn and how to avoid them, according to experts
Sometimes you need to know what can go wrong to get it right
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead zinnia? Yes, but there’s another option to consider if you want to fill your garden with these beautiful blooms next year
You have a choice to make
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 reasons why your orchid leaves are turning yellow and what you can do to fix it, according to experts
Don’t worry, you can revive your orchid
By Lauren Bradbury
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Air bed vs sofa bed - How to choose the right option for your space and your guests
Air beds and sofa beds are ideal for guests, but is one better than the other?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Have you cleaned your washing machine paddles? According to Cleantok you could be missing a vital step
...or are you?
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 decluttering tips for small spaces - maximise available space and get rid of clutter with this expert advice
Size *does* matter when it comes to decluttering
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 easy ways to attract butterflies to your garden
Butterflies need our help, and who doesn’t love to see butterflies fluttering by in the garden?
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is the ski slope method of decluttering? I tried it out - and for once, I didn’t get distracted
It’s time to go skiing…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why has Nancy Birtwhistle chosen to keep caterpillars in her veg patch? Everything you need to know - and what the experts say about it
She’s controlling her very hungry caterpillars the natural way
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use natural predators for garden pests - keep nuisance slugs, snails, caterpillars, and aphids at bay
Natural predators are everywhere… you just need to use them to your advantage
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune blueberries – time it right for your best crop yet
Pruning will reward you with plenty of tasty fruits
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 plants that repel spiders - indoor and outdoor options to keep spiders away from your home
Keep these creepy crawlies at bay in the best way
By Lauren Bradbury
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Bedroom rug ideas – 10 ways that will make the room look more luxurious and feel cosier
Rugs are a bedroom must-have – and these are the best styles to go for in your sleeping space
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean plastic garden furniture - top tips to get rid of mould and remove staining
Does your plastic garden furniture need some TLC? We’ve got you covered
By Lauren Bradbury
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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
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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
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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