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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4 signs your lawn is suffering from heat stress - and what you can do to fix it, according to the professionals
The hot weather can wreak havoc on your lawn
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead hydrangeas - top tips to improve blooming and tidy up your garden
Deadheading hydrangeas is as easy as pie
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to grow citronella and make the most of this natural pest repellent, according to experts
Citronella is nature's pest repellent
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead marigolds? You can, but there’s another alternative that will give you free marigolds for life
You have a choice to make
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant potatoes for Christmas - the cut-off date is approaching, so act fast
Plus, top tips to ensure your festive spuds are the talk of the town
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you be pruning your orchids? This is how to work out if you need to prune yours or not, according to experts
To prune or not to prune… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant rosemary - experts explain why temperature is key to a successful herb garden
If you want to upgrade your herb garden, timing is key
By Lauren Bradbury
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Corded vs cordless lawn mower - we’ve compared ease of use, run time, weight and affordability so you don’t have to
To choose corded or cordless… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop caterpillars eating my plants - 6 natural ways to protect your plants from these pests
See ya later, caterpillars
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried the four-box decluttering method - it toyed with my emotions, but in the best of ways
I’ve finally found a decluttering method that leans into my emotions instead of pushing them down
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant agapanthus - the exact time you should be planting bare-root plants and seeds for guaranteed summer blooms
The timing is dependent on what you choose
By Lauren Bradbury
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I just discovered this hack for protecting border plants when trimming hedges - and I can't believe how clever it is
It’s so simple…yet so effective
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can a mattress topper save you money and revive an old mattress? We asked the experts
Deciding whether to buy a new mattress or opt for a mattress topper instead? Here's everything you need to know in the mattress topper vs new mattress debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are melamine plates worth it? Here’s why they’re the unconventional hero of outdoor summer tablescapes
You might think they’re old-school, but melamine plates are having their moment
By Lauren Bradbury
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How and when to prune lavender - expert tips to ensure this beautiful pollinator continues to flower year after year
Prune your lavender plants in 4 easy steps
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my hydrangeas turning brown? It could be one of these 5 things, but this is how you can fix it
Brown hydrangeas are a sure sign that something is wrong
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to tackle an overgrown garden - tame an unloved outside space and restore it to its former glory
An overgrown garden can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be
By Lauren Bradbury
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How do you dry out a flooded garden? 6 ways to restore a wet garden and stop it happening again
Drainage is key
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to deadhead petunias for a second flush of blooms before the summer is over
It’s the easiest way to get the most out of your petunias
By Lauren Bradbury
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Hybrid mattress vs memory foam - what’s the difference, and which one is better?
Our sleep experts weigh in on the hybrid mattress vs memory foam debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does an air purifier cool a room? The experts have bad news for those looking to beat the heat this summer
There is an alternative to consider, though
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best mattress for side sleepers, plus more expert advice for sleeping comfortably
We asked various sleep experts what's the best mattress for side sleepers, which pillow to opt for, and how to sleep more comfortably on your side
By Lauren Bradbury
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This is how much it costs to replace gutters around a house - and how to spot when it's time to switch the old with the new
There are so many factors to consider
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why are my tomato leaves curling? 5 common reasons and what you can do to fix it, according to experts
Tomato leaf curl is more common than you’d think
By Lauren Bradbury