Lucy Searle
Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens for over 30 years, starting within the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to some of the world's most loved interiors only titles in the mid-1990s. After five years as Associate Editor on Ideal Home, she became Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine for Channel 4, one of the UK's top TV channels which runs a number of high profile property shows. She made her move to digital content in 2007, launching the award-winning 4homes website which also covered everything homes and garden related.
Following some years on the interiors freelance scene, Lucy was invited to take the role of Global Editor-in-Chief of Realhomes.com in 2018, taking what was a small magazine website to global success, pushing the brand into the US market. Following this success, she was then asked to head the UK's oldest interiors magazine, Homes & Gardens, which is celebrating over 103 years in the business. This includes editorship of the magazine, but also Global-Editor-in-Chief status of the website which is also home to other heritage brands including Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors.
Lucy's personal property experience includes a string of renovations and she also owns rental properties in the UK and Europe. She loves the high end work of her design heroes Jake Arnold and Irene Gunter, but it certainly not scared of a hands on project with lots of budget savvy design details.
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Best kitchen worktops – choosing the right material
Find the best kitchen worktops for your space with our expert guide
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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10 reasons why you really should buy a memory foam mattress topper
IYKYK 🙌
By Beth Mahoney Last updated
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22 deck ideas for a super stylish outdoor living space
It's chilling outside szn
By Melissa Epifano Last updated
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Here is how to clean an iron in 12 different ways — from a salt scrub to a vinegar rinse
So you can keep that pile of wrinkly clothes in check
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to plunge a toilet and unclog it for good
Learn how to plunge a toilet correctly, according to plumbing experts plus what other tools and methods can help your situation.
By Lucy Searle Published
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15 telltale signs you're dealing with a cowboy builder and how to avoid them
A cowboy builder is easy to spot, when you know the telltale signs. Here's how to avoid one so you don't end up out of pocket with a poor or even unfinished home reno job
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get rid of dust mites naturally – 11 simple ways to destroy them
Learn how to get rid of dust mites with steam, essential oils and more to put your mind and allergies at ease.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get rid of woodworm, and identify an infestation
Find out how to get rid of woodworm – and fast, before it spreads and ruins your hardwood flooring and furniture
By Lucy Searle Published
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Outbuildings – what are they and what to consider when adding a garden room
What are outbuildings? Our guide will help with everything from planning permission to costs and more when investing in or building your own garden room.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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12 easy ways to add curb appeal on a budget with DIY
You can give your home curb appeal at low cost. These are the DIY ways to boost its style
By Lucy Searle Published
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How long to microwave a potato: use your micro oven to create a quick jacket
Fancy a jacket potato for dinner tonight? Here's how long to microwave a potato so it's just right
By Christina Chrysostomou Last updated
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How to wash clothes by hand – hand wash underwear, sweaty clothes and more
Find out how to wash clothes by hand so your (probably expensive) buys stay looking as good as new for as long as possible
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to care for orchids: 10 simple steps for potted varieties
Learn how to care for orchids properly to keep them in bloom and looking beautiful. Watering this architectural flower the right way and only repotting yours when needed will see yours thrive
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Double storey extension ideas: 19 ways you could add two storeys
Looking for double storey extension ideas to both floor space and value to your home? These real-life projects will help get your project kickstarted
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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16 garden paving ideas – how to create the perfect patio space in your backyard
Garden paving ideas: Use our design tips and advice to create the perfect paved patio or courtyard space in your backyard.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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10 clever cleaning hacks for kids' rooms
Want to refresh your children's rooms, without having to redecorate? Use these cleaning hacks for kids' rooms for a quick – but noticeable – fix
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Staircase renovation – how to plan, design and cost your stairway
This is our complete guide to staircase renovation. From costing, to design, essential safety specifications and more
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean wallpaper
Are your rooms looking tired or grubby, purely because the wallpaper is a little dirty? It is possible to clean wallpaper – and do a good job – if you know how
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to remove mold from walls – with or without bleach
Removing mold from walls is a must to keep your home hygienic. There are different ways to tackle small areas of mold on walls with vinegar, steam, bleach and more but you should know when to call in an expert.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean walls – 11 ways to remove grease, stains and dirt
Learn how to clean walls in your home, whether yours are painted matt or glossy
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get ready for Christmas: 20 things to do for an organized holiday season
Get ready for Christmas now – and enjoy a stress-free festive season later
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Extending for under £50,000: 13 top tips for budgeting your home extension
Looking at extending for under £50,000? Making your house bigger needn’t cost the earth. Follow our tips on how to add a £50K extension, and take inspiration from these cost-effective projects
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Marie Kondo tidying up: 11 house tidying tips
Fascinated by Marie Kondo tidying up? Her KonMari method has been inspiring people worldwide to reorganise their rooms and 'live a life that sparks joy'. We bring you her basic rules and systems so you know how to declutter, just like Marie Kondo
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to light a BBQ: smoking tips, tricks and hacks to fire up your grill safely
Barbecuing for the first time? Find out how to light a BBQ correctly so that you get the best flame-grilled results
By Lucy Searle Last updated