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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Basement conversions: how to create extra living space for your home
A basement conversion can boost the size of your home whether you excavate to create it, or remodel to turn an existing one into usable space.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Using a vacuum cleaner: 28 cleaning tips to make your vacuum work harder
Using a vacuum cleaner is for more than just carpets. Read through our list of handy tips and be amazed at just how many things you can clean with a vacuum cleaner
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to vacuum – top tips for quick and efficient cleaning
Think you already know how to vacuum? Think again – there's more to it than running the vac over your floors. We walk you through a whole method to adopt to get the job done efficiently and quickly.
By Lucy Searle Published
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Boiler not working? Try these 5 things before calling in an engineer
Isn't it always the way? The boiler works like a dream all year round then breaks down just before Christmas/when the weather turns cold. But before you call in an engineer, here's what to do
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Driveway design: Materials, layouts and costs to consider
Experts weigh in on the best steps to take when planning a new driveway design. Enhance your home's curb appeal, whether you choose a curved or straight layout, gravel, asphalt, concrete or another popular material type.
By Lucy Searle Published
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6 ways smart plugs can change your life
You've probably heard the hype surrounding smart plugs, but can they really change your life? From enhancing home security to giving old appliances smart capabilities, we talk you through the pros of smart plugs
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean a TV screen – without streaks or damaging your TV
Need to know how to clean a TV screen without causing harm? Here’s the expert way to a clear picture
By Lucy Searle Published
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Watchdog's blender top pick is on sale...
Did you catch last night's Watchdog? Their Life Lab team tested what they called 'personal blenders'. And the winner, The Nutri Ninja was the best buy
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean upholstery – 3 steps to care for chairs and more furniture fabrics yourself
Cleaning upholstery in the home is easily done. Tend to fabric sofas, velvet chairs, cushions and more yourself with our simple and specialist guide
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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11 reasons why a sofa bed is better than a sofa
Considering buying a sofa bed, but wondering if a plain old sofa might be wiser? In case you needed convincing, we've come up with the best reasons to buy a sofa bed not a sofa
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Bi-fold or sliding doors – how to choose the right option for your home
How to choose between bi-fold or sliding doors. From costs to installation, how much light they let in and more pros vs. cons.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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18 window treatments for children's bedrooms – lovely designs for spaces big and small
Stylish and practical kids' bedroom window treatments are an essential component for privacy, warmth and comfort.
By Lucy Searle Published
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22 kitchen wallpaper ideas – modern designs to update your cooking space
These kitchen wallpaper ideas prove a quick, affordable and beautiful design solution to kitchen walls in need of a some style.
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to build a home cinema room
Find out how to build a personal home cinema, one of the most sought-after additions to a luxury home
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to upcycle furniture for a vintage look
Want to create a vintage-style piece of furniture from a junk shop find? Instagrammer and upcycler Sarah Parmenter shows you how with découpage and gold leaf
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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17 glass extension ideas – light-filled spaces to inspire your project
A glazed extension is a striking addition to any home, whether it's traditional or modern. Be inspired by these beautiful glass extension ideas to start planning your own.
By Hebe Hatton Last updated
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How to make an Easter wreath
Making an Easter wreath is an easy project that the whole family can get involved with
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Best laundry hacks ever: 32 ways to make your clothes look their best with less effort
Looking for laundry hacks to make your wash not just brighter but quicker and easier to do? Don't miss these tips...
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get rid of fleas – 8 tricks for getting rid of fleas plus our recommended flea spray
It's about time you find out how to get rid of fleas if you own pets. Bloodsucking fleas can infest carpets and rugs so we’ve got the lowdown on how to evict these unwelcome home occupants
By Lucy Searle Published
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Cleaning leather: 5 steps to treat your couch, chairs and car seats naturally
Remove stains from a leather couch or freshen up your car seats – cleaning leather is made easy with natural products like vinegar, oil and even baby soap...
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to get slime out of carpet – 4 simple steps with or without vinegar
Did slime time get out of hand? Here's how to get slime out of carpet in 4 simple steps – even if it's dried and even if you don't have vinegar
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to get rid of mice –12 easy ways using cat litter, humane traps and more
Need to know how to get rid of mice? If you live in a period home – and sometimes even if you don't – you might well have to find out tackle a rodent infestation.
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to get rid of rats in the house fast – and keep the rodents away once and for all
It's really important to know how to get rid of rats as soon as you discover them in your home, shed or garden – the rodents pose a serious health risk. Follow our advice to find out how
By Lucy Searle Published
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8 beige room ideas – that prove it's beautiful, not boring
Looking for beige room ideas, inspired by Dulux naming Brave Ground as their Colour of the Year 2021? Keep a-scrolling
By Lucy Searle Last updated