Lucy Searle
Lucy Searle, formerly Global Editor-in-Chief of Homes & Gardens, overseeing the heritage UK magazine brand and the Global digital brand, is now Content Director across Homes & Gardens, Woman & Home, Ideal Home and Real Homes.
Lucy has written about, edited and commissioned interiors, property and gardens content for over 30 years, starting within the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-1990s, when she also appeared on TV as the decorating expert on an interiors and cookery show. Lucy spent five years as Associate Editor on Ideal Home, one of Britain's biggest and oldest interiors titles, and was Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine for Channel 4, one of the UK's top TV channels, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes, covering everything homes and gardens-related. The site went on to win many early web awards.
In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success, with a large US audience. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine, which is the UK's oldest interiors magazine at 103 years old.
Lucy earned a BA Hons in French and Spanish at the University of London, after which she spent a year on campus at the University of Maryland. Lucy is a serial renovator – she has flipped six properties – and also owns rental properties in the UK and Europe, so brings first-hand knowledge to the subjects she oversees.
She has many design heroes, but if forced to pick two on each side of the Atlantic, they would be Jake Arnold and Irene Gunter – both create beautiful homes that are inviting and practical.
Interviews with Lucy:
Walls & Floors: Talking Design
Inside Stylists: Talking Interiors
Foam & Bubbles: Bathroom Advice & Ideas
Latest articles by Lucy Searle
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What can I use instead of peat moss? Experts explain the pitfalls and upsides of these 5 alternatives
If you're looking for peat moss alternatives, there are no perfect swaps – but these are a more sustainable choice
By Lucy Searle Published
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Best fast-growing grass seeds – 10 seeds and sods for a lush green lawn
These are the best fast-growing grass seeds for a lush, green lawn in no time
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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When to overseed a lawn in spring – our experts explain how to get the timing spot on
If you know when to overseed a lawn in spring, you can expect lush results. Get the timing wrong, and those bare patches will endure
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to make milkshake in a blender – 3 easy recipes
You can make a delicious milkshake in a stand mixer – or with an immersion blender – in minutes. This is how
By Lucy Searle Published
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When to start planting flowers for spring – and the top 20 to put in now
Our experts explain how to get the timing right for planting spring flowers for best-in-show blooms
By Lucy Searle Published
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America's most expensive ski home lists for $100 million
Aspen is where you'll find the nation's most expensive ski chalet, which will break records if the sale price is achieved. We take the tour
By Lucy Searle Published
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Can tulip bulbs be planted in spring? Or is it too late? Our experts advise
Is it too late to plant tulip bulbs? Our garden experts offer this advice for the best blooms
By Lucy Searle Published
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How tall should a raised garden bed be? Gardening experts offer essential advice
The height of your raised garden beds will depend on how you use them and what you grow. Our experts advise on best practice
By Lucy Searle Published
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Why is my peace lily drooping? The houseplant experts share their advice
Is your peace lily drooping because it's about to die? Or is there a quick fix? This is what plant experts say to do
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to revive flowers in a vase? Luxury florist Ronny Colbie reveals his expert techniques
If a bouquet has started to wilt, don't condemn it: there are easy ways to revive flowers in a vase
By Lucy Searle Published
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'Should I use pasta water for my plants?': Our gardening experts dish the sauce
There's a trend for feeding house plants with potato and pasta water, but does it benefit them at all, or could it harm them in the long run?
By Lucy Searle Published
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Should I aerate my lawn before fertilizing? Expert advice for healthy grass
If you aerate a lawn before fertilizing you'll see healthier growth; here's how and when to do so for the best results
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean white quartz countertops – an expert guide for good-as-new results
Protect the beauty of your white quartz countertops by using the right methods, and products, for cleaning
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Christopher Sanders
The Texan architect is acclaimed for paying homage to the surrounding sites of his striking residential structures
By Lucy Searle Published
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8 high impact decor tricks for small apartments to steal from the bold creatives of Milan
These exuberant apartments owned by Milanese creatives are fine proof that compact rooms can make a statement
By Lucy Searle Published
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Our prediction? You're all going to want to copy this kitchen's double pantry blueprint
Functional, spacious, and oh so good-looking, this remodel has two pantries. It's the stuff of dreams
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Jessica Lagrange
Known for her luxury aesthetic and intriguing use of form and texture, JLI's principal reveals what inspires her
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Brad Ramsey
We caught up with Nashville-based interior designer about his work in Tennessee and beyond
By Lucy Searle Published
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Yes, you can beautifully combine modern and rustic interiors – this farmhouse has been reshaped over 400 years to perfection
Bridget and Andrew Hall took their love for the Lake District to a whole new level when they bought and renovated a dilapidated farmhouse near Ullswater
By Lucy Searle Published
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This cozy 19th century stone farmhouse's kitchen was once a barn – you can hire the whole home on Airbnb
Matt and Alice Cobon have put their heart and soul into creating an architecturally beautiful home that’s a perfect example of modern rural living
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: SMW Home
A genteel Southerner with a deep-rooted connection to Britain, Scot Meacham Wood is as renowned for his distinctly timeless design aesthetic as for his larger than life personality
By Lucy Searle Published
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This renovated country cottage is a masterclass in clever color combinations
A Victorian cottage, once a carpenter’s barn, bewitched Laura and Patrick Butler-Madden and took them on an unexpected journey
By Lucy Searle Published
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Painted furniture ideas – 22 inspiring ways to refresh tired furniture
Painted furniture ideas are a quick and easy way to give your interiors a unique feel, here we share our favorite looks
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to store wine – 5 ways to preserve wine and ensure it retains its flavor
The best solutions to keep your bottles in optimal condition
By Lucy Searle Published