Ottilie Blackhall
Ottilie is new to Homes & Gardens, having recently graduated from a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. She produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has an undergraduate degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
As a lover of maximalism, Ottilie enjoys hunting for vintage gems and antiques, as well as keeping up with the newest design trends.
Latest articles by Ottilie Blackhall
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I tried Stanley Tucci’s unusual method for cleaning a chopping board – and it's actually brilliant
Simple yet effective, Tucci's surprising method restored my old wooden chopping board to near new
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Feng shui experts reveal the one organizational mistake that’s making your home harder to sell – and it’s so easy to fix
Covering your home with family photos will feel territorial, experts say
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to make laundry smell better – experts share their 10 super scenting secrets
These simple tips guarantee fresh and fragrant laundry every time you wash
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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6 common heating problems you can repair yourself – and how to get the job done
Save money and time this winter with these DIY solutions from HVAC experts
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Can you wash mold out of clothes? Experts say yes – here's how
Pros share their tips on washing mold successfully out of your clothes
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Can you leave clothes in the washer overnight? Laundry experts explain why it is advised against
Remove wet laundry promptly to avoid mold, mildew, and wasting time, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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11 home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter – avoid mold, costly damage and higher energy bills
Professional contractors reveal the eye-watering errors to swerve
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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10 things tidy people always have in their kitchens – these will help clear mess, reduce clutter and maximize your space
Trying to be tidy? Home experts share kitchen organization options worth the investment
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is glass wool insulation? Construction pros reveal it's affordable, effective and easy to install, but it has one major weakness to watch out for
Insulation experts say it's a great alternative to pricier mineral wool but becomes a mold risk if it gets wet
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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A professional organizer's best seasonal storage tips for living rooms – they're the key to having easy access, reduced clutter and improved functionality
Welcome in the new season with stylish storage tips for fall
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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10 tips from cleaning pros to simplify your Thanksgiving clean-up jobs
Prep ahead with these steps for a smooth Thanksgiving clean-up, and you'll thank yourself later
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to prepare your yard for a storm – 8 construction pro-approved tips to protect your plot
Keep your yard safe and secure with these simple steps, as recommended by professionals in gardening and construction
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to clean indoor-outdoor carpet in 5 easy steps
Professional cleaners share their step-by-step guide to sparkling carpets
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to stop pumpkins from rotting on and off the vine, carved and uncarved – simple solutions to keep your gourds looking good
Our expert-approved tips for curbing the pumpkin rot for as long as possible
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to get your kitchen ready to host Thanksgiving – 8 steps from professional organizers for a smooth and seamless setup
Welcoming guests? Here's how to make sure your kitchen is all set for celebrations
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to carve a pumpkin in 7 simple steps – and help it last longer
Take the fright out of carving jack-o'-lanterns this spooky season with our expert-approved method
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to move a mattress by yourself – pro tips for an injury-free job well done
Removal experts share how to get the job done without ending up in the ER
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to reupholster a chair in 5 foolproof steps
Whether you're a dab-hand at DIY or a beginner, our expert guide has got you (and your chairs) covered
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of stubborn smoke smells on your clothing with 3 household products
Bonfires making your clothes smell bad? Keep your laundry fresh this fall with these laundry expert tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is the 'magic basket' organizing trick? Experts detail how to use this 'simple but effective' trick in your home
You won't need a magic wand for this trick but it will streamline your nighttime routine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How does vinegar prevent pumpkins from rotting? Experts reveal 4 ways to use this affordable household item to preserve your pumpkins this Halloween
Prolong the life of your ghoulish gourds with these simple vinegar tricks
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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9 eco-friendly, zero-waste, brilliant ideas for ways to use your leftover jack-o'-lanterns after Halloween
Passionate about pumpkin? Make the most of yours this holiday season, with sustainable ideas from cooking to compost
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to clean bouclé fabric in 4 simple steps
Take your bouclé from bedraggled to beautiful with cleaning advice from the experts
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried this Joseph Joseph indoor clothes airer and it's perfect for drying laundry in tiny spaces
Forget what you know about drying racks – this one looks so good it can stay up when guests come by
By Ottilie Blackhall Published