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
PR Week: 2 Minutes with Lucy Searle
Real Homes: See all archive features by Lucy
Latest articles by Lucy Searle
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When to prune fruit trees? Experts reveal the best timings for healthy growthEach variety is different; however, this guide will tell you, variety by variety, when to prune the most common fruit trees
By Lucy Searle Published
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What colors go with navy blue? 7 combinations with this timeless shadeThere are so many colors that go with navy blue, but we've narrowed the choice to some of the freshest, boldest and most on trend combinations
By Lucy Searle Published
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Colors that go with orange – 7 perfect matches for this bold brightIf you're looking for the perfect color match for orange, these are our top picks. From gray to peach to green, this is how to choose the right tones
By Lucy Searle Published
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When to harvest pears – expert advice on spotting signs of readiness, not ripenessDiscover the best time to harvest pears – and the best practice for doing so – for the best harvest. Here, experts explain signs pears are ready or ripe
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: David Samuel KoWe speak to the California-based interior designer to discover what drives him, his aesthetic and his dream client
By Lucy Searle Published
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'As an interior designer, these are the 6 tricks I use for designing for children'We spoke to Zulufish Caroline Milns about what to consider when you are planning a child's bedroom. These are her expert tips and tricks
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Gideon MendelsonThe Founder and Creative Director at Mendelson Group is renowned for his deft use of color and layering. We find out about his career and work
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to choose chair upholstery – a fabric expert guides us through the optionsFor longevity, stain-resistance and good looks, it's vital to choose the right upholstery for chairs. Here's how
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Katherine Mendez at ODAA talented Interior Project Director at ODA, Katherine Mendez is a rising star. Here, we take a look at her career – so far
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Designer profile: Ashley DeLappAshley is a Charlotte based architect-turned-interior designer, specializing in distinct mixes of vintage and new, layered patterns and bold color. We talk to her about her work
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Nicole HirschDescribing herself as a 'second generation interior designer', Boston-based Nicole Hirsch is driven to curate unique homes for her clients. Here, we talk to her about her career, so far
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Megan EvansThe LA-based design principal and founder of Megan Evans Interiors set up her own agency after a career at Donghia. Here, she tells us about her work
By Lucy Searle Published
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This period home's surprises include a basement spa – and the 'tunes room' has to be seen to be believedDesigned by Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio, who has married a sympathetic restoration with contemporary lifestyle choices, it's a lesson in understated style
By Lucy Searle Published
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We asked a kitchen designer 5 questions about designing a bold colored kitchen – this is what he advisesThinking of using a strong shade for your kitchen? It's a popular color, but designing a green kitchen takes skill. This is what a professional designer advises
By Lucy Searle Published
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I’ve designed 15 living rooms of my own –and these are the 9 color rules I swear byThese color rules help me crack the code of color vs space vs mood
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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When to water a spider plant – an expert guide for a happy house plantHouse plant experts reveal when to water your spider plant to keep it happy, and throwing out new shoots so that you can cultivate more spider plants
By Lucy Searle Published
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I've ripped out and redesigned 14 bathrooms – these are the 15 lessons I've learnedLayout mistakes, the wrong material choices and DIY mishaps have taught me valuable – and money-saving – lessons
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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5 rules for decorating with maximalism – an expert guideWe asked a leading voice in the world of maximalist interiors how anyone new to bold schemes should approach decorating. This is his fail-safe formula
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Philip J. ConsalvoWe speak to the NYC-based architect and designer about his career, past, present and future
By Lucy Searle Published
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Interior designer Nina Campbell's top 5 tips for laying a summer dining tableThe legendary British interior designer has key advice for creating timeless tablescapes for summer. Here, we list her top five tips
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Amy KartheiserWe caught up with the Chicago-based principal interior designer about her career, past, present and future
By Lucy Searle Published
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Designer Profile: Paris ForinoThe New York-based Australian interior designer talks to us about her career, clients and plans
By Lucy Searle Published
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Can't get to Kips Bay? Visit this virtual showhouse any time you pleaseThe Living by Design virtual showhouse returns for 2023; hosting 12 designers and eight sponsoring brands, it's the chance to see high end design from home
By Lucy Searle Published
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5 plumbing disasters to avoid – a professional reveals the expensive mistakes to swerve at all costsPlumbing professional and author Nicholas James reveals the very, very expensive DIY plumbing mistakes every homeowner should avoid
By Lucy Searle Published
