
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 a Master's 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 love these 3 decluttering shows on Netflix – they’re perfect for body doubling your next tidying session
Get inspired with the very best advice from the pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Best essential oil diffuser 2025 – tested by a Master Perfumer for every aesthetic and budget
Refresh your interiors with fresh scents for the new season
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Experts say this unusual hack is 'surprisingly effective' for cooling your home by up to 7 degrees – it's completely free and easy to try
This 'natural ventilation' trick is so simple
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This slim and stylish $26 shelving unit is 'perfect' for tidying up messy bathrooms without damaging walls
I love that it's renter-friendly and great for compact spaces, too
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'It gives you a clear boundary before you even start sorting' – why the 'Start with Enough' method easily clears stubborn mess
Professional organizers explain this 'really simple' streamlining technique
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to keep a clean home when you have pets – our ultimate guide to living with furry friends
Professional cleaners and pet lifestyle experts explain how you can keep your home clean and tidy even when you have animals
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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This slim $70 storage gem doubled my book storage instantly – it's ideal for rentals, compact rooms, and avid readers
Maximize your bookshelf on a budget
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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3 simple chores to inspire calm, rest your mind, and give you that 'ahhh feeling' instead of an internal to-do list
Clearing visual mess will help your brain unwind
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'A story of resilience and renewal' – this sprawling Sarasota estate suffered $2 million worth of damage after back-to-back hurricanes hit it in just 10 days
Mark Famiglia, owner and architecture enthusiast, shares how he future-proofed his home after devastating storms
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean and care for a mattress topper – our ultimate expert guide
Keep your topper in tip-top condition
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Itched-out homeowners say these slippery bed bug monitoring traps are perfect for successful DIY 'diagnostics'
Interceptors make spotting these shy pests a breeze
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is the Overly Inconvenient Decluttering Method? Home organizing pros reveal this confronting visual-cue system 'prompts quick decision-making'
Watch out for the pitfall to avoid
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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If you feel guilty squashing spiders, this cruelty-free, hands-off tool will be a 'lifesaver' this spider season
It removes creepy crawlies humanely
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'Once an item lands, it snowballs' – 7 things super organized people never do, as revealed by experts
Professional organizers share their advice
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I love this discreet and compact Joseph Joseph laundry rack for dorm living and concealed drying
Perfect your college laundry routine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to use the traits of your birth month to turbocharge decluttering your home
Your birth month means more than a cause for celebration
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I thought my mop was just OK – until a professional cleaner taught me the right way to use it
Become a mop maestro with this expert-approved tip
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Will bleach kill roaches? Our entomologists reveal whether this 'whack-a-mole' approach really works
Plus, pro recommendations on what to try instead
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'It's great for killing germs on surfaces' – I swapped my toxic disinfectant spray for a DIY vodka cleaner and couldn't believe the sparkling results
Professional cleaners agree vodka is good for more than just cocktails
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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4 natural mosquito repellents you can make yourself for easy, non-toxic protection from your pantry in a pinch
Pest control pros share their favorite DIY solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Did you know creating a free 'DIY Cool Room' saves you money, keeps you comfortable, and makes a 'big difference' in summer?
It's also quick and easy to do
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This bestselling $9 laundry hero revives dingy whites without bleach – 50,000 people bought it last month
It's color-safe and chlorine-free
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'Breathing them in is not a good idea' – 7 things to never put in your humidifier, from tap water to perfume
HVAC pros warn that these liquids could seriously damage your machine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Professional cleaners say these are the 3 tasks you should be doing regularly if you use your air fryer daily
Don't risk your air fryer becoming a fire hazard
By Ottilie Blackhall Published