
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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'Less chaos around you means more calm within you' – 7 surprising and beneficial ways minimalism resets your brain
Reduce your mental load and reconnect with what matters
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This is the 1 drainage mistake experts urge homeowners to never make – it acts as 'slow poison' for your home and could cost you thousands to fix later
Avoid cracks, uneven settling and structural issues
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 signs you have too much stuff in your attic – 'when your storage space is overloaded, your brain has to work extra hard'
Don't ignore these red flags, organizational experts urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This 1 storage essential for children's rooms will maximize space in even the smallest of grown-up closets – and look neater, too
Using children's hangers in your own closet is the organizational hack you didn't know you needed
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to degrease your whole kitchen using just 1 product you probably already have – from cleaning cabinets to grime-busting your microwave
Windex is an effective and versatile cleaning spray
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This compact IKEA storage savior frees up floor and counter space in even the tiniest of kitchens, and it's now less than $5
It's compact, clever, and super easy to clean
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Why you shouldn't use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain, and what to use instead
It can 'inadvertently reduce the lifespan of your plumbing infrastructure,' warn pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to repel ants in your home using this 1 natural oil – it's entomologist-approved and non-toxic
According to our pest pro, this all-natural hack works in four out of five homes
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Experts urge anyone with an induction hob to spend $2 now for instant pan compatibility checks
A simple refrigerator magnet is the key to knowing what will work on your hob
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Can you paint IKEA furniture? Our paint experts share top tips for a personalized but professional finish
Flip your furniture without fuss
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This is the ideal humidity level for your bedroom for a comfortable night's sleep, urge HVAC pros
Maximize comfort and reduce allergens
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 things you should never dry clean, from baby clothes to active wear, and what to do at home instead
Avoid irreparable damage and setting stains, laundry experts urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What's the 20/20 rule for decluttering? Our organizational experts explain everything you need to know
Think $20 in 20 minutes
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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5 handy ways to reuse plastic bags at home – from packing suitcases to storing teabags
Think twice before recycling these versatile household heroes
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean a stainless steel sink – 6 steps for a sparkling and spotless space
Our expert-approved method for shining up your surfaces
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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I used the Japanese concept of 'Mottainai' to easily organize my chaotic clothes drawers – it helped me streamline while being more sustainable
Cut clutter without contributing to waste
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 things to clean in June 2025 – welcome the summer in sanitized style and avoid pest problems
From trash cans to mattresses, these are the things our pros urge you to tackle this month
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Do portable bug repellent fans really work? Entomologists reveal how to boost effectiveness for a non-toxic 'personal bug-free zone'
It's a smart solution for all-natural, non-toxic pest control for inside and out
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Anyone who sleeps with their windows open at night is urged to use this $13 device to keep cool without inviting 'an army of pests' inside
Our pest pros recommend using it from dusk to dawn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean your home office space so it's a 'productivity hub, not a dust collector' – 5 tips from professional cleaners
From dusting shelves to disinfecting light switches, these are the tasks needing your attention
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Think twice before throwing out this often recycled item – it's the key to crease-free clothes in your closet
It's perfect in a pinch
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This 1 fruit banishes bathroom faucet limescale without chemicals – but I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth after giving it a go, here's why
Step aside, lemons, grapefruit wants a go
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of moths – 11 entomologist-approved methods from deterrents to storage
Pest experts share their tried and tested solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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'I have never considered anything different' – why the washing up bowl vs. no washing up bowl debate has divided cleaning experts
There's 'merit' to both approaches, experts say
By Ottilie Blackhall Published