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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When to harvest potatoes – for a tasty crop
Discover when to harvest potatoes, both earlies and storage, to ensure the tastiest crop from summer onwards
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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7 lessons in modern farmhouse style the designer of this elegant kitchen wants us to learn
This is how to make a classic kitchen contemporary
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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These are designer Amanda Lindroth’s top 5 tips for successful outdoor entertaining
Formal is out... relaxed, intimate dinners are in. Here's how
By Lucy Searle Published
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Nursery ideas – 20 beautiful rooms new parents will love
If you are browsing nursery ideas, no doubt you are as excited as you are anxious about decorating the space right. These nursery pictures and advice from interiors experts will help
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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This 17th century British farmhouse shows how to introduce color with panache
Francesca Reed’s sensitive and colorful refurbishment, along with thoughtful remodelling, has changed this humble farmhouse into a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to paint behind a radiator
Debating how to tackle that awkward paint job behind the radiator? Our expert guide solves the tricky dilemma with a step-by-step method for pristine results
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get rid of raccoons – safe, humane methods experts use, plus smells they hate
Learn how to get rid of raccoons humanely before these night time invaders take up residence in or around your home
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Summer table decor ideas – 10 beautiful ways to dine in style
Celebrate summer with summer table decor ideas – these are perfect for parties and special occasions indoors or al fresco
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to grow wisteria – where to plant this flowering climber
Learn how to grow wisteria and when and where to plant it to enjoy the wonderful spring and summer blooms of this flowering climber year after year
By Lucy Searle Published
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Can you wash an electric blanket?
The answer to whether you can wash an electric blanket isn't a straight one. Here, our experts advise
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Colorful room ideas – 15 vibrant spaces with daring decor
These colorful room ideas are joyous and bold; here, our team and interior designers offers expert advice so you can create your own bright and beautiful spaces
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to clean a washing machine – and maximize its lifespan
Learning how to clean a washing machine will ensure it delivers its best results and lasts for longer, too
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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This is the one thing Homes & Gardens' Editor is buying this Amazon Prime Day
It's a tried, trusted and brilliant buy – plus it's on sale
By Lucy Searle Published
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Interior designer Kathryn M Ireland's top 5 tips on introducing red into rooms
Love this bold shade but anxious about introducing it to your rooms? One of the world's best designers is here to show you how
By Lucy Searle Published
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When to plant garlic – for superior homegrown flavor
Get in the know about when to plant garlic to enjoy its tasty bulbs throughout the year
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Nook beds ideas – 10 space-clever beds for alcoves, nooks and niches
Nook beds are perfect for maximizing small spaces and for creating a comfortable, inviting look. These are our favorites
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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Eco houses – 7 most beautiful sustainable builds, from forest dwellings to city homes
These are some of the world's most coveted eco houses, beautiful homes designed by architects with their gaze firmly fixed on sustainability
By Lucy Searle Published
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Shower room ideas – 14 looks and layouts for the perfect shower room design
These beautiful shower room ideas will provide plenty of inspiration to help you design the best space for your bathroom
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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How to get paint out of a carpet – expert tips for fast results
Had a bad spill? Discover how to get paint out of a carpet, fast
By Lucy Searle Published
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When do gladiolus bloom? And what to do to for show-stopping flowers
If you are wondering when your gladioli will flower, discover the answers here
By Lucy Searle Published
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World's best gardens – 5 top designers' most inspiring spaces and how to mimic them
Looking for inspiration to update an outdoor space for the summer season? These extraordinary gardens from world-class designers are a great place to start
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to design a formal living room – designer Emma Sims Hilditch's tricks for creating smart spaces
How to create a formal living room without it feeling uninviting? Here, interior designers give their advice
By Lucy Searle Published
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How to care for succulents in winter
Know how to care for succulents in winter to enjoy these architectural plants right through to summer and beyond
By Lucy Searle Last updated
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6 tricks with color designer Summer Thornton uses in her interiors
The interiors design star Summer Thornton creates are full of wonder – just look at these imaginative schemes
By Lucy Searle Published