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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When to drip faucets – avoid frozen and burst pipes by taking expert-approved precautions
Do it right and do it well with our pro tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Experts warn using this feature on your oven will cut the life span of your appliance in half – here's why
From costly repairs to full on breakages, the self clean function may cause more harm than good
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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DIY SOS – from pest infestations to mold and electrical failures, there are the 9 times you should always call a pro
As these tell-tale signs demonstrate, sometimes things are best left to the experts
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 money-saving tips you need to know before renovating your home
Our experts share their insider knowledge for keeping your renovation costs down
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 stainless steel cleaning mistakes that are ruining your cookware – and what to do instead
Avoid scratches, discoloration and damage with tips from our cleaning pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to defrost a freezer – pro tips to keep your appliance running smoothly and safely
Lower your energy consumption and keep food stored optimally
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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What is the Pile Decluttering Method? Our organizing pros reveal this 'functional, hands-on approach' will transform your space with ease
Feeling the January blues? Tackle your decluttering to-do list with this speedy and efficient method
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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8 easy cleaning habits that will instantly boost your mood – even when struggling with seasonal affective disorder
Just getting started can be enough to beat winter blues
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of black mold in your home – 4 expert approved methods
Cleaning and damp professionals explain how to banish black mold and stop it returning in the future
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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7 steps to reset your home after Christmas – restore order with these expert tips
Our cleaning and organizing pros detail how to clear the chaos of Christmas
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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I tried the ‘One Hour’ cleaning method, and now I don’t dread doing chores – I was amazed at how much I got done
I'll be using this method all the time from now on
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to paint your tile backsplash for a professional finish – you can update yours on a budget
These expert-approved tips will make it a breeze
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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4 brilliant Christmas tree light storage solutions pro organizers swear by to 'avoid the tangle-tornado'
Sort out seasonal string lights with ease, with these expert-approved solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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These 11 tiny tidy-ups are guaranteed to instantly calm the post-Christmas chaos – and in under 5 minutes, too
Pro organizers wouldn't survive Christmas clean up without these tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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3 things people with organized freezers never do – steer clear of these mistakes for a tidy, streamlined space
Avoid an avalanche of frozen foods and freezer-burned leftovers with this advice from the experts
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 brilliant indoor laundry accessories our home editors love – these chore superheroes will turbocharge your routine
Make laundry day your favorite day of the week with these products loved by the Homes & Gardens Solved team
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 things people with organized freezers always do – and how to replicate their success at home
From using clear containers to grouping and labeling items, experts share streamlined storage tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Love that fresh laundry smell? Here's how to make your home smell like clean linen 365 days a year
Crisp, clean and calming – the scent of linen defies seasons, and works in any space
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 items you're definitely storing in the wrong place – and where to put them instead
Professional organizers and storage experts reveal these bloopers
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 helpful ways to use microfiber cloths, the 'unsung heroes of cleaning' – from cleaning electronics to reviving old shoes
Our cleaning pros share their favorite ways to make the most out of these
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How long does a vacuum last? Appliance experts use these tips to extend the lifespan of this housekeeping hero
Pros stress the importance of cleaning, maintaining, and storing them correctly
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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When to replace a vacuum – 6 signs appliance experts always look out for
From excessive noise to a loss of suction, sometimes it's cheaper to replace your vacuum than repair it
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to clean a freezer – these tips will help keep your food in great condition and improve your appliance's efficiency
Keep your frozen food storage sanitary with this expert-approved method
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 kitchen appliances you should always deep clean before Christmas – even the ones you hate cleaning, says our kitchen editor
Our in-house expert shares which appliances to clean ahead of hosting over the holidays
By Ottilie Blackhall Published