
Sarah Harley
Sarah has been an avid lover of all things homes and interiors since she started redecorating her bedroom as a teenager. Since then she has worked in a number of different roles from copywriting, PR, events management and photography to interior design and home staging. With her two passions being the written word and the joys of a beautifully-designed home, she eventually found her way to writing about interiors and has never looked back. When it comes to her personal building and renovations experience, viewers saw her don a pink hard hat on Grand Designs to project manage the renovation of a Grade II listed folly with the addition of a sweeping modern extension. Prior to this, as well as undertaking smaller interior projects, she renovated and extended a cottage in Kent and also worked for clients, redesigning a central London gym and making improvements to properties that needed to be sold . She admits she has never actually left a property she has lived in untouched, and with over 20 moves to her name, it’s fair to say that she knows lots of tricks for turning a house into a home. Although she still dreams of living in a contemporary self-build somewhere by the sea, she’s decided to leave the packing boxes in storage for now. In the meantime, she continues to fill her Pinterest boards with ideas and inspiration….just in case.
Latest articles by Sarah Harley

Radiator not heating up properly? From trapped air to faulty valves we explore the potential problems and how to fix them
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
There are several reasons for a radiator not heating up – but don't panic, our troubleshooting guide will ensure your home is warm and cosy again in no time

Can narrow hallway ideas ever transform an tiny space into a practical and stylish entrance? Yes, and here's how
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
There's no denying narrow hallway ideas can be tricky. But, with the right advice and design tricks up your sleeve, you can make sure your hallway works harder

We reveal the one thing never to leave untouched during a renovation and why it's essential both now, and for the future
By Sarah Harley published
Juggling your list of home renovation tasks can be challenging, but if you know the one thing never to leave untouched, it can help you prioritise your approach

I tested the EZVIZ EP3X Pro dual camera video doorbell to see if video doorbells and high street living could be compatible neighbours
By Sarah Harley published
My expectations of the EZVIZ EP3X were high. I needed great wireless connection, the ability to dial down notifications, and for it to be a solid piece of kit. Did it live up to the challenge?

Designing with neurodiversity in mind – 6 key principles to creating an inclusive living space drawn from first hand experience and expert advice
By Sarah Harley published
Designing with neurodiversity in the mix doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. We explore the main areas where design tweaks and inside knowledge help create a home that works for everyone

This is how much to budget for external wall insulation costs, according to an expert quantity surveyor
By Tim Phillips, Sarah Harley last updated
Including external wall insulations costs in your budget may increase the final figure, but can help improve the energy efficiency and appearance of your home

Need to know how to reduce humidity in a house? These are the steps you can take starting from today
By Amy Reeves, Sarah Harley last updated
Reducing humidity is the key to avoiding longer term problems with mould and damp. We share the top ways you can start tackling the issue today

Installing a French drain only takes 6 simple steps but could reduce the risk of flooding in your garden
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
While some drainage problems need expert help, installing a French drain is something you can tackle yourself. We explain the tools you need and how to do it

Struggling to find a stylish and practical hallway finish? Try hallway panelling ideas say the experts as there's a style to suit every home
By Gabriella Dyson, Sarah Harley last updated
Keeping your hallway walls pristine can be tricky when everyone passes through. Hallway panelling ideas might be practical, but they still have the potential to make you go wow

Don't cut corners and always measure twice — some of the best advice on offer to avoid making staircase mistakes
By Sarah Harley published
Staircase mistakes can be costly, time-consuming, dangerous and inconvenient. We explore the main ones you could make so you can avoid them

This chemical-free method to get rid of mushrooms in your lawn proves that the simple ways are sometimes the best
By Teresa Conway, Sarah Harley last updated
We asked a horticultural expert how to keep your lawn mushroom free and prevent them from regrowing, and it's easier than you might think

Not sure of the difference between quarter turns, spirals and winders? We explore the types of staircase you can choose for your home
By Sarah Harley published
Selecting the right type of staircase isn't just about how it looks. It's about understanding which one will fit and get you safely from one floor to another

This is why insulating a garage could make sense, even if you only use it for cars or storage
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
Although insulating a garage that only houses your car or is used for storage may seem like overkill, it could prevent bigger issues in the long run say the experts

When the brief is sturdy but stylish, hallway flooring ideas can be a challenge. Here's 18 that rise to the occasion
By Sarah Harley last updated
With the right blend of form, function and fashion, your hallway flooring ideas can ensure the gateway to your home is the entrance of your dreams

Adding internal wall insulation to a renovation — the pros, cons and right way to insulate your internal walls
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
Adding internal wall insulation to a renovated property can be beneficial, but isn't without risks. We explore what it is and how to get it right

Best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites

Neither bland nor boring, white kitchen ideas are on the rise and here's why leading kitchen experts love designing them
By Sarah Harley published
Think white kitchen ideas are sterile? Think again say kitchen designers. It's a great colour to work with and here's 19 ideas that prove why

Are dormer loft conversion costs within your reach? We explore what's involved and how to save
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
A dormer loft can add space, value and even kerb appeal to your home. But, how much are dormer loft conversion costs and how can you ensure you don't overspend?

I tested the Dreo Smart Whole Room Heater 714S and here's why I'd choose it over an oil-filled radiator every day
By Sarah Harley published
I've avoided turning the heating on just yet and it's thanks to this Dreo Smart Whole Room Heater 714S, which warms in winter and cools in summer

18 bedroom loft conversion ideas you'll want to use when converting your loft into sleeping space
By Sarah Harley last updated
Get your bedroom loft conversion ideas right and you can end up with a dreamy sleeping spot, as well as a considered use of space that ends up being the best room in the house

Modern fence ideas are a must when creating a contemporary home. Here's 10 to give your boundary a boost
By Sarah Harley published
Modern fencing should match your home's contemporary exterior but still keep you safe, secure and screened. Here 10 modern fence ideas that nail the brief

Where to buy the best fireplace accessories to give your fireplace a functional glow-up
By Sarah Harley published
The best fireplaces don't just rely on looks. They need the right fireplace accessories in place to keep them clean, fed with fuel and the surrounding area safe

Tempted by the thought of toasty toes? Here's how much to budget for your underfloor heating costs
By David Hilton, Tim Phillips, Sarah Harley last updated
Underfloor heating can transform the way you heat your home. But how much does it cost? We explore what you can expect to pay from installation through to bills

Could your worn out denim jeans be the solution to a warm and cosy home? Find out how they can be put to good use once they've left your wardrobe
By Sarah Harley published
Usually reserved to the world of fashion, denim jeans can get a new lease of life once recycled, and become denim insulation. We explore where and how it's used

Step this way for 13 painted stairs ideas that will take your hallway decor to a whole new level
By Sarah Harley last updated
Looking to transform a tired staircase or add character to a set of new wooden stairs? Here's 13 painted stairs ideas to add a stylish design feature to your entrance
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