
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

From comforting curves to stunning surfaces, these are the 10 kitchen trends you need to take note of in 2026
By Sarah Harley last updated
While trends can sometimes come and go, the 2026 kitchen trends feel far more considered and long-lasting than ever before. Here's 10 of our favourites that combine comfort and contemporary in perfect measures

I thought an electric mop would make me a bit of a 'princess'. So does the Philips OneUp 5000 Series take the crown over a basic mop?
By Sarah Harley published
I tested the Philips OneUp 5000 Series Electric Mop to see if it could convince me that rather than being an indulgence, it's a cleaning must-have

What drainage systems do you need for your project?
By Mark Brinkley, Sarah Harley last updated
While it's not the most exciting part, getting your drainage systems right is essential. We explore the pros and cons of mains vs off mains drainage

Do you need a drainage field or a soakaway? Why installing the wrong one could lead to serious problems
By Sam Webb, Sarah Harley last updated
Often wrongly named, a drainage field is not a soakaway and should only be used in certain situations. We explain the difference to help you avoid mistakes

This is how much to budget for French drain costs according to industry experts
By Sam Webb, Sarah Harley last updated
Although french drain costs vary, it's an expenditure that could help protect your property against the more costly issues of dealing with excess surface water

Which heating system should I install? From heat source to emitters our expert guide will help you choose
By Sarah Harley last updated
From heat source to heating controls, there are plenty of factors involved in choosing a heating system for your home. We explore what's on offer and how to make sure you pick the right one

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

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?

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

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

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
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