
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

If blinds help keep heat in, do they make your room hotter in summer? We explain how to make your windows a weapon in your fight against the heat
By Sarah Harley published
Most of us know the answer to 'do blinds keep heat in' is yes. So how does this work in the summer when your room temperature might be higher? Experts unravel how to make blinds your friend and not your enemy

I investigated air conditioning hire to see if it could be a quick solution to working at home in a heatwave
By Sarah Harley published
Hiring an air conditioning unit for your home may seem like an option if you don't have space to store one in the winter or need a quick fix in short term heatwaves. But, is it worth it?

12 oak frame porch ideas that are pretty, practical and can be sized to suit
By Sarah Harley published
Pretty as a picture, oak frame porch ideas can add a sense of rustic charm while providing practical cover from the weather

I compromised on these 5 things when extending properties but quickly came to regret them. Don't make the same mistakes as me
By Sarah Harley published
Extending a house usually comes with a list of must haves and a wish list. Here's the 'wish list' items I made the mistake of not understanding were really a 'must-have'

Will selling your home with planning permission always bring in the big bucks, or does a 'sold as seen' approach sometimes reap more rewards?
By Sarah Harley published
It's easy to assume planning permission adds value to your property at resale – but is this always true? We explore when it might be best to leave well alone

Our guide to the 6 best video doorbells to improve security and make sure you never miss a delivery again
By Sarah Harley last updated
Looking for the best video doorbells? We share six of our favourite options, whether you're looking for a budget friendly bell, an integrated system or a subscription free model

Seeking single storey extension ideas? Here's 12 that are the perfect match if you're looking for a stylish, light and characterful partner for your home
By Sarah Harley last updated
Single storey extension ideas are one of the most popular ways of adding space. We've got 12 ideas that show just how expansive and exciting adding one can be

Avoid this one simple mistake that's ruining your home office lighting
By Sarah Harley last updated
Lighting a home office means choosing a scheme that's bright and comfortable. Here's what the experts suggest for a space that's functional and easy on the eye

Why I'm 'fan-girling' this pedestal fan as the perfect 24p a day solution to hot and sweaty nights – and you should too
By Sarah Harley published
I tested the MeacoFan Sefte 10" Pedestal Air Circulator in a heatwave and let me tell you, it's whisper quiet, cheap to run and well worth the investment

Want to know the secret to a high end bathroom finish? Trust me when I say this is the luxurious surface finish you've been searching for
By Sarah Harley published
Microcement bathrooms may not sound luxurious but they are. Offering a top-to-toe finish, here's why one's worth considering in your next bathroom project

Stay cool as a cucumber with these 7 heat-busting tips for keeping your rooms cool in a heatwave – even when you don't have air con
By Sarah Harley last updated
If you're scrabbling for ways to cool down your rooms in a heatwave, we've got you covered. From simple fixes you can do now, to bigger changes for the future, here's how to chill

Dial up your design status to 'cool', with these 12 glass roof extension ideas that bring light, space and style to your home
By Sarah Harley last updated
Whether you're looking to benefit from extra light, or simply want to create a seamless space, here's 12 extensions with glass roofs to brighten your home

These genius wheelie bin storage ideas are how savvy homeowners keep their rubbish hidden from sight – and avoid potential fines too
By Sarah Harley published
Wheelie bin storage ideas are a must if your refuse is ruining your exterior. Here's 5 ideas that are stylish, practical and totally transformative

Why not having trickle vents could be more serious than you think
By Sarah Harley published
If you've ever wondered what are trickle vents and if you really do need them, we explain why this little trickle of air has more power than you realised

Why thinking out of the box is the best approach when looking for loft conversion storage ideas
By Sarah Harley published
If hunting for loft conversion storage ideas leaves you feeling everything is too big or too small, we've taken the task to hand and found 12 ideas to help keep your space clutter free

20 dormer loft conversion ideas if you're hoping to reach the lofty heights of an upwards extension
By Sarah Harley last updated
Dormer loft conversion ideas tick so many boxes. From small to large, simple to standout there's plenty of options to choose from. Here's 20 to start you off

Looking for porch lighting ideas? Here's 14 illuminating ideas to brighten your main entry point
By Amy Reeves, Sarah Harley last updated
Porch lighting ideas should be bright and benefit your safety and security. Here's 14 schemes that fit the bill

Not sure whether to pick an up-and-over or a roller? Here's how to buy garage doors
By Teresa Conway, Sarah Harley published
Buying a new garage door isn't just about appearance. It also needs to be practical, fit the available space both inside and outside your garage, and be secure

Extension or conservatory? Make sure you take size, style, speed and spend into account to avoid making a costly mistake
By Sarah Harley last updated
With the design and cost lines between extensions and conservatories more blurred than ever before, what's the best way to decide between them when you're adding space to your home?

From pretty pickets to stylish slats, here's 15 driveway fencing ideas to elevate your entrance
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're seeking driveway fencing ideas to add security or simply style, we've rounded up a selection to suit all types of homes and budgets

18 orangery ideas for an extension bursting with a luxe feel and lots of light
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves last updated
Whether you're deliberating over size, colour or use we've curated a selection of 18 orangery ideas to inspire your next home extension plans

Why taking a practical approach to your loft storage ideas is essential to avoid damaging your home and belongings
By Sarah Harley last updated
Loft storage ideas can help turn your unused attic into a more valuable space, as long as you follow these practical steps first

Parking your car shouldn't mean sacrificing a connection with nature. These 13 front garden driveway ideas show you how
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves last updated
Getting the right balance with your front garden driveway ideas can be tricky when you need to create a space that's practical yet pretty. But, there are ways to do it say the experts, and here's how
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