
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

Can you retrofit MVHR? Yes say the experts, but it will require careful planning and possible compromise
By Sarah Harley published
Deciding to retrofit MVHR is a big decision and will involve some disruption. We asked the experts what's involved and how you can ensure the job runs smoothly

What are the best driveway materials? We explore your options for a smart new finish
By Sarah Harley last updated
Choosing the best driveway materials will come down to style, design, cost and practicality. We dive into the most popular choices to help you decide

20 boot room ideas perfect for both compact and larger luxurious spaces
By Sarah Harley last updated
Boot room ideas can be as big or small as your needs and home dictate. We've collected 20 options for your shoe, bag and general storage to help get you started

What are the rules for planning permission for driveways? Our expert explains
By Simon Rix last updated
If you’re creating a new driveway or updating an existing one, understanding when you need planning permission for driveways is essential. Here’s everything you need to know

25 utility room ideas to bring joy to your daily chores
By Sarah Harley last updated
These utility room ideas prove it's a room that can still be stylish, even if the purpose of the space is more practical

How to insulate a loft for a more energy efficient roof space
By Tim Pullen last updated
Insulating a loft well will bring benefits whether you're converting it for habitable use, or upgrading it as a storage space. We explore how to insulate a loft well to help you save on bills and prevent heat loss

Start painting patio slabs to give a fresh new look to your outdoor space
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
Get expert advice to give your patio a bold new look with these simple, professional patio painting tips

Boot room storage — 7 essential steps to a neat and orderly space
By Sarah Harley published
Good boot room storage is everything when it comes to this practical space within your home. Follow the 7 steps experts recommend for a stylish, cohesive and well thought out result

13 modern bathroom ideas that will flood your room with the 'wow factor'
By Sarah Harley last updated
Looking for modern bathroom ideas? We've rounded up a selection of the best around to help you transform your bathroom into a contemporary haven

Need a soakaway for a driveway? Everything you need to know when upgrading your entrance
By Sam Webb, Sarah Harley last updated
If you're updating your entrance you may need a soakaway for a driveway. Here's how to get the size and type right to meet drainage regulations

Calculating your loft conversion costs? Here's how to keep a lid on them when extending upwards
By Tim Phillips, Sarah Harley last updated
Loft conversion costs can vary depending on how you choose to extend, but how do the costs breakdown and what's it important to include? Experts suggest this is how much to set aside and how to stay on track

Humidifier vs dehumidifier — both control moisture levels but here's why using the wrong one could cause problems in your home
By Gabriella Dyson, Sarah Harley last updated
We explore the difference between a humidifier vs dehumidifier to ensure you're using the right appliance to manage the moisture levels you need at home

6 dog washing station ideas to keep your pet pampered and your home protected
By Sarah Harley published
If you're struggling to keep your dog clean and it's starting to spoil your home, we've rounded up six dog washing station ideas to help keep the mud at bay

Struggling with your utility room design? Follow our expert guide to making the most out of this practical space
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Utility room design usually needs to be multi-functional, meeting a variety of needs from laundry to storage. Here's how to ensure your space is fit for purpose

Looking at driveway design? Factor in these 6 key considerations to ensure a standout entrance
By Pete Tonks, Sarah Harley last updated
Good driveway design can transform your exterior. Find out what you need to consider and how to balance practicality and style for the best results

26 loft conversion ideas to help inspire your extension project
By Natasha Brinsmead, Amy Reeves, Sarah Harley last updated
Hunting for loft conversion ideas? We've rounded up 26 inspiring options to help you figure out how your upwards extension will look and function

House cladding can transform your exterior, but what are your options?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Picking the right type of house cladding can elevate the exterior appearance of your home or extension. We explore the options available and how to choose

Types of loft conversion — which one is best for your home?
By Michael Holmes, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
We explore the different types of loft conversion and their typical costs to help you pick the right fit when extending upwards

Why I use the words of William Morris for decluttering my home
By Sarah Harley published
Knowing how to declutter your home isn't a trend. It's about following the words of William Morris – have nothing in your home that's not useful or beautiful

We explore how a wrap around extension can offer extra space and twice the impact when extending your home
By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Even small wrap around extensions can boost the architectural appeal and available space in your home, but what's involved and are they suitable for every home? We explore this extension type

Is a dormer loft conversion the best way of extending your home upwards?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
A dormer loft conversion is a popular choice of loft extension and suits a variety of homes. We take a look at the types on offer and what you need to consider when adding one to your home

Considering underfloor heating? How to choose the right system for your project
By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated
An increasingly popular option, underfloor heating systems are suitable for lots of different projects, whether you're building from scratch, renovating or extending. We explore the options and how to pick the best solution for your home

Seeking softer water? I tried the Tappwater EcoPro Compact Tap Filter to see if it could provide the filtered water taste I was searching for
By Sarah Harley published
Keen to drink cleaner water, I've been on the hunt for an easy to install water filter for some time. The Tappwater EcoPro Compact Tap Filter seemed like the perfect match so I put it to the test and here's how I found using it

Garage conversion costs: How much do you need to turn your garage into a habitable space?
By Tim Phillips, Sarah Harley last updated
While garage conversion costs will vary depending on the nature of your project, quantity surveyor, Tim Phillips, delves into the details to help you establish if your budget will meet your requirements

Painting a bathroom — the essential steps to follow for a clean and fresh finish
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
Understanding the right process for painting a bathroom is key when water, awkward spaces and a mix of materials can make it challenging. Here's how to get a long-lasting result
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