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

By Holly Crossley Published
Knowing how to get rid of giant hogweed is important for a safer garden – we've got all the tips you need

By Sarah Harley Published
With front paths the main route in and out of your home, we've rounded up ideas that combine practicality with pleasing finishes to create paths with purpose

By Mike Cruickshank Last updated
Timber frame extensions can be built in a number of different ways. We break down what you need to weigh up when extending your home in this way

By Sarah Harley Published
I thought the recycling paper and cardboard rules were relatively simple, but there are still guidelines to be followed and here's why

By Sarah Harley Last updated
Could an empty or unused garage provide you with the extra room you need? Our experts are on hand to explain just what's involved in a garage conversion

By Sarah Harley Published
Spotting asbestos when renovating isn't always obvious. While surveys can reveal some locations, here's where else could be a risk factor in older properties

By Sarah Harley Published
Lesser known than other materials such as granite or marble, soapstone is a worthy contender for kitchen worktops and other surface finishes, as experts explain

By Michael Holmes Last updated
Strong foundations are integral to a stable build, but with soil, architectural design and cost all playing a role, we explore the types available

By David Hilton Last updated
If you're considering an air source heat pump as part of a new build or renovation, here's what the experts say you can expect when installing one

By Sarah Harley Published
Selecting hardware for your home may seem like one of the last jobs on your list, but it shouldn't be. Here's how to get it right and where to find inspiration

By Sarah Harley Published
My bedroom is big enough to work from, but having my desk and bed in the same space is proving too disruptive. Could these temporary fixes be the solution?

By Sarah Harley Published
Love your newly decorated walls but not the accompanying eau-de-paint? We explore ways to get rid of paint smells to see if there is any real solution

By Sarah Harley Published
I've been recycling under Simpler Recycling guidelines for a while and don't understand the fuss. The new rules aren't perfect, but it's better than nothing

By Sarah Harley Published
Living on a busy high street and in a listed building with single glazing makes me question the air inside our home. Would this air monitor ease my concerns?

By Michael Holmes Last updated
Claiming back VAT on your conversion could recoup you some of your build costs, but only if you know how. Build expert, Michael Holmes explores the rules

By Sarah Harley Published
Looking for a way to add joy to your home? The 'peek-a-boo' paint trend could be all you need to inject some fun, personality and style to any room

By Sarah Harley Published
Could you be using your shutters incorrectly? This simple tip has helped reduce my energy bills and keep out the heat in the summer. And best of all, it's free

By Sarah Harley Published
Choosing an interior design or paint scheme can be tricky, which is why I've always followed the 60:30:10 principles in my homes. Here's how to use it in yours

By Sarah Harley Published
Partially built flat pack sounded like the perfect solution to my budget and time constraints, but was this new plastic fixing a help or a hindrance?

By Sarah Harley Published
Popular for their roomy style, I thought an L-shaped bath would be a great way of combing an essential bath with a roomier shower. Here's how I got it wrong

By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley Last updated
Everything you need to nail your home's lighting design – from colour temperature and switches to style and placement

By Sarah Harley Published
I believe waiting for viewings before you get your home ready to sell is too late. A valuation is your first viewing and should get the gold star treatment

By Sarah Harley Published
Worried about where to get rid of your waste now recycling rules are changing? We explore some alternative methods for disposing of household rubbish

By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley Last updated
We unpack everything you need to know about adding internal wall insulation – from what it is and where it works best to the pros and cons you should consider first

By Sarah Harley, Claire Lloyd Last updated
If you're considering an oak frame extension, here's what you need to know, from designing one through to the best ways of connecting one to your home
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