Cynthia Lawrence
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!
Latest articles by Cynthia Lawrence
![Snake plants on a table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/88vX4eQ7Nbc8TkiEvWqgjg-320-80.jpg)
7 best low maintenance plants
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re looking for houseplants that are super easy to care for, these low maintenance plants will do the job.
![A woman watering indoor plants with a watering can](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XABN4joZqNsEPaSRJwnHYX-320-80.jpg)
Here's why soft water is bad for your plants — according to experts
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you have a water softener at home, here’s why you shouldn’t use it to water your plants.
![Woman vacuum cleaning floor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LP39LNVQ8xm3qERGsg7inY-320-80.jpg)
9 things you should never vacuum but probably do
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you get out your trusted vacuum cleaner to tackle every mess, here are surprising things you should never (ever) vacuum.
![Man throwing out trash in black bag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yqMShXpFbRoXv59aQkhSzn-320-80.jpg)
7 things you didn’t know are illegal to throw away
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Before you take out your garbage on collection day, be sure not to throw out any of these household items; you could be breaking the law.
![A range of houseplants lined up on a shelf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W5uJkfkpt9NvdxyuqEjuGd-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes that can kill houseplants
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re not having much luck with keeping your houseplants alive, maybe you’re making one of these common mistakes.
![Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gr9qmsBJwgPrFEqpqcHeWg-320-80.jpg)
I tested the new Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum — 3 things I like and 3 I don’t
By Cynthia Lawrence published
I let the Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum loose in my home for a few weeks — here’s what happened.
![A roach poking out from behind a door frame](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2M578Ry6ZwhPEQgdQoCUoT-320-80.jpg)
7 telltale signs of roaches in your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you suspect you have roaches in your home, these are the common early signs to look out for in your property.
![Denture tablet being put into a glass of water](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BpfvwhjYL33tUgRNz2L6Dc-320-80.jpg)
7 things you never knew you could clean with denture tablets
By Cynthia Lawrence published
From removing stains to unclogging drains, denture tablets can do so much more than just clean false teeth.
![Man covering ears with pillow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/N2SS6TbDiiwGh5Wfha8h26-320-80.jpg)
7 clever ways to reduce noise in your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Do you have noisy neighbors? Or live on a busy road? If you want to create a peaceful haven, try out one of these top tips to reduce noise in your home.
![Balcony plants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LKsKtKdGZ6Ge5PicCziSiA-320-80.jpg)
Here’s when you should bring your plants inside for the winter
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to protect your plants from the chill, make sure you know when to bring them inside for overwintering.
![Front porch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U54FhcryDPiBLrXpgaVTiB-320-80.jpg)
7 easy ways to improve your home's curb appeal
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to make a great first impression, here are quick ways to upgrade your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank.
![Woman putting up wall mirror](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ibVPhL2mj3AsezsCXdycgR-320-80.jpg)
7 clever ways to decorate with mirrors in your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Mirrors are not just for looking at our reflections. Check out these clever ways to decorate your home with mirrors and add style.
![Overwatering plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AxKZ2PCoR2VAKnAdDTVhZA-320-80.jpg)
5 tips to save an overwatered plant
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If your beloved plants are wilting, you might be giving them too much water. Follow these top tips to save an overwatered plant and keep it healthy.
![Mouse on kitchen countertop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HvQAV3WQsn6zU8waHexPHS-320-80.jpg)
7 telltale signs you have mice in your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you suspect a mouse invasion in your home, these are the top signs to look out for around your property.
![Woman planting tulip bulbs in yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tPChicYzhjJCPfXHzA4JJX-320-80.jpg)
7 best flowers to plant in the fall
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to prepare your yard for spring, here are the best flowers to plant this fall for vibrant, colorful blooms next year.
![Brick borders around plants in yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JVB4MBwZ2AqSRJ7pCSrbhd-320-80.jpg)
5 clever ways to reuse old bricks in your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Bring your old bricks back to life with these creative ideas — and put them to good use in your yard.
![Pantry with jars and containers of food labeled](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bjem2Lw6zVDX2mxiFe8y77-320-80.jpg)
7 clever tips and tricks for organizing your pantry
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Get your pantry in order with these handy space-saving tips and tricks to save prep time.
![A bathtub in a bathroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gdNnuiUDYNWUQsUodsszT5-320-80.jpg)
5 bathroom design mistakes you’re probably making
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re planning on revamping your bathroom, just be sure to avoid these design mistakes for a dream build.
![A rat eating food from a plate in a kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yLH4mKoSUva7SaGENL7WwN-320-80.jpg)
5 things not to do when repelling pests, according to experts
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to get rid of unwanted pests in your home, you might be doing it all wrong! Experts say these are the things you shouldn’t do when repelling pests.
![Home extension](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ucPN4eJqBnDAUiDBy7vpsZ-320-80.jpg)
5 home extension mistakes to avoid, according to an expert
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Before you take on a home extension project, avoid these common mistakes to achieve your dream home.
![Pumpkins on table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4ixHXYhAUBkdjyQEwNkpSh-320-80.jpg)
9 best fall decor ideas for a cozy home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to get your home ready for autumn, check out these best fall decor ideas to add warmth this season.
![Flooded garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E4NezyTJPeytiu4SN6qgya-320-80.jpg)
7 flood-tolerant plants to protect your yard from heavy rain
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If your area is prone to heavy rainfall, these rain-tolerant plants could protect your yard from flooding.
![Weeping willow tree](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UM6GvbctifjRqqFCmVBrBh-320-80.jpg)
7 fast-growing trees for shade and privacy
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Spruce up your yard with these fast-growing trees, and create much-needed shade and privacy.