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
![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.
![person removing weeds growing in yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5Wxpg9xgc4PbmDb2uxMoh7-320-80.jpg)
3 weeds you should never compost, according to experts
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you compost all of your yard waste, find out which weeds you should — and shouldn't — compost, according to the experts.
![A home office with a standing lamp and bookcase](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AWdcLHxmvCmKiN474hRsaJ-320-80.jpg)
7 things that don’t belong in your home office
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If working from home is the ‘norm’ for you or your family, make sure you don’t have these things in the home office.
![Homegrown vegetables](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RZH8GbC2ZPwxxaFkEhxsWV-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes to avoid when growing vegetables
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re wondering why your homegrown vegetables are not thriving, you might be making one of these common growing mistakes.
![dandelions in grass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AnppL3NAEgqdfcBQjPZ7wJ-320-80.jpg)
5 surprising reasons you should let weeds grow in your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re fed up with pulling out annoying weeds in your yard, here are some surprising reasons why you should just leave them where they are.
![A range of houseplants lined up on a shelf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W5uJkfkpt9NvdxyuqEjuGd-320-80.jpg)
7 tips to help your plants survive while you're on vacation
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Make sure your plants stay alive when you return home from vacation, with these clever tips.
![A woman trying to keep cool in front of an electric fan](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2Nkqz3ENwCMKF5Zc9xnDpZ-320-80.jpg)
5 colors that repel heat to keep you cool this summer
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to stay cool in the summer heat, here are the best ‘no sweat’ colors to wear, according to scientists
![A hedge which has been shaped](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XqXnND2r7afCZeCoNJXN8o-320-80.jpg)
5 expert tips for shaping your hedges like a professional
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to get that perfect hedge, here’s how to shape it like a pro — and impress the neighbors.
![Lavender plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BdVSHhB53FnvN4YohHyPNm-320-80.jpg)
7 best disease-resistant plants to grow
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If your beautiful flowers are ruined by disease, try growing one of these disease-resistant plants to thrive in your yard.
![Bucket of cleaning products](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hhxT77nzYrypFsEboejNg8-320-80.jpg)
These 5 TikTok cleaning hacks have gone viral — don't use them
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Just because it’s trending, doesn’t mean it’s good for your home! These viral cleaning hacks will cause more harm than good.
![person removing weeds growing in yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5Wxpg9xgc4PbmDb2uxMoh7-320-80.jpg)
7 ways to prevent weeds from invading your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you want to get rid of unsightly weeds invading your yard, check out these clever ways to prevent them from taking root in your yard.
![Citrus tree in container](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TDirxzsWgbtwKYhkWHS2jB-320-80.jpg)
5 best trees to grow in containers
By Cynthia Lawrence published
You don’t need a huge backyard to grow trees. These low-maintenance trees will grow well in containers, and spruce up your home.
![Tree infront of house](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TkUJ5wfVvGKEzUP9BYNbb4-320-80.jpg)
5 backyard plants that could damage your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Before you even think about growing beautiful trees or plants in your yard, be sure they’re not one of these fast-growing types that could end up damaging your home.
![Compost heap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/txhoXYFUbeXsMR2qxDrcm-320-80.jpg)
7 composting tips everyone needs to know
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re wondering why your compost heap isn’t going to plan, you might need to try one of these useful tips and tricks.
![College students doing laundry](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pAc7CKkN4pTtjrysu7UDQk-320-80.jpg)
9 laundry tips every college student should know
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
It’s not the most exciting chore for college students, but these laundry tips can make all the difference in saving time and getting the job done right.
![Woman sleeping at the end of bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BvDrDLdEtwjYcuujSR8xAb-320-80.jpg)
How to sleep better in a heatwave
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Too hot to sleep? Don’t sweat it with these top tips to beat the heat on summer nights.
![an image showing a thermometer during a heatwave](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5ea9Fy3ZJrfaBvuVpWrY4X-320-80.jpg)
Beat the heat wave — how to make your own air conditioner in 3 easy steps
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you don't have an air conditioner to beat the heat, here’s how to make a DIY air conditioner using basic household items.