
Amy Reeves
Amy is an interiors and renovation journalist. She is the former Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, where she worked between 2018 and 2023. She has also been an editor for Independent Advisor, where she looked after homes content, including topics such as solar panels.
She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has also interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences.
She has renovated a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, undertaking tasks from fitting a kitchen to laying flooring. She is currently embarking on an energy-efficient overhaul of a 1800s cottage in Somerset.
Latest articles by Amy Reeves

42 fantastic fireplace ideas for all types of fire — from log burners to gas
By Amy Reeves, Hugh Metcalf, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Our round up of fireplace ideas is here to help you find the right way of creating a cosy focal point in any room, plus we have plenty of hearth, surround and mantle ideas for all kinds of fire, from stoves to gas

What kind of self build homes could your budget get you?
By Lindsey Davis, Amy Reeves last updated
Our round up of self build homes explores what is achievable for different budgets, including real projects constructed for less than £100K right up to those that came in at well over £1m

What does garden landscaping cost? Explore what you can afford
By Amy Reeves last updated
Don't leave budgeting for garden landscaping costs until the last minute — your outdoor space is hugely important — here's what to consider, where to invest and the key costs

21 patio ideas to make your garden the perfect place to be this summer
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
With the right patio ideas you can transform your garden into a sociable space to relax, entertain and simply soak up the great outdoors — we have all the inspiration you need

This extraordinary oak framed self build is the ultimate retirement retreat
By Amy Reeves published
John and Patsy Greene drew on years of experience designing and building oak framed houses to create a truly bespoke home for their retirement

Find the best budget patio ideas for a cost-effective garden
By Amy Reeves published
Use budget patio ideas to curate an update and refresh of a garden space without breaking the bank. From paving to planting for pennies, discover our tip tops

What is a floating floor? Weighing up the pros and cons
By Amy Reeves published
Exactly what us a floating floor and why should renovators consider this type of flooring for their next project? We debate the benefits and disadvantages

Discover how this dark basement kitchen has been transformed into a light-filled space
By Amy Reeves published
Lisa and David Mason engaged Sheldon Peever Studio to redesign their dark, disconnected basement kitchen — here, the project architect details how they did it

Great glazed kitchen extension ideas for a bright cooking space
By Amy Reeves published
Find out how glazed kitchen extension ideas can imbue your addition with natural light and views from every angle — from picture windows, rooflights, patio doors and more

This gravity-defying self build was built against the odds — including the builder going bust!
By Amy Reeves published
Built on a plot overlooking a steep valley, Jane and Tim’s contemporary self build defies gravity and pretty much every challenge a project can battle — including their builders going bust and the cladding company running off with their money

Essential ways to make small patio ideas work for you
By Amy Reeves published
Small patio ideas needn't be boring — discover our big ideas for compact gardens which could help transform your outdoor space

Brilliant pergola ideas to improve your garden this spring
By Amy Reeves published
Pergola ideas can help structure your garden, offering shade, colour, visual interest and a place for climbers to grow. Here's how to make the most of this feature

A historic listed barn converted and transformed into contemporary home
By Amy Reeves published
Kerry and Andrew Scott converted their Grade-II listed barn in Oxfordshire while being locked down in Panama — relying on their trusted architect, Ben Mailen, to guide them through the process

Make the most of stair carpet ideas with colour, texture and the latest designs
By Amy Reeves published
Step up your home's level of comfort with stair carpet ideas. Consider how colour, style and pile can create the perfect stairway with our guide

21 small house extension ideas that will make a big impact
By Amy Reeves last updated
Build a little but add a lot; these small house extension ideas are a fantastic way to get inspired and to find out how much can be added by going out a little

These living room fireplace ideas will create a striking focal point
By Amy Reeves published
Design and plan the perfect living room fireplace ideas with this handy ideas guide for a cosy snug space or a welcoming sitting room

Discover these bright ideas for a kitchen extension with bifold doors
By Amy Reeves published
A kitchen extension with bifold doors will create a welcoming space filled with natural light that can be opened to the outdoors — get inspired by these ideas

How to plan a kitchen extension with skylights
By Amy Reeves published
Plan, design and build a stylish kitchen extension with skylights using these ideas — plus our guide provides plenty of helpful advice and inspiration

These clever media wall ideas deliver on style and practicality
By Amy Reeves published
Start planning your ideal night in with our top media wall ideas, with decor inspiration and practical tips for wiring, layouts and more

Designing a galley kitchen: Expert tips for making the most of narrow layouts
By Amy Reeves published
Find out what designing a galley kitchen will involve and how to avoid classic pitfalls when getting this tricky layout right, including costs and design tips

How much does it cost to paint a room: Should you hire a pro or DIY?
By Amy Reeves published
Find out how much it will cost to paint a room, either yourself or by hiring a professional decorator, with this easy budget guide

Can these porch extension ideas improve your home?
By Amy Reeves published
Adding a porch extension is one way to improve your home's entryway. Get started with planning your project with these designs of all shapes and sizes for every budget
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