
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

Could a side return extension completely transform your terraced house?
By Amy Reeves last updated
A side return extension could transform that ugly, dark alley at the back of a terrace into a valuable living space perfect for your lifestyle — find out how

Avoiding 'cold plugs': What every woodburner owner needs to know before lighting a fire after a cold snap
By Amy Reeves published
Industry body HETAS has warned of the effects of a cold snap on your woodburner. Find out what 'cold plugs' are and how to avoid them when lighting your stove in cold weather

13 side extension ideas to maximise living space and add kerb appeal
By Amy Reeves last updated
These side extension ideas will inspire a new design for your existing home — from ideas for semi-detached properties and terraces to listed buildings and bungalows

Side extensions: Expert advice for building and planning a sideways move
By Amy Reeves published
A side extension can rejuvenate an existing house while increasing the value. Find out whether this addition could be right for you and your home with our guide to planning, costs and design

Planning permission for fences: How high can a fence be without planning?
By Amy Reeves published
Discover what you need to know about planning permission for fences, as well as how high a fence can be without planning permission

Lean to extensions: Costs, advice and design ideas for this popular extension type
By Amy Reeves published
Lean to extensions can add space and value to any style of home — find out what's involved, design ideas and how much you should budget

4 design ideas to steal from this award-winning extended barn conversion
By Seán O'Connell published
This stylish and efficient barn conversion and extension is filled with clever details and designs that makes the spaces shine — take a tour of this stunning home

Ta-ta to those trends that WON'T be continuing into 2023
By Amy Reeves published
Before you start any project in the new year, take a look at what trends are slipping out of style and which ones are taking their places

A derelict garage in London becomes the site of a striking new home filled with colour
By Amy Reeves published
Buying a dilapidated garage without planning permission in a London conservation area was a big risk for Melanie Schubert and Paolo Vimercati, but the result is a striking new three-bed family home

Which is the best space heater to keep your home warm this winter?
By Amy Reeves published
Find out how the best space heater – from fan heaters to oil filled radiators – for your situation can help you stay warm at home — and at what cost

How long do uPVC windows last? Plus, how to ensure they last longer
By Amy Reeves published
Asking 'how long do uPVC windows last?' is a question posed by many homeowners — discover their lifespan and how to spot windows that need replacing

Discover this gravity-defying cantilevered extension to a listed gatehouse
By Amy Reeves published
This cantilevered extension has transformed a listed gatehouse into a home for a young family. Here, the architects behind the project detail how it was designed

Discover how this old garage has been converted into a cosy holiday let
By Amy Reeves published
Looking for somewhere in the country with the potential to generate an extra income, Luke and Laura Thomas decided to head for Dorset to convert a listed garage next to their new home

Fireplace lighting ideas: Clever ways to create a cosy living room
By Amy Reeves published
Get to grips with the best fireplace lighting ideas and designs for a warm and cosy living room or snug — perfect for use all year round

These hot corner log burner ideas could make you reconsider where to position your new stove
By Amy Reeves published
These corner log burner ideas will help you plan and design where you should put your woodburning stove — with helpful expert advice on what not to do

Unbelievable bungalow before and after extension and makeover
By Alexandra Pratt last updated
Creative duo Shaun and Trudy Moulton transformed a run-down bungalow into a show-stopping green oak 'modern barn'

5 budget tips from a cottage renovation completed for under £60k
By Debbie Jeffery last updated
Luke Thomas completed a DIY renovation of a near-derelict cottage, reversing the layout to better enjoy views. He share his budget tips for renovation success

Incredible budget self build: A Passivhaus for just £115K
By Amy Reeves last updated
Ian and Justine Jones worked tirelessly to build their green self build on a budget of less than £600/m2, completing much of the work on a DIY basis

17 brilliant rear extension ideas
By Michael Holmes, Amy Reeves last updated
Rear extension ideas come in all shapes and sizes and can dramatically increase both space and value in any home — take a look at what achieved on a variety of budgets

B&Q sale now on for early Christmas DIY deals
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Don't miss out on the B&Q sale — discover the biggest last-minute discounts on power tools, smart tech and more

Discover how this traditional-style self build is designed for 21st-century living
By Amy Reeves published
After years of looking for a home with history and charm, Helen and Dan self built an oak frame manor-style home with a modern twist
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