
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

Bungalow Extension Ideas: 10 Ways to a Modern Home
By Amy Reeves published
Discover what is possible when adding a bungalow extension with our design ideas guide — including architects' advice and lots of before and after inspiration

4 Design Lessons from a DIY House Built for Under £92K
By Amy Reeves published
George Bannister built a country holiday let to fund the renovation of his main home, but ended up living in the characterful one-bedroom retreat himself!

22 Front Door Ideas That Set the Right Tone for Your Home
By Amy Reeves published
Choosing the right front door ideas will not only mean a home with great kerb appeal, but also one that's secure and energy efficient too

6 Ways Glazing Frames the View in This Amazing Rural Home
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead published
Large swathes of glazing used in this self build let the gorgeous countryside take centre stage — find out how it informed the design

How to Replace Fence Panels and Repair Damaged Wood Fencing
By Amy Reeves published
Find out how to replace fence panels and repair storm-damaged, rotten or otherwise broken timber panels in our quick guide

Orangery vs Conservatory: How to Choose a Sun-Filled Space
By Amy Reeves published
Weigh up the differences and benefits of an orangery vs conservatory with this quick guide comparing the two for a light and bright space

An Extension Built Inside Crumbing Ruins
By Amy Reeves published
Architect Will Gamble's extension scheme embraces the ruins of a 17th-century factory. Find out how the project came together

5 Ways This Home was Transformed Without Planning Permission
By Amy Reeves published
Jon and Kay have pulled a dated self build out of the 70s to create a light, stylish modern home. What's more, the project was completed under Permitted Development

8 Conservatory Interior Ideas to Create a Stunning Space
By Amy Reeves published
These conservatory interior ideas, with expert tips, will inspire an update or new design of a stylish room with views of the garden

13 Timber Cladding Ideas For a Stylish Natural Finish
By Amy Reeves published
Take a look at these timber cladding ideas to find out what would work for your house — with experts and architects provide their advice

13 Conservatory Flooring Ideas for Use Throughout the Year
By Amy Reeves published
Research the best conservatory flooring ideas with our guide to the different materials, designs and styles, with industry advice

Explore this Light and Stylish Sustainable Self Build, Room by Room
By Amy Reeves published
With a focus on sustainability and open-plan, flexible interior spaces, Jake Edgley's design is full of inspirational ideas

5 Ideas to Copy from this Oak Frame Home Built on a Budget
By Alison Wall, Amy Reeves published
By taking on big DIY tasks, first-time self builders Charlie and Helen Mills created exactly what they wanted for their new oak frame home

10 Retaining Wall Ideas for an Interesting Sloped Garden
By Amy Reeves published
Get your garden summer-ready with our retaining wall ideas — including a range of expert tips on design, planting and materials

6 Design Ideas For Inspiration From an Award Winning Self Build
By Claire Lloyd, Amy Reeves published
From cost-saving alternatives to ultra-contemporary living spaces — this family home is bursting with innovative design ideas to copy

Look Inside This Award-winning Self Build by the Sea
By Amy Reeves published
Lizzie and Tristan Stone’s elegant new home ‘The Boathouse’ masterfully integrates itself within the Devonshire coast. The home won The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2021 Best Self Build.

Before and After: Dated Semi Transformed by a Modern Rear Extension
By Amy Reeves published
Ros Bridges and Rob Jones extended their three-bedroom house to create versatile spaces, ready to deal with whatever life throws at them. Here, Ros details their experience

28 Timber Frame Houses to Inspire Your Build
By Sarah Handley, Amy Reeves published
Timber frame houses offer self builders and extenders an efficient and versatile build route — what can your budget achieve?

9 Driveway Lighting Ideas to Create a Bright Entrance
By Amy Reeves published
Illuminate your way home with smart driveway lighting ideas, designs, inspiration and expert advice for approaches of all sizes

17 Elegant Lighting Ideas for Dining Rooms
By Amy Reeves published
Perfect for a family catch-up or entertaining, these lighting ideas for dining rooms will help you design a scheme to fit every occasion

9 Barn Conversion Lighting Ideas for a Bright and Cosy Home
By Amy Reeves published
Don't be left in the dark — these barn conversion lighting design tips and tricks will spark a lightbulb moment for a bright home

Chimney Breast Ideas: 10 Designs for a Stylish Focal Point
By Amy Reeves published
Our pick of fantastic chimney breast ideas will inspire new updates, renovations or fresh designs a new living room focal point

An Extraordinary Subterranean Extension to a Listed Cottage
By Amy Reeves published
Norman and Zoë Carter have renovated and extended a run-down cottage in the Cotswolds to create a unique, futureproofed home
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