
Gabriella Dyson
Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor and former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens. She is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design, often found in antique shops and reclamation yards (or simply browsing the aisles of her local B&Q).
She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties. Currently, she is in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country. Gabriella studied Modern History at The University of Oxford before pursuing a career in journalism. She attributes her fascination with architectural heritage to her degree and the 'dreaming spires' of Oxford.
After graduating, Gabriella moved to London, where her first industry job had her writing for the Luxury London magazine group. Working across a range of premium titles, she honed her writing skills by composing articles for the home and lifestyle pages and conducting interviews with leading architects and designers, such as Timothy Oulton and Christian Liaigre.
For much of the past decade, Gabriella has worked as a freelance writer, crafting copy for national publications and renowned homeware brands. She served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku, assisting in shaping its tone of voice on its journey to securing B-Corp status. Additionally, she has lent her expertise to award-winning Southwest architects, aiding them in communicating their ideas to the press.
In 2019, she launched her own series of UK guidebooks and an online travel resource called 'The Maverick Guide.' Publishing these popular travel books has allowed her to collaborate with hotel and property owners, each of whom has ventured into renovation and interior design projects of their own.
At Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, Gabriella was responsible for curating the magazine's home case studies and regularly contributes to the Homebuilding website.
Latest articles by Gabriella Dyson

The verdict is in — experts agree these are the worst flooring types for a kitchen and reveal what to choose instead
By Gabriella Dyson published
From solid wood that warps to high-gloss finishes that show every mark, here's what flooring experts say never truly stands the test of time in a kitchen

9 simple rules designers swear by for brightening a dark living room — that you can try in your home too
By Gabriella Dyson published
If your living room leans on the side of dark and gloomy there are ways of making it brighter. From windows to floors, here's how to make the light work harder

Experts reveal the truth about converting a church into a home – the 11 hurdles you'll need to consider
By Gabriella Dyson published
From stained glass to bat surveys, here's what the experts want you to know before you try to convert a chapel into a home

'These hidden costs pushed our renovation over budget' — 6 harsh reality checks from real-life renovators
By Gabriella Dyson published
From bat surveys to builder finishes, real-life renovators share the hidden renovation costs that no one warned them about until it was too late

Experts reveal the minimum house temperature to avoid damp, mould and condensation
By Gabriella Dyson last updated
Struggling with damp and mould? Your home's temperature could be the problem – here's how to fix it

These 3 survey findings should stop any property purchase in its tracks — no matter how much you love it
By Gabriella Dyson published
Fallen for a property? Before you sign anything, make sure your survey doesn't flag one of these three deal-breakers

We renovated our 1950s home room by room — here's what we got right and what we learned the hard way
By Gabriella Dyson published
When Katie and Ronan bought their 1956 fixer-upper at the top of their budget, they rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. Two years on, they're sharing what they'd do again and what jobs they'd leave well alone.

Estate agents reveal the listing photos that tell you everything the seller doesn't want you to know
By Gabriella Dyson published
A great set of listing photos can make almost any property look appealing. But estate agents know exactly where the cracks – sometimes literally – are hiding

7 areas of your home you should never insulate (and what could go wrong if you do)
By Gabriella Dyson last updated
Insulating your home? Experts say to avoid these seven key areas – here’s why

I grilled estate agents on how to add value to my home and why their answers honestly surprised me
By Gabriella Dyson published
From a tin of paint to knowing when to stop spending, here's what estate agents told me about adding value to my home in 2026

Scandi bathroom ideas to nail the relaxing Nordic look in your home
By Gabriella Dyson published
From pale wood and stone to making the case for a home sauna, here's how to bring true Scandinavian calm to your bathroom

Are floor tiles in a bedroom a practical choice or design risk? We take a look
By Gabriella Dyson published
From cold-floor anxieties to finish choices, we asked the experts how to make bedroom floor tiles work harder than carpet ever could

Large tiles vs small tiles — your essential guide to making the right choice
By Gabriella Dyson published
Bigger isn't always better and smaller isn't always smarter. Here's how to choose the right tile size for every room

The one kitchen decision that's harder than it looks: Tiles or splashback panels?
By Gabriella Dyson published
Not sure whether to choose tiles or a splashback panel for your kitchen? Here's everything you need to know before you commit

What is a coffered ceiling? Why architects are falling in love with this classic detail all over again
By Gabriella Dyson published
From adding architectural character to making a room feel twice as grand, the coffered ceiling is the one design feature most homeowners have never thought to consider – until now

The spa bathroom ideas designers are loving in 2026 — from 'bathscaping' to Japanese design
By Gabriella Dyson published
Steam showers, freestanding tubs and everything in between – these are the spa bathroom ideas designers love, for every budget, style and space

End the damp towel pile for good — 12 towel storage ideas your bathroom needs
By Gabriella Dyson published
From ladder rails to lit niches, these are the towel storage ideas that work as hard as they look

I turned a skip find into stylish shoe storage — and it sent me down a rabbit hole of brilliant small-space ideas
By Gabriella Dyson published
From a rescued cupboard to designer-approved ideas, here's how to store shoes stylishly, however little space you have

Why designers are choosing veneer in high-end homes — and how it compares to solid wood
By Gabriella Dyson published
The material behind some of the most beautiful kitchens and bathrooms around might not be what you think

Yes, dehumidifiers can reduce dust — but not in the way you'd expect
By Gabriella Dyson published
If you're plagued by dust or stuffy air at home, a dehumidifier might seem like the obvious fix, but can it actually reduce dust or is it solving a different problem altogether?

These bedroom divider ideas are perfect for 'zoning' your sleep space — and there isn't a solid wall in sight
By Gabriella Dyson published
Discover how to turn one bedroom into beautifully defined zones, no construction necessary

What's causing that green mould on your walls — and is it safe to sleep in the same room?
By Gabriella Dyson published
Found green mould on your walls? We reveal the likely causes, health risks and how to stop it coming back

Lack of power in your shower? Ways to increase your water pressure
By Gabriella Dyson last updated
Don't let lacklustre showers ruin your morning routine. Learn how to identify the causes of low water pressure in a shower and discover 5 simple steps to combat the issue.
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.


