
Natasha Brinsmead
Natasha has been writing about all aspects of renovating, building and extending for over 20 years, as well as making the odd radio and TV appearance to talk about self build. As well as enjoying the hands-on side of the building process, Natasha also has a love of interior design and enjoys nothing more than hours spent researching the latest trends to hit the scene.
An interest and passion for home design has been something in Natasha's life from an early age, growing up with an architect as a Dad and moving from project to project, including several self builds which she was lucky enough to take a hand in 'designing' even at the tender age of eight thanks to her parent's insistence that all the homes they lived in should have the input of the whole family.
Over the years Natasha has carried out several of her own projects. Her husband and her started married life in a cloud of building dust, renovating and carrying out a side extension to an unloved Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project with two young children — who loved getting stuck into much of the demolition work but didn't so much love the freezing cold conditions and concrete floors they had to put up with for some time.
While Natasha loves the character and history that goes hand-in-hand with renovation projects, she is now looking for her next project with an open mind to creating something more modern and future proof. However, finding the right thing is proving to be far harder than she thought it would be — watch this space...
Latest articles by Natasha Brinsmead

If my home had any New Year's resolutions, these upgrades are what they'd be
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Next year my home could definitely do better – here are the 5 upgrades I have planned

The 6 lessons my home has taught me this year. And why I'll be making some really big changes in 2026
By Natasha Brinsmead published
During the course of this year I have learnt some important lessons from my home – namely the things I could do to improve it

Want to know how much gutter replacement costs? Experts reveal what you can expect to pay
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Gutter replacement costs are often an unavoidable outgoing when it comes to good house maintenance and protecting your home from water damage — but there are ways to save, as our guide explains

We explore the 7 main types of loft conversion and how to assess which one is the right fit for your home
By Michael Holmes, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
From pros and cons to which home they suit the most, we breakdown the 7 types of loft conversion if you're thinking about extending upwards

Types of plaster and plastering techniques you need to know when finishing off your home renovation
By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated
There are several different types of plaster, each with their own pros and cons –here we take a look at the main options for your internal walls

Make your small wet room work harder with these clever, space-saving designs
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
The best small wet room ideas will ensure that you can have a luxurious showering experience – no matter how compact your bathroom might be

Renovating your bathroom on a budget? 11 top tips to keep down costs
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Learn how to renovate a bathroom on a budget while still achieving the perfect finish

17 bathroom design ideas that will make a splash in all the right ways
By Sarah Harley last updated
Seeking washroom inspiration? We've rounded up some of our favourite bathroom design ideas to help you get started

The best over-bath shower screen? It's about so much more than style, say the experts as they reveal their top 4 options
By Natasha Brinsmead published
In the market for a new shower screen for your over-bath shower? Don't start shopping without reading our guide

Perfect the art of kitchen storage with pantry ideas that suit kitchens of all styles, shapes and sizes
By Sarah Harley last updated
Pantry ideas work best when they meet your personal and culinary needs. From bespoke pantry rooms to clever cupboards here's 17 pantry ideas to inspire you

Expert tips on getting the fundamentals of your bathroom design spot on
By Sarah Harley last updated
Well thought out bathroom design should cover everything from layout through to the walls, ceiling and floors. Here's what experts recommend you consider

The chimney breast in my teenage daughter's bedroom was scuffed and stained — here's how I transformed it into a feature wall in just one day
By Natasha Brinsmead published
All it took was one wall panelling kit and some inky grey paint to take a tired and boring chimney breast into the focal point of the room

Fitting a kitchen takes planning and know-how. How to create a design that works for you
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're looking to fit a kitchen on a DIY basis or calling in the experts, follow our handy how-to guide to help remove the stress

Just found mould lurking in your loft? We reveal how it got there and what you can do to get rid of it fast
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Mould anywhere in the home is never a welcome sight, but in the loft it could be pointing to some serious issues that need putting right. Our guide reveals how to sort the problem

Why extending into this one unloved room in your house could be one of the best home upgrades you make
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Our expert guide to knocking through from a dining room will help you decide whether this is the right thing for your home

If your sash windows are letting in cold air, here's how to draught proof them to preserve the heat inside your home
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Tackling the job of draught proofing your sash windows may require professional help, but there are also some easy DIY methods you can employ yourself

Why prioritising bathroom ventilation will effectively eliminate moisture and high humidity once and for all
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Good bathroom ventilation is vital in keeping your room free of steam, smells, excess moisture and that one substance nobody wants — mould

Best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites

Carpet looking grubby? The experts explain how to clean to get it looking flawless once more
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Whether your carpet is displaying the grime of time or there has been a disastrous spill, our expert guide is here to help you get it looking as good as new

Is it cheaper to extend upwards or outwards? I'm thinking of doing both to get the space I need in my home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
What is the cheapest way to extend a house – upwards or out? I intend on doing both, so I asked the experts for their advice on what to expect

Got your sights set on a Dutch barn conversion? They make stunning homes but should be approached with care, say the experts
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We asked the experts for their insights on converting a Dutch barn to help you understand exactly what's involved in this kind of project

Interstitial condensation: experts explain the signs, causes, and how to prevent it
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Interstitial condensation can cause damage to your home without you even realising. We explain what it is and how to avoid it

These bedroom wall panelling ideas are the instant room refresh you've been looking for – they're stylish, inexpensive and easy to install
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Wall panelling is one of the best ways to add character and warmth to any space, making it the perfect option for bedrooms

How to insulate windows – try these 10 easy ways to keep your house warm
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Insulating windows should be top of your priority list if you want to keep your house warm and cut your energy bills – we show you how to do it

Need to know how to clean mould off wood? Try these smart, straightforward tips to remove and prevent its return
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Indoors or outdoors, when mould appears on wood, you need to take action fast to remove it and prevent it from coming back. Here's what experts recommend
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