
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

My husband and I can never agree on when to turn off the central heating in March – so I asked the experts for their advice to put an end to the bickering
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Want to know when to turn off your central heating now that winter is on the way out? Here's what the experts had to say about spring switch offs

Orangery vs extension — 'both can add appeal if they are well designed and properly integrated,' say the experts, but which to choose?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Finding it hard to decide between these two types of glazed addition? We set out their pros and cons to help

Designing a living room in a conservatory — experts reveal their 6 secrets to success
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Designing a living room conservatory that feels warm and inviting comes with some challenges – here's how to do it right

Wondering how much a new kitchen costs? From budget to bespoke we outline your potential spend in 2026
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Estimating how much a new kitchen costs isn't a simple equation, but understanding the ballpark figures can help. We explore the price ranges to work within

Love the idea of working from home in a space full of natural light and connected to nature? A conservatory home office is the ideal solution
By Natasha Brinsmead published
A conservatory home office can provide the perfect spot to work from – here, the experts explain how to avoid running into any issues when designing one

The 6 best range cookers — how to choose the right model for your kitchen
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Want the best range cooker for your new kitchen? Look no further as we round up the top models out there

Not much space? No problem — these 14 small boot room ideas show what can be done with even the tiniest of areas
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Beautiful small boot room ideas that combine style with practicality

New beams ruining your rustic interior scheme? We explain the best ways of making them look old, fast
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We look at the various techniques for making new beams look old with no waiting around required

Is a loft conversion for a children's bedroom a good idea? The experts weigh in
By Natasha Brinsmead published
While a loft conversion might seem like the perfect space for those bursting with energy, there are some considerations to think about before going ahead

Kitchen worktop ideas: 12 clever ways to make your surfaces work harder
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
After great kitchen worktop ideas for your new kitchen? You've come to the right place

Designing a kitchen for a barn conversion isn't always easy — but taking note of our expert-approved advice will make it a whole lot simpler
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Vaulted ceilings, wonky walls and rugged beams are all beautiful features of barn conversions but they can make designing a kitchen challenging. We asked the experts for their secrets to success

12 galley kitchen ideas that make the most of a long, narrow cooking space
By Natasha Brinsmead, Amy Reeves last updated
Learn how to design a beautiful galley kitchen that's a joy to cook and dine in with these stylish, space-efficient ideas

The 8 best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
We've tested the best dehumidifiers from Meaco, De'Longhi and more to help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills

Is your bathroom extractor fan making your bathroom feel cold? It just might be, according to the experts we spoke to
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Bathroom constantly cold despite the heating being on? Your extractor fan could be to blame

Looking for the best light switches for your home? We've rounded up a range of options to suit all design schemes and budgets
By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated
Stop searching in the dark for the best light switches. Here's our list of choices for adding easy control, energy efficiency, and style to your interiors

Looking for the best bathroom lighting? We've rounded up some ideas to help you illuminate your bathroom stylishly — and safely
By Sarah Harley last updated
The best bathroom lighting should not only meet regulations, but also bring your bathroom design to life. Here's some of our favourite picks to help you choose

10 small orangery kitchen extension ideas for even the most compact culinary spaces – uplifting, bright and a joy to spend time in
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Thought you needed a sprawling space for a small kitchen orangery extension? Think again – these examples are proof that some of the best things really do come in compact packages

Mindful kitchens — they're a big trend for 2026 but what exactly are they and how could they help everyday life?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Craving a kitchen that promises effortless food prep, a calming cooking process and a tranquil dining experience? A mindful kitchen is exactly what you're after – and we're here to explain how to get one

Want a spacious, bright new kitchen that feels connected to your garden? An L-shaped kitchen extension is exactly what you need
By Natasha Brinsmead published
If you want to add maximum space with your extension without eating into valuable garden space, an L-shaped design could be the answer

Wasted space be gone – 10 ingenious side return kitchen extensions to turn an awkward passageway into the heart of the home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Check out our inspirational collection of kitchen side return extensions – the perfect way to make use of an otherwise dark, neglected space

Terraced house kitchen extensions come in all shapes and sizes as our collection of 10 inspiring designs proves — expect anything but ordinary
By Natasha Brinsmead published
All the inspiration you need to add a spacious, bright kitchen extension to your terraced house

Not sure whether to extend or transform your loft? We explain if an extension or loft conversion will give you the best value
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Creating more space usually falls into one of two categories – extending your home or converting a loft. But which one will reap the most rewards?

13 downstairs bathroom ideas that are functional, fabulous and built for the future
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Transform a ground floor space into a practical downstairs bathroom with these stylish, editor-approved ideas

Bridgerton is back — here's how to steal this style and recreate a beautiful Regency interior at home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
In love with the Bridgerton's understated morning room? Obsessed with the Featherington's zingy pistachio living room or bowled over by the bright wall colours of the Duke and Duchess's residence? We're here to show you how to get the look
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