
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

The 11 utility room wallpaper ideas that will turn a boring space into the most stylish spot in the house
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Wallpaper inspiration to turn a dull space into one you can't wait to spend time in

There’s more than one way to build a partition wall. Discover the options for dividing up a space
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Our guide explains how to build a partition wall, along with the various methods you can use if you are looking for an alternative to a traditional stud wall

All the space above my kitchen units does is gather dust — so I asked the experts how I could make better use of it
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Clever ways to make the space above your kitchen units work harder

Want to perfect your home lighting? Experts share a six-step guide
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Everything you need to nail your home's lighting design – from colour temperature and switches to style and placement

Cold spots on internal walls are not to be ignored — this is what to do
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Find out what to do about cold spots on your walls before they cause you problems

Choosing new flooring? These 14 types compared make it easy to decide
By Claire Lloyd, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
From cost to durability and style, here’s how to pick the right type of flooring for every room

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 last updated
Finding it hard to decide between these two types of glazed addition? We set out their pros and cons to help

The 7 signs your boiler is about to break down — experts reveal how to stop issues before they ever happen
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The most common signs that point to an imminent boiler breakdown

When was my house built? Accurately dating your house could be more important than you think
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We reveal the six best ways to find out when your house was built once and for all

My husband and I can never agree on when to turn off the central heating in Spring – 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

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
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