Latest articles by Natasha Brinsmead
Looking for a kitchen that can handle family life? These designer-approved spaces show exactly how it's done
Discover the smart design choices that help hardworking family kitchens stay organised, welcoming and chic
I love the thought of air conditioning but am not a fan of how it looks — is there ever a way to blend it into your interiors?
We asked the experts whether there is a way of making air conditioning look more attractive, or if a big white box is the best you can hope for?
Shoes on or off? Is asking guests to take their shoes off at the front door common sense — or just plain rude?
Are you a strict 'no shoes' household or do you take a more relaxed view towards guests' footwear? With the help of experts, we explore both sides of the debate
13 dining room flooring ideas that stand their ground in terms of style and practicality
This round-up of beautiful dining room flooring ideas will withstand everything you throw at them, and won't let you down in terms of how they look
Thinking of installing patio doors? Read this before choosing between bifold and sliding doors
Planning a renovation or extension? See how bifold and sliding patio doors compare on light, views, space and practicality before you make your final choice
Lime plaster is often a must-have in home renovation projects, but how does it stack up compared to other types of plaster?
Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about lime plaster and explain everything you need to know when using it
Experts explain how to fireproof your home using easy, budget-friendly and safe solutions for total peace of mind
Find out how to fireproof your house with our expert-led guide that will ensure you are safe, and adhering to building regulations
I'm considering installing air conditioning in my home so asked experts 'is it really worth it in the UK?' Find out why their answers surprised me
We asked the experts whether air conditioning is a worthwhile investment for UK homeowners, and if so, what are the best choices you can make
Modern kitchens might look sleek, sophisticated and up-to-the-minute, but can they ever feel truly homely?
Can contemporary kitchens still be cosy? Experts say yes and share 12 ways to inject a warmer feel into a more modern space
Stop playing it safe with colour in small bathrooms say design experts. Instead, add some 'visual oomph' for a better result
Small bathrooms needn't shy away from bolder shades when choosing a colour palette, as these 15 bright and beautiful ideas prove
Want to stop crumbling mortar ruining your home? Follow this expert step-by-step guide on repointing brickwork
Repointing brickwork is an essential job if you want your home to weather the elements and still look good. Here’s how to do it properly
Never let your home exceed this humidity level – or risk mould, damp and property damage
Maintaining normal humidity levels is more important than you might think for your home and health. Here’s what to aim for, according to experts
Having the right documents to sell a house isn't just a necessity – it can also secure you a better deal. Experts explain the key pieces of paperwork you'll need
If your house is up for sale or about to go on the market, make sure you follow our handy paperwork checklist to ensure you have everything you need to hand
‘Your family living room shouldn’t look like a playroom’ – interior designers share 15 chic ideas for a more elevated space
From clever storage to durable yet elegant furniture, these expert-approved ideas prove family living rooms can still feel sophisticated
Could broken plan living be the answer to a more flexible layout? Designers reveal how to get it right in your home
If open plan living feels overwhelming but a traditional layout feels too enclosed, a broken plan design could be the perfect way to get the best of both worlds
How to pull lots of natural light into your garage conversion — without being left feeling 'on show'
Maintaining privacy while getting plenty of natural light into a garage conversion can be tricky. We share 7 expert tips to help you get it right
I was fed up with gravel spilling onto the road from my driveway – so I asked experts how to solve the problem
Professionals reveal why gravel spreads beyond your driveway and the most effective ways to keep it neatly in place
My bathroom walls look washed out and flat — I asked the experts which colours to avoid and which shades I should embrace
Steer clear of these 5 colours in bathrooms say experts if you want to design a bathroom that has timeless appeal
My sloping driveway is damaging the bottom of our cars – so I asked the experts, what's involved in levelling it out?
From costs to construction, experts break down what it takes to level a sloping driveway without causing bigger problems
Turning my cottage garden into a driveway damaged its kerb appeal — here's what I wish I'd done differently
How to turn a front garden into a driveway that isn't an eyesore
Is a garage conversion easier than adding an extension? Everything you need to know about turning your garage into living space
Could an empty or unused garage provide you with the extra room you need? Our experts are on hand to explain just what's involved in a garage conversion
Do you have lath and plaster walls in your home? Experts reveal how to spot them and repair them
A staple in many period properties, we explain what lath and plaster is, how these walls are constructed and how to repair them
I am about to apply for planning permission to create a dropped kerb – so I asked the experts, 'what should my next steps be?'
Everything you need to know about dropped kerb planning permission
