
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

Beat the chill this winter with the best window coverings to keep cold out and warmth in
By Natasha Brinsmead published
As a common culprit of heat loss and draughts, addressing your choice of window coverings is key to keeping your house warm and toasty – we explain the best options out there

Experts reveal the 11 things that are making your kitchen look dated — and what to swap them for
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Is your kitchen looking a little past its sell-by date? From work surfaces to layouts, we set out the top features likely to be making your kitchen look totally dated – and advise on what to switch them up for

Keep seasonal affective disorder at bay this winter with these 5 clever home upgrades
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Don't let SAD ruin winter for you – our expert-approved easy home hacks can help prevent and ease the symptoms

Best radiators – our favourites for keeping your home warm this winter
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
We compare the best radiators that heat your home efficiently while enhancing your interior design

How to light a log burner: Our 10-step guide to using yours safely
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Want to learn how to light a log burner? Our experts show you how

Radiator not heating up properly? From trapped air to faulty valves we explore the potential problems and how to fix them
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
There are several reasons for a radiator not heating up – but don't panic, our troubleshooting guide will ensure your home is warm and cosy again in no time

Can narrow hallway ideas ever transform an tiny space into a practical and stylish entrance? Yes, and here's how
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
There's no denying narrow hallway ideas can be tricky. But, with the right advice and design tricks up your sleeve, you can make sure your hallway works harder

Insulating old floors — a good idea or a recipe for disruption, damp and disaster?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Insulating old floors can be one of the best ways of keeping out draughts and making a house feel more comfortable – but you need to use the right installation techniques and materials. Our guide is here to help

The best integrated dishwashers will make light work of washing-up – we advise the key features to look out for
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated
Hand over dishwashing duties to one of the best integrated dishwashers from Beko, Bosch or Miele, as chosen by experts

Do dehumidifiers dry clothes? Yes, but there’s one thing you’ll need to keep in mind
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Wondering whether dehumidifiers can dry clothes? Here’s how they can help reduce your household bills while offering other benefits

Why you should never ignore wet loft insulation – discover common causes and potential solutions
By Natasha Brinsmead published
If you have found wet insulation in your loft, don't panic – our guide explains the steps you'll need to take to fix the problem

How do dehumidifiers work? An expert simplifies the science behind these moisture-busting machines
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
If you've ever wondered how dehumidifiers work, we've asked the experts to explain

Your four-step guide to blocking up a fireplace for a flawless finish
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Whether you want to keep out draughts or have exciting new plans for your chimney breast, our guide to blocking up a fireplace explains everything you need to know

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

Best stove fans – we advise how to buy a stove fan, so you can maximise the benefits of your log burner
By Natasha Brinsmead, Jack Woodfield, Jennifer Oksien last updated
Our round up of the best stove fans will ensure you are getting the most from your stove, whatever its style or size

Just how much does cavity wall insulation cost? Our expert-led guide explains how much to budget and how to avoid wasting money
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Cavity wall insulation can be a great way to increase comfort levels and reduce household bills – but how much does it cost and is it the right option for you?

Why is some paint so expensive — and is it actually any better? Why the answer is often 'yes'
By Natasha Brinsmead published
There is a significant price gap between premium paints and retail equivalents – but is it worth paying the extra to get a better finish, or is there little difference? We asked the experts

Are feature walls still a thing – or just totally passé these days? The designers speak out
By Natasha Brinsmead published
There was a time when an accent wall was seen as super stylish and the only way to inject character into a space but 'things have evolved,' say the experts

Are dormer loft conversion costs within your reach? We explore what's involved and how to save
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
A dormer loft can add space, value and even kerb appeal to your home. But, how much are dormer loft conversion costs and how can you ensure you don't overspend?

Wrong fuel? 8 log burner mistakes experts urge you to avoid
By Natasha Brinsmead published
A log burning stove can be the perfect way to introduce both physical as well as visual warm into a home – but avoiding these common mistakes is key

Relocating a boiler can free up space and reduce noise — here's everything you need to know
By Natasha Brinsmead published
From how to get the job done to timescales and costs, our guide to moving a boiler has it all

Is solar powered underfloor heating a good idea? Here's what the experts want you to know before paying out
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Considering using solar panels to power your underfloor heating? You might need a rethink, say the experts

Want to slash household bills and make life more comfortable this winter? A smart heating system could be the answer
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Our tell-all smart heating guide is here to help you decide whether to take the plunge

Will underfloor heating in a conservatory stop this space feeling freezing in cold weather?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Conservatories can be pretty chilly places to spend time in once outside temperatures drop, but is underfloor heating the way to go? We explains the pros, cons, costs and alternatives

What you can expect to pay for dehumidifier running costs now the temperature has dropped
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
As the seasons change so do your energy bills, with dehumidifier running costs potentially adding to your monthly budget. Here's how much they can cost to run
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