
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

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

Make sure you carry out these five essential checks before tearing out your old kitchen cabinets
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Don't start ripping out old kitchen cabinets without first carrying out these five all-important investigations

Don't leave your basement as a dark, damp, wasted area — these 12 beautiful conversion ideas show just how subterranean spaces can be transformed
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Find the best basement and cellar conversion ideas, advice and designs to transform a subterranean room into a stylish space with purpose

Want to know how to remove mould from grout? These 10 tried and tested methods have the answer
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Nasty black stains left you wondering how to remove mould from grout? We've been busy looking into the most effective methods to eliminate the problem

12 kitchen floor tile ideas to bring your cooking space to life
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Explore our favourite kitchen floor tile ideas and discover how the right flooring can completely transform your space

Looking for the best kitchen flooring? Here's what experts recommend
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
This expert-led guide will help you find the best kitchen flooring, tailored to your lifestyle and space

If you spot mould on your wallpaper, you need to get rid of it. Here's how you can take action today
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Don't panic if you’ve spotted mould on your wallpaper. Here we tell you what causes it, four ways you can get rid of it and how to cover any leftover stains

How much does a Quooker tap cost and is it worth the investment?
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Curious about Quooker tap pricing? Explore expected costs, what's included and how it compares to alternative hot water taps

The practicalities you mustn't forget when renovating a kitchen, according to the experts
By Natasha Brinsmead published
About to embark on a kitchen renovation? These are the things experts warn you not to overlook

Can a heated towel rail keep a bathroom warm or do you need another heat source as well?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Does the thought of showering on a cold morning set your teeth chattering? It might be time to address your bathroom's heating

How to get rid of black marks on wooden worktops — I tested five ways to try and restore one of my kitchen's main focal points
By Natasha Brinsmead published
If, like me, your wooden worktops are blighted by ugly black marks, take note of these expert tips as I reveal how they worked for me

Confused by bathroom zones and IP ratings? We explain why they matter when designing your bathroom lighting
By Sarah Harley last updated
Getting your IP ratings and bathroom zones paired correctly is essential for your safety in wet zones. Here's how to identify what lights can go where

Ready to refresh your kitchen? 12 beautiful wall tile ideas for every space and budget
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Our collection of kitchen wall tile ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to finish off your kitchen project in style

Are kitchen drawers better than cupboards? The experts speak out on which is their favourite
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Drawers or cupboards – which did the experts say were the better option in a kitchen?

Time for a front door makeover? The paint you use to finish it matters more than you might realise — here's what the experts had to say
By Natasha Brinsmead published
As one of the most prominent features of your home, your front door really needs to shine – make sure your paint choice doesn't let it down
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