
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 there an ideal kitchen size and can a kitchen ever be too big? The experts weigh in — with some reassuring advice for those struggling for space
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We asked the kitchen design experts for their opinions on the best size for this all-important room

32 open plan kitchen ideas to create a seamless cooking, dining, and entertaining space
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Get inspired with these open plan kitchen ideas that include practical tips, stylish storage and the latest designs

11 family bathroom ideas that take the stress out of sharing
By Sarah Harley last updated
Designing a family bathroom can be tricky but there's no reason why your newly created space can't cause a splash – in all the right ways

Mildew and mould aren’t the same. Learn how to tell the difference and deal with them quickly
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Mildew vs mould — neither are something you want to find in your house, but what is the difference and how can they be avoided? Our guide explains everything you need to know

How to fix frozen pipes (and protect your home from future flooding and water damage)
By Natasha Brinsmead, Megan Milstead last updated
Want to learn how to fix frozen pipes? Our experts are here to help with a simple two-step guide

Want to know how to remove mould from carpets? Experts reveal simple solutions to stop it from coming back
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Wondering how to remove mould from carpet? Don't panic, we have all the advice you could possibly need to get your carpets looking as good as new once more

Restoration or elimination: What to salvage and what to scrap in a house renovation
By Natasha Brinsmead published
To protect both your home and your budget when renovating, our guide explains which features to save and which to let go of

Thinking about renovating a 1950s house? Wait right there – here's what the architects want you to know first
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The pros and cons of buying a 1950s house to modernise, as revealed by the experts

A kitchen update is on my to-do list for next year — here are the 9 features I won't be leaving out this time around
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The non-negotiable kitchen features I won't be skipping when I renovate my kitchen next year

If my home had any New Year's resolutions, these upgrades are what they'd be
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Next year my home could definitely do better – here are the 5 upgrades I have planned

The 6 lessons my home has taught me this year. And why I'll be making some really big changes in 2026
By Natasha Brinsmead published
During the course of this year I have learnt some important lessons from my home – namely the things I could do to improve it

Want to know how much gutter replacement costs? Experts reveal what you can expect to pay
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Gutter replacement costs are often an unavoidable outgoing when it comes to good house maintenance and protecting your home from water damage — but there are ways to save, as our guide explains

We explore the 7 main types of loft conversion and how to assess which one is the right fit for your home
By Michael Holmes, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
From pros and cons to which home they suit the most, we breakdown the 7 types of loft conversion if you're thinking about extending upwards

Types of plaster and plastering techniques you need to know when finishing off your home renovation
By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated
There are several different types of plaster, each with their own pros and cons –here we take a look at the main options for your internal walls

Make your small wet room work harder with these clever, space-saving designs
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
The best small wet room ideas will ensure that you can have a luxurious showering experience – no matter how compact your bathroom might be

Renovating your bathroom on a budget? 11 top tips to keep down costs
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Learn how to renovate a bathroom on a budget while still achieving the perfect finish

17 bathroom design ideas that will make a splash in all the right ways
By Sarah Harley last updated
Seeking washroom inspiration? We've rounded up some of our favourite bathroom design ideas to help you get started

The best over-bath shower screen? It's about so much more than style, say the experts as they reveal their top 4 options
By Natasha Brinsmead published
In the market for a new shower screen for your over-bath shower? Don't start shopping without reading our guide

Perfect the art of kitchen storage with pantry ideas that suit kitchens of all styles, shapes and sizes
By Sarah Harley last updated
Pantry ideas work best when they meet your personal and culinary needs. From bespoke pantry rooms to clever cupboards here's 17 pantry ideas to inspire you

Expert tips on getting the fundamentals of your bathroom design spot on
By Sarah Harley last updated
Well thought out bathroom design should cover everything from layout through to the walls, ceiling and floors. Here's what experts recommend you consider

The chimney breast in my teenage daughter's bedroom was scuffed and stained — here's how I transformed it into a feature wall in just one day
By Natasha Brinsmead published
All it took was one wall panelling kit and some inky grey paint to take a tired and boring chimney breast into the focal point of the room

Fitting a kitchen takes planning and know-how. How to create a design that works for you
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're looking to fit a kitchen on a DIY basis or calling in the experts, follow our handy how-to guide to help remove the stress

Just found mould lurking in your loft? We reveal how it got there and what you can do to get rid of it fast
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Mould anywhere in the home is never a welcome sight, but in the loft it could be pointing to some serious issues that need putting right. Our guide reveals how to sort the problem

Why extending into this one unloved room in your house could be one of the best home upgrades you make
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Our expert guide to knocking through from a dining room will help you decide whether this is the right thing for your home

If your sash windows are letting in cold air, here's how to draught proof them to preserve the heat inside your home
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Tackling the job of draught proofing your sash windows may require professional help, but there are also some easy DIY methods you can employ yourself
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