
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

Wet rooms in loft conversions — the perfect combination or a recipe for disaster?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Can you have a wet room in a loft conversion or is this something best avoided? We asked the experts

Struggling with your utility room design? Follow our expert guide to making the most out of this practical space
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Utility room design usually needs to be multi-functional, meeting a variety of needs from laundry to storage. Here's how to ensure your space is fit for purpose

Dormer cladding ideas that will ensure the outside of your loft conversion looks just as good as the inside
By Natasha Brinsmead published
10 dormer cladding ideas to finish off your loft conversion in style

26 loft conversion ideas to help inspire your extension project
By Natasha Brinsmead, Amy Reeves, Sarah Harley last updated
Hunting for loft conversion ideas? We've rounded up 26 inspiring options to help you figure out how your upwards extension will look and function

House cladding can transform your exterior, but what are your options?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Picking the right type of house cladding can elevate the exterior appearance of your home or extension. We explore the options available and how to choose

How to insulate a garage door to keep what's inside in tip-top condition
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Insulating a garage door comes with a whole host of benefits – our guide explains why and how it's done

Create a cosy, comfy garage conversion bedroom – with no need to extend your home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Expert advice on how to turn your garage into a new bedroom

How to design a boot room to deal with mud and soggy footwear in style
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Expert tips on designing a boot room that not only smooths the often messy transition between inside and out, but also looks super stylish

Types of loft conversion — which one is best for your home?
By Michael Holmes, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
We explore the different types of loft conversion and their typical costs to help you pick the right fit when extending upwards

How to choose the right garage conversion flooring — no matter how you plan on using the space
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We explain the very best types of flooring to use in a garage conversion

Is a dormer loft conversion the best way of extending your home upwards?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
A dormer loft conversion is a popular choice of loft extension and suits a variety of homes. We take a look at the types on offer and what you need to consider when adding one to your home

Suspect asbestos is lurking in your garage roof? Here's how to deal with it safely
By Natasha Brinsmead published
It is surprising just how many garage roofs are found to contain asbestos – if yours is one of them, we explain the steps you'll need to take

How to insulate your garage conversion walls, floors and roof for a cosy, comfortable new space
By Natasha Brinsmead published
An expert guide to insulating a garage conversion to ensure your newly formed addition adds the space and value you want

Kitchen renovation — 11 steps to a successful transformation
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
A kitchen renovation is a bit like following a recipe. A successful result means combining the perfect mix of ingredients and methodology in order to produce the best result. Here's how to get it right

Is your radiator not heating up properly? Find out how to fix it
By Natasha Brinsmead 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

What is a French drain, do you need one and where should you put one?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Wondering exactly what is a French drain? We explain how this drainage system works and where it's best placed to help remove water from the ground

Is removing a chimney breast ever a good idea — or should you leave it well alone?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
There are lots of reasons why removing a chimney breast is a project worth tackling – our guide looks at the ups and downs of this job

Bathroom renovation costs — how much to budget for a makeover
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
As well as calculating the costs of new items such as sinks and showers, budgeting for bathroom renovation costs involves thinking of the bigger picture. Here's what you need to consider

Living rooms with large windows are wonderful to spend time in — but they do need a considered approach
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Be inspired by our collection of living rooms with large windows, all of which showcase how to style this kind of space

44 modern staircase ideas to elevate your interior
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Modern staircase ideas can transform a simple set of steps into an integral part of your interior design. Here's how to take your home to the next level

Should you remove or cover over Artex ceilings and why can they be a cause for concern?
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Not sure how to tackle your Artex ceilings? Find out the best way to deal with this dated design decor

Want your extension and garden to work in harmony? Here's what the experts advise
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The design of your extension needs to take into account your garden and vice versa if you want the two to work together – as our expert guide explains

26 conservatory ideas to add space and improve your outdoor connection
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Choose your conservatory ideas well and you can turn your spare outdoor space into a comfortable, stylish and practical room you can use all-year-round
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