
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

Why prioritising bathroom ventilation will effectively eliminate moisture and high humidity once and for all
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Good bathroom ventilation is vital in keeping your room free of steam, smells, excess moisture and that one substance nobody wants — mould

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

Carpet looking grubby? The experts explain how to clean to get it looking flawless once more
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Whether your carpet is displaying the grime of time or there has been a disastrous spill, our expert guide is here to help you get it looking as good as new

Is it cheaper to extend upwards or outwards? I'm thinking of doing both to get the space I need in my home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
What is the cheapest way to extend a house – upwards or out? I intend on doing both, so I asked the experts for their advice on what to expect

Got your sights set on a Dutch barn conversion? They make stunning homes but should be approached with care, say the experts
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We asked the experts for their insights on converting a Dutch barn to help you understand exactly what's involved in this kind of project

Interstitial condensation: experts explain the signs, causes, and how to prevent it
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Interstitial condensation can cause damage to your home without you even realising. We explain what it is and how to avoid it

These bedroom wall panelling ideas are the instant room refresh you've been looking for – they're stylish, inexpensive and easy to install
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Wall panelling is one of the best ways to add character and warmth to any space, making it the perfect option for bedrooms

How to insulate windows – try these 10 easy ways to keep your house warm
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Insulating windows should be top of your priority list if you want to keep your house warm and cut your energy bills – we show you how to do it

Need to know how to clean mould off wood? Try these smart, straightforward tips to remove and prevent its return
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Indoors or outdoors, when mould appears on wood, you need to take action fast to remove it and prevent it from coming back. Here's what experts recommend

Experiencing 'toilet sweating'? 6 expert tips to stop condensation on toilet cisterns
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Learn how to prevent condensation on toilet cisterns – and what causes it in the first place

The biggest mistake I made when extending my home — and how I plan on putting it right
By Natasha Brinsmead published
We made one massive error when we extended our house – and its finally time to make amends

Mould on your skirting boards? Why it happens and how to get rid of it
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Found mould on your skirting boards? Don’t panic – our quick guide explains the causes, treatments and prevention methods so you can eliminate the problem fast

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
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