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

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

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
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