
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

Found asbestos in fireplaces in your home? Don't panic – our guide is here to help
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Asbestos in fireplaces is actually not as uncommon as you might think. If you suspect it might be lurking in your fireplace, what should you do? We asked the experts

The best stove fans to maximise the benefits of your log burner
By Natasha Brinsmead, Jack Woodfield last updated
Our round up of the best stove fans will ensure you are getting the most from your stove, whatever its style or size

A guide to prefab extensions — a quick and often easy way to add space to a home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Considering a prefab extension? This is a great way to add space and value, and can often be carried out in three weeks or less

Renovating a house: The ultimate guide to restoring your property
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Renovating a house can be both rewarding and challenging in equal measures. Find out what to expect and how to make sure it goes to plan

18 landing lighting ideas to make you linger longer in this practical space
By Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf last updated
These landing lighting ideas will help you brighten up this tricky area in your home, ensuring it's well-lit and looks good too

Garage conversions: An expert guide to transforming your space
By Sarah Harley last updated
A garage conversion can be one of the easiest ways to add space and value to your home, but what’s involved and how do you get the best results? Follow our expert guide to getting it right

11 log burner surround ideas that will frame your stove in style
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Your log burner surround ideas will not only form a huge part of your interior scheme, they also need to complement your chosen stove. Take your pick from our inspirational collection

Hallway design: How to create the perfect entrance
By Sarah Harley last updated
An impactful entrance can set the tone for the rest of your home. Our guide to hallway design covers everything you can think of from flooring through to those all important finishing touches

What is smart lighting and how should you use it in your home?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Just what is smart lighting? Our guide is here to demystify the topic and explains everything from super simple set-ups to those that could completely change the way you live in your home

Off-grid heating solutions: We asked the experts to explain the options
By Natasha Brinsmead published
More and more homeowners want off-grid heating solutions these days as a result not only of rising energy prices, but also a growing awareness of the need for carbon-neutral ways of heating their properties. Here, we explain the main options available

Gas boiler vs electric boiler — is one better than the other?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Gas boiler vs electric boiler is a common comparison made by homeowners, keen to choose the best option for their homes. We asked the experts to compare the two

Expert tips on the most economical way to use central heating UK
By Natasha Brinsmead published
With colder days and nights drawing in, investigating the most economical way to use central heating UK is high on many homeowners' agendas. We reached out to the experts for their advice on how to heat your home for less

How to stop condensation on windows from ruining your home: 11 ways to eradicate moisture
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
If you're wondering how to stop condensation on windows, we've asked the experts to share the best ways of both preventing it and dealing with the problem to prevent further damage to your home

10 stylish radiator cover ideas to elevate your interiors fast
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The best radiator cover ideas have the potential to totally transform a room with an ugly or dated-looking radiator. Our collection of ideas is here to show you how

Window condensation left untreated can lead to far bigger problems: So what exactly causes it and why do you need to fix it?
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
If window condensation is not addressed it can lead to issues in the home. We take a look at what causes condensation on glass and how to resolve it

10 clever lighting ideas for small bathrooms that shine
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Lighting ideas for small bathrooms need careful consideration if you want them to do justice to the space. Our collection of examples is here to help

Lighting design: How to get the light right in your home
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Good lighting design can turn make all the difference to the interior and exterior of your home. Here's how to make sure your home is lit well

Renovating a Victorian house? Follow this expert advice
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
Renovating a Victorian house can bring creative challenges but also a wealth of opportunity. We asked architects and interior designers to share their top tips

13 kitchen floor tile ideas to bring your cooking space to life
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Your kitchen floor tile ideas have the potential to change the way your kitchen looks, feels and works on a practical level. Be inspired with our round-up of suggestions

Stylish kitchen vinyl flooring ideas for every interior scheme
By Natasha Brinsmead published
With our collection of kitchen vinyl flooring ideas you won't be short on inspiration. This flooring is affordable yet stylish and easy to care for – a brilliant option for all kinds of kitchens

How much to budget for new front door costs
By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated
New front door costs are a must if you're keen to make the best first impression. From off-the-shelf to custom made, here's what you can expect to pay

What is the best underlay for carpet to feel soft underfoot?
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Choosing the best underlay for carpet should be a priority for all homeowners – it is, arguably, even more important than the carpet itself. We asked the experts for their advice

The best carpet for bedrooms that you can't wait to wake up in
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Searching for the best carpet for bedrooms? We reached out to the experts for their advice on the very best soft flooring for the room you start and end the day in

Teenage bedroom ideas that are stylish and low maintenance
By Natasha Brinsmead published
The best teenage bedroom ideas should reflect your teen's individual style as well as being a space that is easy to keep clean and tidy – their very own private retreat

12 stylish walk-in wardrobe ideas to keep you super organised
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Walk-in wardrobe ideas needn't be reserved for homeowners with lots of space to play with - there are some clever ways of squeezing this handy clothes storage room into even the most compact of homes
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