
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

Experts reveal exactly how much a mansard loft conversion will cost you — and how to make savings
By Natasha Brinsmead published
As one of the best ways to add space and value to a home, just how much can you expect to pay for a mansard loft conversion? We asked the experts for their thoughts

Extension or conservatory? Make sure you take size, style, speed and spend into account to avoid making a costly mistake
By Sarah Harley last updated
With the design and cost lines between extensions and conservatories more blurred than ever before, what's the best way to decide between them when you're adding space to your home?

From pretty pickets to stylish slats, here's 15 driveway fencing ideas to elevate your entrance
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Whether you're seeking driveway fencing ideas to add security or simply style, we've rounded up a selection to suit all types of homes and budgets

Resin driveway costs — do you have the budget for a stylish new entrance?
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Just how much can you expect to pay for your resin driveway costs and are there ways of keeping your spend lower when installing one?

Don't let these silly driveway mistakes ruin the kerb appeal of your home
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Ensure your new driveway delivers on every level by avoiding these common blunders

10 utility room extension ideas to add space and value
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Ideas for a utility room extension that will make day-to-day life run so much more smoothly

The secrets to getting driveway drainage spot on, as revealed by experts
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Careful planning and thoughtful design is key to ensuring your driveway drainage can cope with everything the British weather throws at it

The 'left-hand side' rule is a myth — a planning consultant explains how you really find out which side of a fence belongs to you
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Neighbourly quarrels left you asking 'which side of the fence is mine?' Fear not, our quick guide is here to explain everything you need to know to avoid boundary disputes

What is the cost of a two storey extension? Plus, how to budget for your addition
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Our quick and easy guide to the cost of a two storey extension is designed to help you budget more effectively when adding extra space to your home

Patio or decking? Experts reveal the pros, cons, and costs to help you make the right choice
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Patio or decking? It is a choice commonly faced by those creating a new landscaping scheme. If you can't decide, our guide is here to help

How to design a dog shower in a utility room that works for you and your best friend
By Natasha Brinsmead published
Dreaming of a dog shower to get your four-legged friend fresh and clean? Our design guide is here to help

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

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
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