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

By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead Last updated
From eco-friendly to unusual roof finishes, as well as simple solutions that still speak volumes, we've got 16 flat roof extension ideas to help inspire you

By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead Last updated
Adding an extension to a period property requires careful consideration and a light touch. Here's 18 Victorian house extension ideas that do just that

By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead Last updated
Worried about what air conditioning installation involves and if it's particularly disruptive? We explain what will happen inside and outside your home

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
If you have a window that needs bricking up making sure you read our experts' tips for a seamless finish first

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
Our guide explains the pros, cons and cost implication of both enclosed and open porches to make deciding between the two easier

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
For air conditioning to work effectively and safely it needs to be installed in the right position – I asked the experts for their advice

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
There are three main types of air conditioning to consider if you want to keep your home cool – our experts explain everything you need to know

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
Armed with our top advice on transforming a garage into a productive home office space, the Sunday scaries will become a thing of the past

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
There are many reasons why removing loft insulation might be a job on your to-do list. Our guide is here to explain everything you need to know

By Sarah Harley Last updated
Lighting a home office means choosing a scheme that's bright and comfortable. Here's what the experts suggest for a space that's functional and easy on the eye

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
If you're torn between a mansard or dormer loft conversion, our guide is here to steer you towards the right option for your home, space and budget

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
Discover why adding a home office to your landing could help you create a workspace that feels productive, calm and clutter-free

By Sarah Harley Last updated
If you're scrabbling for ways to cool down your rooms in a heatwave, we've got you covered. From simple fixes you can do now, to bigger changes for the future, here's how to chill

By Seán O'Connell Last updated
Offering abundant light, slender sightlines and ease of use, it’s not surprising sliding patio doors are a firm favourite. Here's how to choose the right ones

By Sarah Harley Published
If hunting for loft conversion storage ideas leaves you feeling everything is too big or too small, we've taken the task to hand and found 12 ideas to help keep your space clutter free

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

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?

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

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?

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
Ensure your new driveway delivers on every level by avoiding these common blunders

By Natasha Brinsmead Published
Ideas for a utility room extension that will make day-to-day life run so much more smoothly

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

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
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