Latest articles by Natasha Brinsmead
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Sorry, Timber Countertops, You Will Be the First Thing to Go When I Remodel — But Can They Still Be a Good Idea? I Asked Kitchen Designers to Break Them DownTimber countertops undoubtedly look beautiful, but they won't be the best option for every kitchen. Here, the experts explain where to use them and when to avoid
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I Was Promised Stain, Damage-, and Heat-Resistance When I Bought My Composite Sink, Only to Be Sorely Disappointed — I Asked the Experts, Where Did I go Wrong?Can composite sinks really be stain, heat, and damage-proof, when my experience says otherwise?
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The 6 Home Extension Mistakes I Made the First Time Round — And How Architects Say I Should Put Them Right During Extension 2.0As I get ready to extend and remodel my house (for the second time), here are the extension mistakes I won't be making this time around
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7 Ways to Maximize a Small Kitchen Extension so You Get As Much for Your Money As Possible — Architects Explain the Best Methods They Use"Generosity comes from flow and continuity rather than scale alone," the experts say
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5 Issues No One Ever Tells You About When Using Sliding Doors for Your Extension — Including How Heavy They Can Be to OperateThe experts reveal the most common potential pitfalls of sliding doors to help you buy and install with confidence
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6 Common Problems With Bifold Doors You Need to Know Before You Think About Installing Them, and How to Overcome ThemThere are some potential issues to navigate with bifold doors — our experts share what they are and how best to avoid them for total project success
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Is Floor-to-Ceiling Glazing Still in Style? Why Designers Are Making the Case for Smaller Windows Over Glass BoxesIs our love affair with floor-to-ceiling fizzling out in favour of something a little more restrained? The experts weigh in
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Did You Know You Should Pick Different Glazing for North-Facing Extensions? It Should be "Less About Chasing the Sun and More About Delivering Comfort," Say DesignersNorth-facing extensions need not feel gloomy or cold — but choosing the right glazing for the job is key. We asked the experts to reveal their 6 tips for design success
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Let's Talk Double Vs Triple Glazing — Is the Upgrade Really Worth the Extra Cost? The Answer: It Might Be Overkill for Your HomeIf you're debating whether to make the change from double to triple glazing in a bid for a warmer home and lower heating bills, it really might not be worth it, according to the experts we spoke to — here's why
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The 5 Most Common Glazing Mistakes Architects See When Specifying Windows and Doors — And How to Get Yours Spot onGetting windows and doors just right is key to a successful design scheme yet all too often mistakes get made — here are the top 5 to swerve at all costs
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Wide Plank vs Narrow Plank Flooring — Which Should I Pick for My Project This Year?The decision between wide or narrow plank flooring shouldn't be taken too lightly. Let us steer you towards the right choice
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5 Things People Always Regret Skipping During a Renovation — They Might Seem Small but They Make All the DifferenceTake note of what the experts had to say on common renovation oversights to make sure you end your project on a high
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5 Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodels That Not Enough People Know About — Yet Could Send Your Budget Totally Off TrackCabinets, worktops, and appliances all budgeted for? Don't forget to account for these 5 less obvious kitchen essentials, too
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The ‘Finish What You Started’ List — Professional Project Managers on How to Tie Up Unfinished Renovation Jobs in 2026 in 6 Easy StepsThere is no excuse for half-finished renovation jobs with our expert guide to sorting out that snagging list fast
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How to Choose Kitchen Appliances That Will Make Life Easier, Look Good, and Won't Date — While Balancing Budget, Style, and Clever FeaturesThe kitchen appliances you select can make or break this space, so here's what the experts had to say about choosing the right products for your needs
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The Science of Kitchen Drawer Planning — How Many Do You Really Need and Where Do These Handy Storage Spots Need to Go?There is so much more to kitchen drawer planning than aesthetics — everything from how many to include to their size and location needs to be carefully considered, as the experts we spoke to explained
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How to Make More Counter Space in a Small Kitchen? Expert-Approved Tips You'll Want to Take Note OfFind the counter space you didn't think you had...
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Shower Vs Bath Water Usage — What to Know, and How Modern Designs Can Make a DifferenceKeen to save water and money? Your daily bathroom habits are key
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Should a Kitchen Island Be Centered? "There Is No One-Size-Fits All" Solution, Say the ExpertsWhen it comes to the position of your kitchen island, centering might seem the best option, but it's not always ideal
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8 Types of Shower Heads — Just Design, or Do They Actually Make a Difference to How You Shower?Shower heads come with all kinds of bells and whistles these days — but do all these new technologies and design flourishes add to the experience? We asked the experts for their advice
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10 Things You Will Always See in a Luxury Kitchen, According to Designers — And It's Not Just About How Much They CostWant your kitchen to feel super luxurious? Then list to these designer tips
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5 Clever Ways to Squeeze Extra Storage Space Into Your Loft ConversionWe're here to help you navigate those sloping ceilings and awkward angles
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5 Types of Loft Conversion Every Homeowner Should Know AboutWe explain everything you need to know about the most common types of loft conversions to help you make an informed decision
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9 Colors That Designers Say Will Make Your Kitchen Look Much More ExpensiveThese are the colors to incorporate into your kitchen scheme to make it look high-end
