
Hugh Metcalf
Hugh is the Deputy Editor of Livingetc.com. From working on a number of home, design and property publications and websites, including Grand Designs, ICON and specialist kitchen and bathroom magazines, Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture, impactful interiors and green homes. Whether moonlighting as an interior decorator for private clients or renovating the Victorian terrace in Essex where he lives (DIYing as much of the work as possible), you’ll find that Hugh has an overarching fondness for luxurious minimalism, abstract shapes and all things beige. He’s just finished a kitchen and garden renovation, and has eyes set on a bathroom makeover for 2023.
Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
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The sunken bath in this Oregon home is enough to convince us "tiled tubs" are the next big bathroom trend
While this "full gut" renovation is filled with clever design details, it's the bathroom that hits you with the biggest wow-factor when you walk in
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This landscape designer's front yard has a no-mow "Korean grass" lawn that's low-maintenance and looks incredible
With it's social seating and water-wise lawn alternative, no detail has been overlooked in the design of this easy-to-look-after front yard
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Are portable TVs making a comeback? LG's new (and brilliantly weird) "TV in a suitcase" makes a case for them
You might have thought that the invention of the tablet made the portable TV redundant, but we're kind of into this new release from LG
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Backyard ideas – 14 stylish suggestions from landscape designers for outdoor spaces of all sizes and budgets
These backyard ideas are how landscape design pros are transforming outdoor spaces into a beautiful extension of the home
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Behr's Color of the Year is a paint trend we've seen before – but the majority of us still say it's the best way to elevate a room
For 2024, paint brand Behr is betting on the return of a big decorating trend as an easy way to refresh a room and make it feel more luxurious
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Modern kitchen ideas – 23 of the most innovative ways interior designers create schemes in 2023
These modern kitchen ideas, from the trending colors and materials to layouts and features, will ensure the most important room in your home is ahead of the curve
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Is it actually okay to have an all-neutral nursery? Here's what a psychologist says about the viral "sad beige baby" trend
The "sad beige baby" trend is calling out parents who go all-in for neutrals for their children's nurseries, but is there really any harm? We ask an expert
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This designer's genius ideas to make your home appeal to all your senses will change how you decorate forever
The secret to designing a home that’s better to live in? Embracing all smell, sound, touch, sight.. even taste
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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'I never knew it could do that!' This hidden iPhone trick is genius and you just have to shake your device to make it work
Am I the last to discover this iPhone trick that might just save you wasting ages trying to recover from little mistakes?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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3 ways to be more mindful about what you buy for your home in 2023
How to create a better relationship with the decor you buy, and avoid contributing to throwaway culture
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This surprisingly stylish outdoor shower is now 77% off in the Fourth of July sales, and it can can connect to your hose
Designed by interior designers, it's a great way to add this new outdoor essential to your backyard, without sacrificing style and on a budget
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Trend forecasters say this 'hypnotic' furniture finish is going to be the next big thing in interior design
There's a once-popular material that's fast becoming a textural moment in design in 2023 - elevating the best qualities of your built-in furniture
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What's the best paint for kitchen walls? The professional decorators I asked all reach for this one brand
I've not only found the best type of paint for kitchen walls, but one brand that decorating pros all love to use
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Should I be watering my lawn in the evening? There's this one reason this could be causing issues for your grass
There's something you should know about watering a lawn late in the day that might just change your mind on when you maintain your grass
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Even ovens have AI now! Meet the super appliances that are going to make you a better cook
Smart ovens are about to get a lot smarter with new machine-learning tech that promises you perfect results every time you cook
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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5 easy tricks to keep squirrels, chipmunks and other critters out of your garden pots
These backyard critters might look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your container garden. However, it's relatively simple to keep them at bay
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Should you even water your lawn? This garden expert thinks surrendering to 'dormant' grass in summer is no big deal
Keeping grass lush and green during hot weather can feel like fighting a losing battle - but is it okay to just embrace a brown lawn for the summer months?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This one Amazon buy is how Nate Berkus better arranges his family fridge – he says it's ideal for super-organized Virgos
The interior designer gave us a glimpse at how he solves his biggest fridge storage conundrum, and it makes total sense
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This Los Angeles home is packed with the best entertaining spaces – from the coolest hang-out sofa to an outdoor bar
Whether hosting indoors or out, this L.A. home is filled with comfortable, stylish spots for every occasion
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Cardi B's 'enormous' kitchen island embraces a luxury countertop trend that maximalist decor lovers will adore
I asked an expert on luxury stone for the breakdown on Cardi B's incredible new kitchen – including what type of marble she used
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This garden designer's golden rule for choosing plants is the secret to making your containers look incredible every time
By combining the right plants, you can make your planters look a million times better – and this rule takes the guesswork out of it
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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When is it rude to mow your lawn? The hours it's considered anti-social might be longer than you think, say these experts
Pondering whether it's too early or too late to bust out the lawn mower? We ask lawn-mowing experts for the etiquette of this garden task
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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4 front yard privacy ideas that will improve your curb appeal and won't make you feel fenced in
A good front yard is not only welcoming but also keeps the important parts of your home hidden from view. Here's how landscape designers do it
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This genius trick makes new terracotta pots look a million times better – and uses something you already have in the fridge
If you want a new terracotta pot to feel at home in your backyard quickly, this simple hack will bring out its natural beauty before you know it
By Hugh Metcalf Published