Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
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This DIY project will help your garden plants better survive hot weather – and all you need is two clay pots to make one
Worried about your garden plants surviving a heatwave? This DIY alternative to a centuries-old gardening trick is the answer, and is budget-friendly too
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5 ways to make your planting feel more minimalist – the tricks landscape designers use for less fussy backyards
Want your backyard to read as sophisticatedly minimalist? Here's how landscape designers do pared back planting schemes that aren't boring
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The biggest and best deals for your backyard this Memorial Day, picked by our editors – including 62% off a patio set
For a better backyard this summer, now's the time to make the most of the best Memorial Day sales for the great outdoors
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What is an olla? This centuries-old trick might be the answer to your plants surviving a hot summer
A garden that self-regulates its watering so it's never too dry or too waterlogged might sound like it requires smart tech, but it's actually an idea that's been around for hundreds of years
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How to change an iPhone to greyscale –the easy settings tweak that's supposed to help battle screen addiction
Could changing one setting in your phone really be the solution to bringing down your screen time? We put it to the test
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How to stop mint from spreading – 5 ways to plant this herb without it killing off the rest of your garden
If you're thinking of planting mint in your herb garden, don't be surprised if it soon takes over and out-competes your other plants. Here's how to keep it under control
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I used to think this color was too sickly to decorate with – now, I'm convinced it's going to be the next big interiors trend
This fresh, energetic color made waves at this year's interior design showcase in Milan – could it be the next big thing?
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4 genius things that smart grilling tech can do in 2023 that will make this summer's cookouts so much better
From super smokers to grill-cleaning robots, here's the smart grill tech you need to know about to up your BBQ game
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Best privacy trees for shady areas – 5 screening plants that thrive in outdoor spaces in partial and full shade
If your looking for trees to create privacy for your home and backyard, these are the best ones to choose for shady spots
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Best outdoor mirrors – stylish designs that can make your backyard look bigger and your landscaping more dynamic
The best outdoor mirrors work the same magic on your backyard as they do indoors – making a small space look bigger and creating emphasis on your favorite design features
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Is No Mow May a good idea? Garden experts weigh up the pros and cons of not mowing your lawn this month
No Mow May sees gardeners down lawnmowers for an entire month to encourage more bees to their lawns. But is it the right course of action for a healthy garden?
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Paint ideas – 23 ways to create a stir with color in your interiors
These paint ideas demonstrated by top experts in the world will help dial up the cheer in your home with creative use of color
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The best fast-growing trees for privacy, shade and a more mature-looking backyard
Looking for quick gratification from your garden planting? The best fast-growing trees promise a fuller, private backyard in no time at all
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I tried Nate Berkus' genius trick to make a King size pillowcase fit a standard pillow – and it works like a charm
This simple trick for making your pillowcases look better might be second hand to some, but for me, it solved one of life's great bed sheet mysteries
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How can I make my garden look fuller? 8 tips that'll make your backyard planting appear more mature on a budget
From fast growing trees and plants to simple tricks landscape designers always use, here's how to design a backyard with instant gratification
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Best trees for front yards – these are landscape designers' 8 top picks for effortless curb appeal
The best trees for front yards might provide structure, seasonal interest or complement a home's architecture – and it might do all these and more
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Colorful living room ideas – 10 spaces that prove going all-out with color can create stylish and sophisticated spaces
Going colorful with your living room ideas is all the rage – these 10 rooms show how you can wield colors without overwhelming your home
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How can I create privacy with my garden planting? 7 tricks to solve your overlooked-backyard woes
From choosing the best hedges and trees to perfecting positioning, this is how to use landscaping to create a more private backyard
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'They're divisive!' How an unexpected take on Brutalist interiors has us convinced these spaces can be soft and welcoming
A new approach to this architectural trend introduces surprising colors and textures into the mix – say hello to the softer side of Brutalist interiors
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8 hacks the best designers use to make a kitchen more ergonomic – from the right layout to raising your appliances
For a kitchen that flows better and is more comfortable to use, consider these design hacks that will ensure your space's functionality lives up to its good looks
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'It tricks you into thinking you're on vacation' – this interior designer's own backyard is a Mediterranean dream
Interior designer Jessie Lane turned a backyard plot overtaken by an oversized pool into a modern Moroccan retreat
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4 genius things you can do with home security in 2023 that'll give you extra peace of mind
From clever features to smart buys that can make your system smarter, here are some of the things exciting us in home security tech right now
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Balcony ideas – 13 thoughtful design touches that will make your apartment's outdoor space rival any backyard
These chic and stylish balcony ideas will help you make the most of a small city balcony, and turn it into a space you'll enjoy spending time in.
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'It's 50/50 human and robot' – behind the inspiring furniture trend where time-old techniques meet cutting-edge technology
The interior trend for softly sculpted marble furniture might be a labor of love – but clever technology is making it less labor intensive
