
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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Why does my home's color scheme feel flat? This is exactly what your lackluster palette is missing
To create more sophisticated color schemes for your home, the key lies in bringing nuance through accent colors, says Dagny Thurmann-Moe
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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10 bathrooms with built-in bathtubs that prove they're a minimalist alternative to freestanding styles
Once cast out of the bathroom for hotel-inspired freestanding tubs, built-in baths are having a resurgence with some of the world's most creative interior designers
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This 'poison color' trick is the secret to elevated decorating schemes - I'll never look at a room's palette in the same way
This color theory goes to prove that there can be nuance in choosing a contrast hue for your scheme
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Outdoor kitchen ideas - 31 designs that will elevate your alfresco cooking
Here are some of the best, cleverest and most stylish outdoor kitchen ideas to inspire your own design
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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The biggest outdoor kitchen layout mistakes you can make – and the 5 rules designers always swear by
Avoid design regret by heeding the advice of these outdoor kitchen designers and navigate these common pitfalls
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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These digital 'personal trainers' ensure home workouts never feel like a cop out – and some even work with your existing TV
Embracing clever gadgets can make your home exercise routine more focused and effective. Here are some of the best you can buy
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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A stroke of genius! This designer made a luxe bathroom work on a budget with one slab of marble used five ways
With the budget for this project renovation only stretching to one marble slab, designer Emily Brown got creative with its application
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Is this the end of the home office? Designers say fewer people want them – here's why I stopped using mine
With a shifting work-from-home culture becoming the new normal, it might be time to re-imagine the concept of home offices, says our deputy editor
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This new IKEA collection is a budget-friendly take on one of my favorite luxe interior trends right now
IKEA has teamed up with designer Sabine Marcelis for a collection that draws inspiration from her iconic $2,000 doughnut chair
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Should I cut back plants after a freeze? The gardening rule for the winter months that might surprise you
While freezing temperatures may leave you garden plants looking a mess, there's something you need to know before heading out with the shears
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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5 genius things refrigerators can do in 2023 that'll convince you it's time for an upgrade
If it's been a while since you last bought a refrigerator, here are just a few of the best features to look out for, from better food preservation to longer-lasting ice cubes
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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'It's a place to stay still and slow down' - how this Connecticut home took its cue from the 'slow living' trend
From a starting point of creating a home that was an antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city, the design of this project look to nature for inspiration
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This 'secret' storage hack is the best way to disguise your home's most dated feature
This clever storage idea turned a living room's awkward leftover niche into a magical feature for this family home
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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'It's the only thing that made sense' – this Brooklyn loft's clever TV display isn't just for looks, it's key to the home's layout
When dealing with a sprawling apartment with an open concept, designer Crystal Sinclair had to pay attention to the details to make this unusual layout work
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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10 budget bathroom updates that will refresh your space for 2023 that cost under $50 each
Looking for budget bathroom updates to turn a tired space into your home's retreat? Here's 15 ideas that are easy and affordable
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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11 micro apartments with genius ideas to steal if you live in any kind of small home
The secret to small space living might just be found in these pioneering micro apartments that put tiny floorplans to good use
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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I'm banking on this little-known Alexa hack to nail my New Year's resolution – here's why
Try out this simple skill that will help your Alexa take you to task and help keep you focused and productive in 2023
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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The architects behind this cool micro loft used a clever trick to bring structure to studio apartment living
Angled furniture is the design idea you need to consider for small homes
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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These were my 10 favorite kitchens of 2022 – and the lessons they taught me about kitchen design
If you're planning a kitchen project for next year, tour these design-forward, inspiring kitchens that we loved in 2022
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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I finished my kitchen renovation last year – these are the things I love, and the things I wish I'd thought more about
2022 was the year I finally completed the reno on my small kitchen. When it comes to the fine details, these are the things I'm glad I did, and the areas I definitely overlooked
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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With a designer's help, this small apartment's once-awkward corner kitchen is now its highlight
In this small, open-plan apartment, a designer's touch turned this uncomfortable kitchen layout into the heart of this home
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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No room for a nightstand? These bedroom built-ins make use of every inch of small spaces
If you're working with a limited floorplan, these creative bedroom built-ins can make a world of difference
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Meet the designers using bio-materials to create amazing 'grown' homewares
From growing grass roots into intricate forms, to a type of natural concrete grown underwater, designers are making bold strides with these unusual, natural materials
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Designers are leaving these outdated kitchen trends in 2022 – some of their choices might shock you
Leave these outdated kitchen trends in 2022 say top designers, but are you ready to say goodbye to these once-adored styles?
By Hugh Metcalf Published