
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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How much does it cost to stay at the real White Lotus in Sicily? Plus, the differences to the show's hotel
It might not be known as the White Lotus in the real world, but this Sicilian resort is equally as luxurious
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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These small apartment ideas will give even the most compact spaces a new lease of life
If space is at a premium, these small apartment ideas can help your home feel roomier, brighter and airier
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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This inspired playroom tip might just convince you that your home's layout can change for the better
A playroom designed to squirrel away your kids' stuff behind closed doors might actually be making your home messier, say these designers
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This might be my favorite ever small kitchen – a pull-out countertop is among its cleverest space-saving ideas
Designed for a New York apartment, this partitioned kitchen effortlessly makes small space living look beautiful
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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A$AP Rocky says he's launching a home decor line – starting with this 5ft mushroom-covered cactus
The artist is launching a design studio at Design Miami, along with this surreal decor collaboration with Gufram
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Pantone just announced its Color of the Year for 2023 – I have some thoughts on this 'fearless' choice
Pantone's Color of the Year is one of the biggest trend predictions from forecasters, but it doesn't always translate when it comes to interiors. This year, I think it does...
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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I tried as many viral Christmas tree decorating hacks as I could find – which ones are worth it?
This year, TikTok has taken over Christmas decorating as people share their festive decorating hacks. But, do they all live up to the hype?
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Sonos One vs One SL: are the extra features worth the price difference? I own both, here's what I think...
When it comes to weighing up the Sonos One vs One SL, consider what you need your speaker to do, says this Livingetc editor
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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It's unconventional! This centuries-old trick for making small rooms feel bigger is having a revival
It might feel a little unusual, but this wall covering choice can make magic in tiny spaces, according to an architect
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This Apple Watch SE is almost half price for Cyber Monday – and thousands of shoppers are already buying it
You can save 42% on a 1st gen Apple Watch SE with this Cyber Monday saving from a major retailer
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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I use this one-minute decorating cheat to ensure the perfect perky Christmas tree topper year after year
If your tree's branches aren't sturdy enough to support your topper, try this simple hack that will make it the star (quite literally) of your decorating scheme
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Sorry, but that viral 'criss-cross' office chair from Amazon is probably going to ruin your back...
Turns out, sitting cross legged for long periods of time isn't going to do your body any favors, explains an ergonomics expert
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Embracing its lack of natural light, this designer enhanced a small, dark home with a moody color scheme
Faced with a property that's heavily shaded with trees, interior designer Chloé Mason Gray leaned in to create atmospheric, unapologetic spaces
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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What is Matter? Here's why this new tech will change how you control your smart home
There's a lot of hype around this new standard, backed by big brands like Apple, that will make it easier to control a smart home all in one place
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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We're calling it – the supersized grouting used in this L.A. home might just be the next big bathroom trend
Chunky grouting is the bathroom trend we didn't know we needed. Take inspiration from how an interior designer used grout in this Los Angeles home and never look back
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What is a pony wall? This is how interior designers are still embracing this small space problem solver
Some homes already have pony walls you'll want to take out, while some could benefit from including them in their design. Here's the expert lowdown on this architectural idea
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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9 ways architects use interior windows between rooms to boost natural light, even in our home's smallest spaces
These 10 creative schemes from architects all use interior windows between rooms to borrow light. Here's how
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Should I raise my washer and dryer? This is why I wish I'd invested in a laundry pedestal
Creating a pedestal for a washer dryer in a laundry room is a simple addition that can make your space much more functional
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What's the best way to use less electricity? Here's how to reduce your reliance on appliances through design
A well-designed home can help cut back your dependence on appliances which use lots of energy, reducing your utility bills and, in some cases, making them zero
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How do you decorate a living room with no entryway? Designers solve this small space conundrum
These no entryway ideas for living rooms will turn what can often be an undesirable feature into one of your room's greatest assets
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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How do I set up an Amazon wishlist? Plus, 5 genius hacks that make this the best way to shop for gifts
Learn how to set up an Amazon wishlist, alongside 5 clever tricks that make it a more useful tool than you might think
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Will the metaverse influence how we decorate our homes? It already is, say some experts...
As designers and architects begin experimenting in inhabitable virtual worlds known as the metaverse, futuristic aesthetics are starting to influence 'real-world' design
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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I'm a coffee lover - these are the coffee gadgets I'm hinting to friends would make a perfect gift for me
If you're shopping for gifts for a coffee connoisseur, you can bet they'd be happy with these smart coffee gadgets - I would be!
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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A different color tile in every room may sound odd, but it's what brings so much joy to this small apartment
With the owners seeking to bring color to their Madrid apartment, this interior designer introduced bold, rustic charm with primary-hued tiling throughout
By Hugh Metcalf Published