
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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This architect's apartment has become a testing ground for his favorite and most experimental ideas
With its moving partitions and creative room layouts, this architect's apartment in Tel Aviv is a showcase of his most creative concepts
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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How to make your home more colorful with smart lighting – 5 trending ideas for every room
Smart tech is embracing color and light in new and interesting ways, from light-up fridges to chromatherapy showers
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Smart switches vs smart bulbs – which is the better choice for the modern smart home?
If you're looking to making your home's lighting smarter, deciding between smart switches vs smart bulbs is a good place to start
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How can you hide a litter box? 7 times designers have created stylish built-ins for cat owners
Owning a cat doesn't mean you have to compromise on style, as these architect and interior designer ideas for how to hide a litter box go to prove
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Furniture 're-outfitting' is the designer trend for reimagining iconic pieces with bold new looks
Designers are ‘re-outfitting’ furniture to bring a fresh creative perspective to classic pieces. Just don't call it upcycling...
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Tile reglazing is the budget-friendly idea that might mean you don't have to rip out an ugly bathroom
Our writer discover tile reglazing while watching their new favorite TV renovation program, and thinks it could be a real gamechanger if you've got the bathroom blues
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Kelly Wearstler's window painting trick is making us fall in love with the striped wall trend all over again
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler's brilliant painted windows take this bold scheme to the next level
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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The 'pattern drenching' trend is the best way to use wallpaper right now – these 5 rooms prove it
This maximalist take on wallpaper is how top designers are making pattern feel modern and exciting. Here's how to make it work
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to care for sunflowers in a vase – tricks to keep these happy blooms looking their best
Learn how to care for sunflowers in a vase with these top tips for florists and gardeners
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Apartment storage ideas – 10 tips from interior designers to squeeze the most out of your space
These apartment storage ideas from design professionals will help make small space living easier than ever
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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A West Village apartment with the secret to open-plan living on a small scale
A retreat from the bustle of New York City, this open-plan apartment showcases how a restful palette can work wonders for small space living
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Studio apartment ideas – 11 decorating tricks from the pros that’ll make one-room living feel luxe
With the right studio apartment ideas in place, it’s easy to make a single room abode feel like a palace
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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21 tips for decorating an apartment of any size, from some of the world's most creative interior designers
From tiny studios to vast lofts, this is how top designers are approaching decorating an apartment in 2023
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Polished concrete floors – experts explain what you need to know about this modern flooring type
If polished concrete floors are on your wishlist, get to know the pros and cons, options available to you and learn about their upkeep
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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8 concrete flooring ideas that will convince you this style can be surprisingly luxurious
Think concrete floors are only good for industrial schemes? These ideas will make you think differently about this type of flooring
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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DIY marble countertops are the next big viral home hack, but which method to make them is best?
For those on a budget for a reno, these DIY marble countertops can transform ugly kitchen surfaces. But which is the best way to achieve the look?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Modern hallway ideas – how designers are getting creative with these often overlooked spaces
Modern hallway ideas, from decor to color and lighting, can transform your transitional spaces into something really special
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Modern rustic decor – top designers reveal their secrets for styling the trend
These inspiring designers know a thing or two about how to style the modern rustic decor look
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What is human-centric lighting? Meet the smart controls we think every home will have in the future
Human-centric lighting systems claim to help boost your wellbeing at home. Here's how they work
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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8 ways architects design multigenerational homes to keep all the family happy
Multigenerational homes, where three generations all live together, aren't uncommon, but how do you design them for a harmonious life?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Can you decorate a home with just black and white? This modern cottage proves it's an option
For this guest house in Connecticut, the interior designers used a strict black and white color scheme. Here's how they made it work
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to install a window AC unit – the myth-busting advice from the experts you need to know
Learn how to install a window AC unit yourself with this advice from the professionals
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What is organic modern style? Get to know the trending interior mood that's having a viral moment
Organic modern style is trending, but what exactly is this new design phenomenon? Designers explain, and offer their styling tips
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Is shiplap out of style? Interior tastemakers on whether you should try this trend in 2023
We ask some of our favorite designers if shiplap is still in fashion. Plus, they offer advice for making this wallcovering work in a modern scheme
By Hugh Metcalf Published