
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 high to hang a curtain rod – experts explain how to make your room feel bigger with this simple trick
Experts reveal how high to hang a curtain rod to make the most of your room's proportions
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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An interior designer completely redesigned this Manhattan apartment in just 90 days from start to finish
Justin Charette proved that a challenging deadline doesn't have to get in the way of creating a beautiful home
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to measure a window for blinds, plus the most common measuring mistakes you need to avoid
Learning how to measure a window for blinds is essential before you order. Here, we get the expert lowdown on what (and what not) to do
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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The best sage green paint colors to try for a calming, on-trend look
Looking for the best sage green paint colors to decorate your home? Here's our pick of the best buys for this stylish, calming sage
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Before and after – see how Bobby Berk transformed this Spanish-style vacation rental in California
The Queer Eye star's Palm Desert property has gone from fixer upper to fabulous. Take the tour of this inspiring space
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to vacuum a pool – expert advice for keeping your swimming pool spotless
Learn how to vacuum a pool so that you can remove dirt and debris from the bottom, without emptying it of water
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Slat wall ideas – 8 spaces that show how interior designers are elevating this wall paneling trend
With slat wall ideas one of the big interior design trends of the moment, we explore 8 of the best architect and interior designer projects using this wall covering
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Should you paint ceilings and walls the same color? An expert guide to the 'color drenching' trend
Wondering if you should paint ceilings and walls in the same color? Short answer, yes! We examine the color drenching paint trend taking over interiors right now
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What is ‘barkitecture’? This is how designers are bringing pets to the forefront of their projects
Designing a home that makes living with pets easier, and more aesthetically pleasing, might just be the key to a happy home. We meet the designers tasked with making spaces that work for humans and animals too
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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What is the Coastal Grandmother trend? Designers explain the origins of this viral sensation
A trend for timeless, elevated coastal interiors inspired by romantic movies is being embraced under a new name, Coastal Grandmother, and by a new audience
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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This designer TV trend is about to redefine how you lay out your living room, say experts
With impossibly chic new releases on the horizon, the freestanding TV trend is about to free up your home to new, more exciting layouts. Here's what you need to know about it
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Dog washing station ideas – designers on how to create a luxe built-in dog bath for your mud room
Stylish built-in dog washing station ideas are the new must-have for luxurious mud and laundry rooms. Here's how to get them right
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Laidback Californian styling brings a sunny aesthetic to this artist's home in Seattle
Designer Lisa Staton brought the sunshine to the Pacific Northwest with a casual, stylish design for a California native
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Smart curtains – 6 things you need to know about automating your window treatments
A new generation of smart curtains means automated window treatments are within reach for everyone. Here's what you need to know about them
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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These designers are reviving a retro furniture trend – here's what you need to know about its big comeback
This vintage-inspired material is about to become the new darling of the interiors world, according to some of the world's most creative designers
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Gas vs charcoal grills – which is the better buy for your backyard?
We weigh up the gas vs charcoal grill debate with help from some BBQ experts
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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5 ingenious bathroom hacks to achieve a better layout in a small or awkwardly-shaped room
These clever bathroom hacks will help you get more from a challenging space
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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Grilling in the rain – 5 steps to follow to stop your cookout becoming a washout
Grilling in the rain might not be ideal, but it doesn't mean you have to forego the family BBQ just because of a few rainclouds. Here, pitmasters and grill experts offer their top tips
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to use a charcoal grill – the foolproof guide to cooking on coals, plus tips for upping your BBQ game
Master the basics of how to use a charcoal grill, plus get expert tips for how to improve your grill skills from expert chefs and pitmasters
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This unbelievable IKEA hack sees a bamboo fruit bowl turned into a designer-inspired side table
Find out how this DIY guru turned a classic $25 IKEA fruit bowl into a stylish table with the help of a few power tools
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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How to make a small bathroom feel brighter – 10 ideas that can bring light to even a windowless space
From architectural interventions to ways to make a small space feel brighter, the experts show us how to bring the light to a dark, drab bathroom
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated
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How to get rid of fungus gnats on houseplants – experts explain the best ways to beat a gnat infestation
Learn how to get rid of fungus gnats to purge your home, and your houseplants, of these annoying pests
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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How to treat mold on houseplant soil – from repotting to a sprinkle of cinnamon, experts offer their top hacks
If you've got mold on houseplant soil, it could be the harbinger of a more serious problem for your plant. Here's what it means, and what you can do to both prevent and get rid of it
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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What is the best wood floor color? From rich walnut to pale oak, designers explain how to choose the right wood tone
Can't decide on the best wood floor color for your room? Get tips from interior designers on how to decide whether to go dark or light
By Hugh Metcalf Last updated