Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
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Should you even water your lawn? This garden expert thinks surrendering to 'dormant' grass in summer is no big deal
Keeping grass lush and green during hot weather can feel like fighting a losing battle - but is it okay to just embrace a brown lawn for the summer months?
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This one Amazon buy is how Nate Berkus better arranges his family fridge – he says it's ideal for super-organized Virgos
The interior designer gave us a glimpse at how he solves his biggest fridge storage conundrum, and it makes total sense
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This Los Angeles home is packed with the best entertaining spaces – from the coolest hang-out sofa to an outdoor bar
Whether hosting indoors or out, this L.A. home is filled with comfortable, stylish spots for every occasion
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Cardi B's 'enormous' kitchen island embraces a luxury countertop trend that maximalist decor lovers will adore
I asked an expert on luxury stone for the breakdown on Cardi B's incredible new kitchen – including what type of marble she used
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This garden designer's golden rule for choosing plants is the secret to making your containers look incredible every time
By combining the right plants, you can make your planters look a million times better – and this rule takes the guesswork out of it
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When is it rude to mow your lawn? The hours it's considered anti-social might be longer than you think, say these experts
Pondering whether it's too early or too late to bust out the lawn mower? We ask lawn-mowing experts for the etiquette of this garden task
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4 front yard privacy ideas that will improve your curb appeal and won't make you feel fenced in
A good front yard is not only welcoming but also keeps the important parts of your home hidden from view. Here's how landscape designers do it
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This genius trick makes new terracotta pots look a million times better – and uses something you already have in the fridge
If you want a new terracotta pot to feel at home in your backyard quickly, this simple hack will bring out its natural beauty before you know it
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5 things that just make sense in this tiny apartment, including a hidden bedroom – can you guess where it is?
You might not notice this micro-apartment's bedroom at first glance, but it's hidden within this small space in a very clever way
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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 2024 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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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