Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
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How can I create privacy with my garden planting? 7 tricks to solve your overlooked-backyard woes
From choosing the best hedges and trees to perfecting positioning, this is how to use landscaping to create a more private backyard
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'They're divisive!' How an unexpected take on Brutalist interiors has us convinced these spaces can be soft and welcoming
A new approach to this architectural trend introduces surprising colors and textures into the mix – say hello to the softer side of Brutalist interiors
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8 hacks the best designers use to make a kitchen more ergonomic – from the right layout to raising your appliances
For a kitchen that flows better and is more comfortable to use, consider these design hacks that will ensure your space's functionality lives up to its good looks
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'It tricks you into thinking you're on vacation' – this interior designer's own backyard is a Mediterranean dream
Interior designer Jessie Lane turned a backyard plot overtaken by an oversized pool into a modern Moroccan retreat
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4 genius things you can do with home security in 2024 that'll give you extra peace of mind
From clever features to smart buys that can make your system smarter, here are some of the things exciting us in home security tech right now
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Balcony ideas – 13 thoughtful design touches that will make your apartment's outdoor space rival any backyard
These chic and stylish balcony ideas will help you make the most of a small city balcony, and turn it into a space you'll enjoy spending time in.
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'It's 50/50 human and robot' – behind the inspiring furniture trend where time-old techniques meet cutting-edge technology
The interior trend for softly sculpted marble furniture might be a labor of love – but clever technology is making it less labor intensive
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We're calling it – the "open" bathroom trend might divide the crowd, but its pros far outweigh its drawbacks
This hotel-inspired ensuite bathroom trend looks amazing, but it's not going to prove popular with everyone
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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5 genius things refrigerators can do in 2024 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
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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
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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
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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
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10 budget bathroom updates that will refresh your space for 2024 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
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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