Hugh Metcalf
Hugh is the 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 2024.
Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
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The architects behind this cool micro loft used a clever trick to bring structure to studio apartment living
Angled furniture is the design idea you need to consider for small homes
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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These were my 10 favorite kitchens of 2022 – and the lessons they taught me about kitchen design
If you're planning a kitchen project for next year, tour these design-forward, inspiring kitchens that we loved in 2022
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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I finished my kitchen renovation last year – these are the things I love, and the things I wish I'd thought more about
2022 was the year I finally completed the reno on my small kitchen. When it comes to the fine details, these are the things I'm glad I did, and the areas I definitely overlooked
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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With a designer's help, this small apartment's once-awkward corner kitchen is now its highlight
In this small, open-plan apartment, a designer's touch turned this uncomfortable kitchen layout into the heart of this home
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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No room for a nightstand? These bedroom built-ins make use of every inch of small spaces
If you're working with a limited floorplan, these creative bedroom built-ins can make a world of difference
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Meet the designers using bio-materials to create amazing 'grown' homewares
From growing grass roots into intricate forms, to a type of natural concrete grown underwater, designers are making bold strides with these unusual, natural materials
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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Designers are leaving these outdated kitchen trends in 2022 – some of their choices might shock you
Leave these outdated kitchen trends in 2022 say top designers, but are you ready to say goodbye to these once-adored styles?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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This architect-approved trick for tiny spaces might also help you create your boldest-ever interiors
This hack for small homes, favored by architects, explains one of the biggest decorating trends of the year, too
By Hugh Metcalf Published
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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