Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
18 hallway lighting ideas that will transform the most humble of hallways into an entrancing entrance
Great hallway lighting ideas are essential. As well as ensuring the space is practical, they also need to be warm, welcoming and occasionally make you go wow
12 essential custom build questions and answers to help you decide if it's the right route for you
Not sure what is a custom build? We explore the key questions, pros and cons before you embark on this popular self build route
Get power, precision and performance with the 5 best reciprocating saws for DIYers
The best reciprocating saws are handy tools to have for use around your next build or DIY project. Here are 5 of the best
Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris
We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project
Not sure whether you need boards or batts? We explore the main types of home insulation, how to choose them and where to use them
Home insulation is essential for a warm and energy efficient house. We explore the main types, where to use them and why it's so integral to a build
As a time-poor gardener I love these low maintenance garden ideas for a beautiful, fuss-free space
These low maintenance garden ideas are perfect for people who don't have endless hours to dedicate to the upkeep of their outdoor spaces
Saving water: 14 proven ways to conserve water in your home and garden
Discover easy, eco-friendly ways of saving water using grey water, rain chains, green roofs, reed beds and more
20 boot room ideas perfect for both compact and larger luxurious spaces
Boot room ideas can be as big or small as your needs and home dictate. We've collected 20 options for your shoe, bag and general storage to help get you started
25 utility room ideas to bring joy to your daily chores
These utility room ideas prove it's a room that can still be stylish, even if the purpose of the space is more practical
We explore how a wrap around extension can offer extra space and twice the impact when extending your home
Even small wrap around extensions can boost the architectural appeal and available space in your home, but what's involved and are they suitable for every home? We explore this extension type
17 conservatory lighting ideas that perfectly balance light and shade
Conservatory lighting ideas are still important even when you have an abundance of natural light. Here's 17 ideas to help illuminate your glazed extension
23 small ensuite ideas that transform tiny into tremendous
Small ensuite ideas needn't feel cramped. With the right design, layout and fittings you can create a bathroom that feels spacious and a pleasure to use
How to clean decking in this DIY step-by-step guide
Want to know how to clean decking? We've got it covered with this handy step by step guide for both timber and composite styles
25 wall panelling ideas to add a new dimension to your interiors
From bedrooms to bathrooms, living rooms to hallways, wall panelling ideas can transform a humble wall into a focal point. Here's 25 ideas to inspire you
29 kitchen ideas from colours to cabinetry and layouts to lighting, to help you create your perfect cooking space
Turn your kitchen from everyday into extraordinary with these 29 kitchen ideas that will help inspire your next kitchen makeover or new build
21 kitchen layout ideas that will serve up a kitchen that's practical, purposeful and above all else, perfectly stylish
Getting your kitchen layout ideas right is key to making sure your kitchen is easy to work in, as well as being worthy of its position as the heart of your home
13 small kitchen extension ideas that pack a compact but powerful culinary punch
These small kitchen extensions ideas prove that with careful planning and joined up design, even compact spaces can serve your cooking needs perfectly well
Is underfloor heating the best choice for heating a kitchen? We look at the options
When it comes to heating a kitchen, there's a wide range of options available. This guide explores the pros and cons of the most common kitchen heating systems
18 landing lighting ideas to make you linger longer in this practical space
These landing lighting ideas will help you brighten up this tricky area in your home, ensuring it's well-lit and looks good too
12 illuminating garden lighting ideas directly from lighting design experts
Need garden lighting ideas for your space? Get inspired by these schemes for a beautiful garden both day and night
Positive Input Ventilation explained: Pros, cons, costs and more
We take a look at how Positive Input Ventilation works and whether the system could be the solution to your home’s moisture problems
12 small utility room ideas that use every inch of space
Even the tiniest of spaces can benefit from these small utility room ideas. Check out our favourite ideas and turn wasted space into one of the most important rooms of the house
Kitchen conservatory extensions: Everything you need to know
Kitchen conservatory extensions come with their own unique design considerations. Here's what the experts advise to create a practical and stylish solution
