
Hugh Metcalf
Hugh is editor of sister title Livingetc.com and former digital editor of homebuilding.co.uk. He has worked on a range of home, design and property magazines, including Grand Designs, Essential Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Good Homes. Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture and green homes, and moonlights as an interior designer, having designed and managed projects ranging from single rooms to whole house renovations and large extensions. He's currently renovating his own Victorian terrace in Essex, DIYing as much of the work as possible. He's recently finished his kitchen renovation, which involved knocking through walls, and landscaping a courtyard garden, and is currently working on a bathroom renovation.
Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf

The best reciprocating saws for effortless demolition, fast cuts, and impressive performance
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
The best reciprocating saws are handy tools to have for use around your next build or DIY project. Here are 5 of the best

15 bathroom window ideas to make your space feel naturally bright and open
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
Discover bathroom window ideas that fill your space with daylight and maintain the perfect balance between brightness and privacy

Looking for ways to make your garden more eco-friendly? Try these 11 expert-approved methods for a garden that's bursting with sustainable features
By Sarah Harley last updated
From scattering seedballs to using sustainable materials, there are plenty of ways you can make your garden more eco-friendly that can also save you money

'Flooring has the power to transform a kitchen' – 12 ideas to elevate your space
By Amy Reeves, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Durable, stylish and full of personality – explore practical kitchen flooring ideas that add instant impact without sacrificing function

16 small kitchen extension ideas that prove you don't need to think in miniature when creating a compact culinary hotspot
By Sarah Harley last updated
These small kitchen extensions ideas prove that with careful planning and joined up design, even compact spaces can serve your cooking needs perfectly well

Deathwatch beetle: how to spot and treat an infestation, according to pest control experts
By Hugh Metcalf, Alexandra Pratt last updated
Discover the telltale signs of a deathwatch beetle infestation and the best ways to treat them

Designing a wet room? 12 stunning ideas to inspire your shower space
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
Transform your shower with these gorgeous wet room ideas – and get insider tips and tricks from bathroom experts

What's the best option for heating a kitchen? Check out what the experts say
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
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

Best angle grinder: 6 top buys for your tool shed
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
Wondering what the best angle grinder is for your DIY project? Here's our pick of 5 of the best you can buy right now

Best vacuum cleaners for builders – say goodbye to dust and debris with our trusted favourites
By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated
Our pick of the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

When the brief is sturdy but stylish, hallway flooring ideas can be a challenge. Here's 18 that rise to the occasion
By Sarah Harley last updated
With the right blend of form, function and fashion, your hallway flooring ideas can ensure the gateway to your home is the entrance of your dreams

Step this way for 13 painted stairs ideas that will take your hallway decor to a whole new level
By Sarah Harley last updated
Looking to transform a tired staircase or add character to a set of new wooden stairs? Here's 13 painted stairs ideas to add a stylish design feature to your entrance

18 hallway lighting ideas that will transform the most humble of hallways into an entrancing entrance
By Sarah Harley last updated
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
By Debbie Jeffery last updated
Not sure what is a custom build? We explore the key questions, pros and cons before you embark on this popular self build route

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
By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated
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
By Paul Hervey-Brookes, Hugh Metcalf last updated
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
By Hugh Metcalf, Joseph Mullane last updated
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
By Sarah Harley last updated
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
By Sarah Harley last updated
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
By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf last updated
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
By Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated
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
By Sarah Harley, Amy Reeves, Hugh Metcalf last updated
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
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
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
By Sarah Harley, Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf last updated
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
By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf last updated
Turn your kitchen from everyday into extraordinary with these 29 kitchen ideas that will help inspire your next kitchen makeover or new build
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