Latest articles by Hugh Metcalf
30 kitchen island ideas to inspire your new cooking space
Look to these kitchen island ideas for design inspiration. From small to large we’ve got islands to suit every home
Sustainable kitchens: 18 ideas for an eco-friendly design
Want to create a sustainable kitchen with impeccable eco-credentials? Follow these ideas to create the perfect recipe for sustainability
20 ways to reduce the cost of your extension in 2025
Don't let the rising cost of living stand in the way of your dream extension. Armed with our expert tips, you can add space to your home without blowing the budget or sacrificing on quality
15 front garden ideas to make a stylish first impression for your home
Your front garden ideas are so important if you want guests to get a great first impression of your home — plus they can draw out and highlight the design of your house too. Take a look at our beautiful selection
How couple carefully converted this 18th-century barn into a stunning family home
David Pummell and Karen Geoffreys' painstaking conversion and restoration of an 18th-century barn included numbering, removing and reinstating the original beams piece by piece
Staircase lighting ideas: 14 statement ways to illuminate your stairs
Try these staircase lighting ideas to brighten up your space while creating a focal feature of your staircase
42 fantastic fireplace ideas for all types of fire — from log burners to gas
Our round up of fireplace ideas is here to help you find the right way of creating a cosy focal point in any room, plus we have plenty of hearth, surround and mantle ideas for all kinds of fire, from stoves to gas
Could a side return extension completely transform your terraced house?
A side return extension could transform that ugly, dark alley at the back of a terrace into a valuable living space perfect for your lifestyle — find out how
The 6 best mitre saws to help with your next DIY project
The best mitre saws are a versatile tool for home improvement projects, which offer highly accurate cutting
The 7 best orbital sanders for your next DIY project
Get your hands on the best orbital sanders and say goodbye to the hard work involved in sanding. Check our top picks to help make your next DIY project a breeze
The 5 best multi tools that cut, sand, grind and more
These are the best multi tools which offer handy versatility for DIY projects with just the change of a head
Interior design trends 2023: 11 of the best ideas to include in your home
Looking for the next big interior design trends for 2023? These are the trends interior designers and architects say are defining our homes next year and beyond
What is a composite door? The pros, cons and costs
Do you want the answer to what is a composite door? Here we give you an insight what they are made of, how much they cost and how long they last
Fabric First: How to Limit Your Home’s Reliance on Heating
Fabric first is an approach to building a home that has gained traction with architects in recent years. We explore what it means, how it’s achieved and why it may be the future of our homes...
Draught Proofing: 11 Ways to Eliminate Draughts
Draught proofing is a quick and cost-effective way of improving your home's thermal efficiency. Here's how to vanquish draughts for good
Aluminium Front Doors: Pros, Cons, Costs and Design Ideas
An aluminium front door is a great choice for a practical and modern entrance to your home. Weigh up the benefits with our guide to the essential, need-to-know details
Bathroom DIY: What can (and Should) you Tackle Yourself?
When it comes to bathroom DIY, it's important to know your limits to avoid a do-it-yourself disaster. Here's our advice on what to take on and what not to
17 decking ideas for every size and shape of garden
These garden decking ideas, advice and expert top tips will help you create an outdoor space that looks good and is easy to maintain
Kitchen Flooring Ideas: Material, Layout and Design Inspiration
Hunting for kitchen flooring ideas? Check out our round up of the most practical, good-looking and innovative styles
The Best Outdoor Wall Lights to Make Your Garden Shine
On the hunt for new outdoor wall lights? We've gathered together the very best products to illuminate your house and garden in style
The 5 Best Garden Solar Lights for Illuminating Your Outdoor Space
From wall lights to contemporary glowing orbs, these are the best garden solar lights for ambience and adding security
Garden Paving Ideas: 14 Inspiring Patio Designs for Your Outdoor Space
Try these garden paving ideas to get the most from your patio design and complement the rest of your outdoor space
