Hugh Metcalf

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.

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a self build home made entirely using cork, one of many natural building materials

Natural Building Materials: What are Your Choices for an Eco Home?

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Choosing natural building materials for your project can improve your home's eco credentials and create a healthy environment. Here's what you need to know

a render of the interior of a tiny house

Tiny Houses: What You Need to Know About Living in a Micro Home

By Hugh Metcalf published

Living in so-called 'tiny houses' is a phenomenon about more than just the size of your build. We explore the key considerations

porcelain vs ceramic tiles for a bathroom

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: What are the Differences?

By Hugh Metcalf published

Found yourself weighing up porcelain vs ceramic tiles for your kitchen or bathroom? We break down the differences in styles, applications and more

a narrow infill house between two properties

6 Narrow, Infill Houses That are Surprisingly Spacious

By Hugh Metcalf published

One thing you might not expect from these narrow homes, each infilling a small plot in an urban area, is the decidedly spacious feel once you get beyond the façade

open fire vs log burner - what's the best option?

Open Fire Vs Log Burner: Which is Better for Your Fireplace?

By Hugh Metcalf, Tim Pullen published

Not sure where you fall on the 'open fire vs log burner' debate? We take a look at what you need to know about both options so you can make the right choice for your home

is laminate vs vinyl flooring better for a kitchen?

Laminate Vs Vinyl: What Flooring is Best for My Room?

By Hugh Metcalf published

Can't decide between laminate vs vinyl for the flooring in your project? We breakdown the differences between the two to help you pick the right option for you

does ryobi have the best angle grinder?

Best Angle Grinder: 5 Top Buys for Your Tool Shed

By Hugh Metcalf published

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

Planning a kitchen was an important part of this extension project

Planning a Kitchen: Practical Tips for Designing Your New Space

By Hugh Metcalf published

When it comes to planning a kitchen, do your homework and enter the process prepared. Here are our top tips for ensuring your project is a success

coir carpet is an eco flooring choice

Eco Flooring: How to Make a Sustainable Choice for Your Home

By Hugh Metcalf published

Choosing an eco flooring is high on the agenda for the modern green homes enthusiast. Discover which choices have the lowest impact on the environment with our guide

BVDS architects added an extra bedroom to this london home

6 Ways to Add an Extra Bedroom Without Extending

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Adding a bedroom to your home may prove a cost-effective way to grow your home to meet your family's needs. Here's how you can do so without building an extension

a self build constructed using natural insulation

Natural Insulation: What Types are Available?

By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf published

Natural insulation ensures your home's green credentials remain in tact while improving its thermal efficiency. These are the key types you need to know

a self build home built on stilts above a flood plain

6 Clever Self Builders That Built Flood-Resilient Homes

By Hugh Metcalf published

Working with brilliant architects, these homeowners created homes on flood-prone plots, designed to withstand rising waters

a deathwatch beetle

Deathwatch Beetle: How to Spot and Treat an Infestation

By Hugh Metcalf, Alexandra Pratt published

Deathwatch beetle are a much-feared pest when found in the home, and for good reason. Discover the tell-tale signs of infestation and the best ways to treat it

an extension to a listed coastal house

6 Inspiring Coastal Houses With Incredible Sea Views

By Hugh Metcalf published

Coastal houses are in high demand, and with self builds and renovations like these six outstanding examples, it's not hard to see why

a tradesperson working on the exterior of a house

7 Ways to Stay on Good Terms With Your Neighbours During a Build

By Hugh Metcalf published

Major building works can cause a strain on the relationship with your neighbours. Here’s how to keep them from the start to the end of your project

a bold side extension with curves and colour

Out-There Extensions: 16 Times Homeowners Embraced Bold Ideas

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Anything but boring, these extensions not only added volume to the existing properties, but also a huge amount of character

Baxi's hydrogen boiler could play a role in the Hydrogen Strategy

Hydrogen Strategy: Here’s How it Could Affect Homeowners

By Jack Woodfield, Hugh Metcalf last updated

The government’s Hydrogen Strategy plans for up to 35% of the UK’s energy consumption to come from hydrogen by 2035

a painted kitchen idea from neptune

Painted Kitchen Ideas: 9 Schemes That Make the Most of Colour

By Hugh Metcalf published

These brilliant painted kitchen ideas all make use of colour in clever and creative ways to make your kitchen cabinetry the star of your space

a bespoke kitchen in blue by martin moore

Bespoke Kitchens: A Guide to Completely Custom Designs

By Hugh Metcalf published

A bespoke kitchen is made to fit your room perfectly and allow for a more personalised design. Here's what you need to know about them

a garden design with an east asian theme was part of these renovators self build project

Garden Design: A Guide to Planning a New Landscaping Scheme

By Paul Hervey-Brookes, Hugh Metcalf published

A garden design worthy of your new home or extension is a tall task. Start out with our complete guide to help you plan and execute your dream outdoor area

a structural engineer working out calculations

Structural Engineers: When Do I Need One?

By Hugh Metcalf published

Structural engineers are an important part of your build team, ensuring your project is, or remains, structurally sound

a modern space with lots of sloping garden ideas

Sloping Garden Ideas: 10 Genius Ways to Landscape on a Gradient

By Hugh Metcalf, Paul Hervey-Brookes published

Garden less than level? These sloping garden ideas will help you make the most of what can be a daunting plot

diy tips: a woman putting up wallpaper

20 DIY Tips Every Beginner Should Know

By Sian Astley, Hugh Metcalf published

These handy DIY tips are perfect for those who want to get to grips with tasks around the home, but don't know where to start

modern kitchen ideas from harvey jones

Modern Kitchen Ideas: 22 Real Spaces to Inspire Your Project

By Hugh Metcalf, Katie Corcoran published

Looking for modern kitchen ideas for your self build or renovation project? We’ve got 22 of the best, cutting-edge designs to serve up inspiration

a handleless kitchen design by mowlem & co

Handleless Kitchens: Pros, Cons and Design Tips from the Experts

By Hugh Metcalf published

While handleless kitchens offer a sleek, contemporary look, there are some practical issues to be considered. In this guide, find out how to design a handleless kitchen that is both beautiful and functional

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