
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

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

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: 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

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

Homebuilding & Renovating Industry Awards: Here are Your Winners
By Hugh Metcalf, Jack Woodfield published
You made your votes count, and the Homebuilding & Renovating Industry Awards winners for 2021 have now been announced

Water Softeners: How to Deal with Hard Water in Your Home
By Hugh Metcalf published
Water softeners are a popular solution to hard water issues such as limescale. In this complete guide, we look at how they work, how much they cost and how to know if you need one

Stone Cladding: Types, Costs, Plus How It’s Installed
By Hugh Metcalf published
Stone cladding makes for a good-looking façade for your project and can be an effective way to mesh a new build with the local design vernacular. Here’s what you need to know

Picture Windows: How to Incorporate One into Your Design
By Hugh Metcalf published
Picture windows are a brilliant way to frame your view of the great outdoors. Here’s what you need to know about them

Cradle to Cradle: A Clear Way to Source More Sustainable Build Materials
By Hugh Metcalf published
What is Cradle to Cradle? We explore the concept and look at how it might apply to your self build or renovation project

Wet Room Ideas: 9 Stylish Designs for Walk-In Showers
By Hugh Metcalf published
Researching wet room ideas for your bathroom renovation? Check out this brilliant design inspiration for your project

Bay Window Ideas: Curtains, Shutters, Seating and More
By Hugh Metcalf published
These bay window ideas, from dressing and decorating to seating and storage, will help use what can be an awkward space to its full potential

Repairing Sash Windows: Cost Versus Benefits
By Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf published
Repairing sash windows is not always a simple job, but with full replacements offering a poor return on investment, it may be the best bet to retain your home’s original features

Eco Paints: A Guide to Healthier Home Decorating
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
Eco paints are not only good for the environment, they’re good for your health. Here’s what you need to know

What is Daylighting?
By Hugh Metcalf published
Daylighting looks at how to optimise the way natural light enters a building. For a self builder or renovator, this means a healthier, more energy efficient home

Out-There Extensions: 16 Times Homeowners Embraced Bold Ideas
By Hugh Metcalf published
Anything but boring, these extensions not only added volume to the existing properties, but also a huge amount of character

Drainage Surveys: What Are They and When Do You Need One?
By Hugh Metcalf published
A drainage survey is an often overlooked precaution when buying a home to renovate. Here's what you need to know about them

8 Ways to Use Less Plastic in Your Build Project
By Hugh Metcalf published
Looking for ways to improve your build’s eco-credentials? Focusing on reducing the amount of plastic your build consumes, both in materials and waste, is a good place to start

11 Ideas to Make Your Garden More Eco-Friendly
By Paul Hervey-Brookes, Hugh Metcalf published
From improving biodiversity to making sustainable choices, here's the steps you can take to improve your garden's eco-credentials

Building a Healthy Home: An 8-Step Check-Up for Your Project Plans
By Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf published
A healthy home makes both the physical and mental wellbeing of those living in it a priority. Follow these eight steps to give your project plans a health check-up

Biophilic Design: 11 Practical Ideas to Connect Your Home with Nature
By Nick Robbins, Hugh Metcalf published
Beyond the buzzword, biophilic design may just be the key to a healthier, happier home. Here's what it means and how to use it when designing your house

New Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Unveiled in Budget
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
A new scheme, announced in Wednesday’s budget, will see the government offer a guarantee to lenders on small deposit mortgages
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