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.

Latest articles by

exterior view of terraced property with small kitchen extension to rear, one section finished in redner, the other timber clad with large opened picture window

13 small kitchen extension ideas that pack a compact but powerful culinary punch

By Sarah Harley, Hugh Metcalf 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

Contemporary kitchen with island unit with wooden stools and dark grey upright radiator

Is underfloor heating the best choice for heating a kitchen? We look at the options

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

Red wet and dry vacuum inside on a building site

Best vacuum cleaners for builders to clean up dust and debris

By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated

We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

cosy landing with layered lighting and pink armchairs

18 landing lighting ideas to make you linger longer in this practical space

By Natasha Brinsmead, Hugh Metcalf last updated

These landing lighting ideas will help you brighten up this tricky area in your home, ensuring it's well-lit and looks good too

a positive input ventilation unit installed in a loft

Positive Input Ventilation explained: Pros, cons, costs and more

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

We take a look at how Positive Input Ventilation works and whether the system could be the solution to your home’s moisture problems

boot room area with green furniture and doors open to show racks of shelving with coats, shoes and boots

Boot room ideas that are both practical and stylish

By Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated

Boot room ideas are the perfect solution if you're seeking a dedicated space for storing shoes and keeping muddy feet at bay. Here's 13 ideas to try on for size

small grey utility room

12 small utility room ideas that use every inch of space

By Hugh Metcalf, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

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

wooden herringbone floor in large entrance

13 hallway flooring ideas for an impactful entranceway

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Keen to make an entrance? We've got 13 inspiring hallway flooring ideas to help create a warm and welcoming feel to your home

woman using home design app on tablet

Our favourite home design apps for all kinds of project

By Hugh Metcalf, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Home design apps can be a great help when it comes to designing a project, but they can also aid with planning layouts, budgeting and even the finishing touches such as decorating. Here's our pick of the best

pink and white tiled bathroom

Bathroom flooring ideas for a stylish and practical space

By Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated

Treat your toes to something special with our range of bathroom flooring ideas suitable for every style of home

bank of green floor to ceiling cupboards with built in washer and dryer

28 utility room ideas for a stunning yet functional space

By Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated

These utility room ideas not only look great, but they offer some serious inspiration for layout and organisation for the most practical room in the house

large wooden vaulted kitchen with expansive island in centre

30 kitchen island ideas to inspire your new cooking space

By Hugh Metcalf, Katie Corcoran, Sarah Harley last updated

Look to these kitchen island ideas for design inspiration. From small to large we’ve got islands to suit every home

kitchen with green island unit, cabinets, white worktop and wooden stools

Sustainable kitchens: 18 ideas for an eco-friendly design

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Want to create a sustainable kitchen with impeccable eco-credentials? Follow these ideas to create the perfect recipe for sustainability

single storey extension

20 ways to reduce the cost of your extension in 2024

By Hugh Metcalf, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

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

pretty thatched cottage with formal front garden and stone wall

15 front garden ideas to make a stylish first impression for your home

By Paul Hervey-Brookes, Hugh Metcalf last updated

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

The exterior of a modern barn conversion with outdoor seating

How couple carefully converted this 18th-century barn into a stunning family home

By Hugh Metcalf published

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

a beautiful staircase lighting idea with a pendant light dropping between storeys

Staircase lighting ideas: 14 statement ways to illuminate your stairs

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Try these staircase lighting ideas to brighten up your space while creating a focal feature of your staircase

timber barn living room and dining room with modern steel fireplace

42 fantastic fireplace ideas for all types of fire — from log burners to gas

By Amy Reeves, Hugh Metcalf, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

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

natural insulation

Home insulation: Types of insulation, eco options plus where each works best

By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf last updated

Getting your home insulation spot on is vital if you want your home to feel comfortable all year round, keep heating bills down and ensure the eco credentials of your property

Mitre saw cutting wood

The 6 best mitre saws to help with your next DIY project

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

The best mitre saws are a versatile tool for home improvement projects, which offer highly accurate cutting

Generic orbital sander being used by two hands

The 7 best orbital sanders for your next DIY project

By Hugh Metcalf published

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

a modern low maintenance garden idea with artificial grass

Low maintenance garden ideas: Beautiful gardens, minimum fuss

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

Makita multi tool

The 5 best multi tools that cut, sand, grind and more

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

These are the best multi tools which offer handy versatility for DIY projects with just the change of a head

converted barn with modern interior design and black steel fireplace

Interior design trends 2023: 11 of the best ideas to include in your home

By Hugh Metcalf published

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

The Best Reciprocating Saws guide

The 5 best reciprocating saws for professionals and DIYers

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

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