
Hugo Macdonald
Hugo is a design critic, curator and the co-founder of Bard, a gallery in Edinburgh dedicated to Scottish design and craft. A long-serving member of the Wallpaper* family, he has also been the design editor at Monocle and the brand director at Studioilse, Ilse Crawford's multi-faceted design studio. Today, Hugo wields his pen and opinions for a broad swathe of publications and panels. He has twice curated both the Object section of MIART (the Milan Contemporary Art Fair) and the Harewood House Biennial. He consults as a strategist and writer for clients ranging from Airbnb to Vitra, Ikea to Instagram, Erdem to The Goldsmith's Company. Hugo recently returned to the Wallpaper* fold to cover the parental leave of Rosa Bertoli as global design director, and is now serving as its design critic.
Latest articles by Hugo Macdonald
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As Salone Raritas prepares to make its debut, we reflect on the momentous rise of the collectible design fairAs Salone del Mobile 2026 marks the launch of Salone Raritas, a new platform dedicated to collectible design, we look at the role of collectible and rare objects within the design ecosystem
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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This newsletter is a refreshing, opinionated take on the state of the design worldSubstack newsletter For Scale, by David Michon, has taken our inboxes by storm and we are hooked – so much so, that we've given it a Wallpaper* Design Award
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Wallpaper* Design Awards 2026: the year's space-defining furnitureThis year’s interior design stars take a bow: from golden oldies reissued to rising talents, these are the best scene-stealing furniture pieces
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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A first look at Bulgari Resort & Mansions BodrumArchitecture, landscape and refined luxury come together at this Mediterranean retreat, opening in 2027
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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How to host the perfect dinner party (no tablescaping allowed)The dinner party is back. Here’s how to serve up an evening to remember, according to one humble host, Wallpaper* design critic Hugo Macdonald
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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In need of validation in a narcissistic world? Reflect on the power of mirrorsHave you ever spoken to your reflection and told it that you love it? Look into your eyes, and give it a go - here are a few mirrors to help
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Why we should all embrace frictionLooking to feel alive in an increasingly anaesthetising world? Harness the power of friction
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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How do you define timeless design?We explore furniture, lighting and objects that demonstrate a commitment to longevity: design pieces both classic and contemporary that will stand the test of time
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Can happiness be designed? A Helsinki exhibition looks for an answer‘Happiness is both deeply personal and undeniably collective,’ says curator Anniina Koivu, whose exhibition explored the perfect equation for happiness at Helsinki Design Week 2025
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Postcard from Helsinki Design Week 2025Helsinki Design Week turns 20 this year. Celebrating two decades of design, core themes of this year revolve around happiness and optimism: here are design critic Hugo Macdonald's ten highlights
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Inside Ardbeg House, the whimsical Islay hotel from the Scotch distillery‘Luxury with a laugh’ is how Russell Sage describes his designs for the new hotel, where each room draws on island and whisky lore
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Take a trip to Tbilisi, where defiant creatives are forging a vibrant cultural futureAs Georgia’s government lurches towards authoritarianism, we head to Tbilisi to celebrate the city’s indomitable spirit and the passionate creatives striving to inspire hope for future generations
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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How Bureau Betak transformed the runway showPioneering production company Bureau Betak has masterminded some of the most inspiring runway sets of the last 30 years, dazzling both real-life guests and an ever-growing virtual global audience. Hugo Macdonald meets the people behind the magic
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Workstead's lanterns combine the richness of silk with a warm glowAn otherworldly lamp collection, the Lantern series by Workstead features raw silk shades and nostalgic silhouettes in three designs
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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'A small piece of architecture': BassamFellows reissue Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly's floor lightPhilip Johnson and Richard Kelly's floor light was originally designed for the architect's Glass House and available from BassamFellows this Autumn
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Can creativity survive in the United States?We asked three design powerhouses to weigh in on this political moment
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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The dynamic young gallerists reinvigorating America's art scene'Hugging has replaced air kissing' in this new wave of galleries with craft and community at their core
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Puiforcat brings something new to the table with a wooden cutlery setJasper Morrison's collection for Puiforcat features cherry wood cutlery finished with fuki-urushi lacquering, a first foray into wood for the silverware company
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Five of our favourite furniture reissues from 3 Days of Design 2025At the Copenhagen event, several brands brought masterpieces from the past back to life – here’s our pick of the furniture revivals, from sofas to lighting
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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3 Days of Design 2025: live updates from the Wallpaper* teamFrom 18-20 June, design is taking over Copenhagen. Follow along with the latest news, launches and other goings-on from 3 Days of Design, as seen by Wallpaper* editors.
By Hugo Macdonald Last updated
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20 emerging designers shine in our ‘Material Alchemists’ filmWallpaper’s ‘Material Alchemists’ exhibition during Milan Design Week 2025 spotlighted 20 emerging designers with a passion for transforming matter – see it now in our short film
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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Eleven great things to see at 3 Days of Design 2025The scale and scope of 3 Days of Design has expanded dramatically since its inception 12 years ago. Here, we share our pick of standout exhibitions and events from the upcoming edition (18-20 June 2025)
By Ali Morris Published
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A love letter to the hammockLooking to simplify the act of relaxing? Then consider a hammock
By Hugo Macdonald Published
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O Milano! Design's epic annual spectacle in photosCall us biased, but we believe that Milan Design Week is, at this moment in time, the greatest show on earth
By Hugo Macdonald Published
