Grand plans: George Clarke helps homeowners make the most of their renovation budgets in Ugly House to Lovely House
(Picture: UNP / Channel 4)If you’ve paid attention to any interior design shows over the last few decades, you’ll know the name George Clarke.
The Sunderland-born Geordie presenter cut his teeth as an architect but shot to nationwide fame after an agent noticed his small screen potential and swapped a book deal for a TV one.
He’s now the frontman for Channel 4 hits like Restoration Man, Amazing Spaces and Shed of the Year amongst others. His charm, knowledge and expertise making him one of our favourite TV personalities. Clarke has also been known to weigh in on the hottest housing topics of the day, from fuel poverty to the housing crisis, strengthening his position as a representative of the UK’s construction industry.
The TV fixture knows more than most the worth of a home, so who better as an ambassador for home security brand Arlo than the man himself?
The Notting Hill local took five minutes from his busy schedule to have a chat with us.
What are the most precious things in your home and why?
My kids, first and foremost. To be honest I’m not materialistic so anything that might get lost and can be replaced I’m not connected to. So, as an example I’m a keen photographer and I love my cameras and lenses, but they can be replaced.
It’s the things that are personal things that mean so much, like my grandfather’s watch or my dad’s medals for running the Great North Run. If I had to choose something that is very much part of my home, I’d say my original Eames lounge chair and ottoman that I bought over 25 years ago when I saved up hard to buy it. I love that chair. Deep down I’d still be gutted if I lost it.
What’s your favourite room in the house, and why?
My studio. I love it. It’s a peaceful hideaway where I can escape from everything to draw, write, and read. I’m surrounded by all my books (I’m book mad!) and lots or architectural models and architectural drawings. It’s my haven.
London houses are notoriously tiny – what’s the one thing can you do to make them appear bigger?
The obvious option is to go more open plan and open spaces up. My London home is pretty small, but the ground floor is very open plan, so it feels really light and airy.
How can you give your home a quick spruce?
Decorate. There is nothing better than giving a home a fresh lick of paint, especially if you go for light and uplifting colours. If you’re feeling brave enough you could even start transforming rooms with some beautifully designed wallpaper. Paint and wallpaper are the simplest and most affordable ways to make your home feel very different and fresh.
What are your go-to websites for homewares and why?
I try and buy most of my homewares from independent ‘makers’. I like things that are crafted by hand and made in the UK. Some things in my home which I adore: I buy wooden bowls for my kitchen from Havelock Studio, I buy my cups and mugs and even my teapot from Feldspar studio in Devon. My dining table and chairs are designed and made by Ercol. Of course, they are more expensive than the cheap, factory-made stuff, but these items are beautiful, high quality and last a lifetime. They also make me happy because you know how they have been made and that someone has put a lot of care and passion into them.
For me, there is nothing more sustainable than buying a beautiful product that can last a lifetime, rather than being less beautiful, cheap, and disposed of after a few years because you don’t give it any value.
What’s the best present you’ve gotten or given?
My kids are the best presents I’ve ever had in life. My second choice was when my uncle gave me my first car when I was 17 - now that was life changing!
How are you planning to spend the summer now everything is open?
I’m lucky enough to have a small home in Ibiza so I’ll be spending as much time there as I can this summer. My kids love the island: we’re going to have a lot of fun this year now everything has opened up again.
And thanks to Arlo, I have an ecosystem of security cameras protecting the entire perimeter of my UK home, inside and out, so I can make sure that the things I love are safe while we’re away too.
Why have you partnered with Arlo the home security brand?
I’ve partnered with Arlo as it’s committed to empowering homeowners to keep their homes secure through DIY connected security solutions. We share the motto that a “watched over space is a safer space” and want consumers to feel they can protect the things they love. Throughout my ambassadorship I will be providing insight on how to ensure homes are protected and together we will help provide homeowners with everything they need to secure the things they love with ease.
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