GEORGE CLARKE INTERVIEW FOR
Barker and Stonehouse
Why did you want to open the new Hove Barker & Stonehouse store? As someone from the North East in Sunderland I knew Barker and Stonehouse really well growing up. The company has an amazing heritage and it’s still in the family, who I had the pleasure to meet at the Hove opening. I only get involved with brands I am passionate about and Barker and Stonehouse offer an amazing array of brands and looks, one of which is a personal favourite of mine - British brand Ercol. The Hove store showcases both contemporary and traditional looks alike and for those looking for design led interiors, this store is a real destination. Do you have any favourite Barker & Stonehouse products - or perhaps new products that you'd love in your home? I have just purchased a fantastic Ercol extending dining table that I can turn around and extend into another area to give more room when I need it – from family time to entertaining guests. I am a big fan of Mad Men, so I’m currently creating a 1950s and 60s interior at home, inspired by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames. It’s quite contemporary, but cosy at the same time. Barker and Stonehouse have a huge range of furniture that suits my taste perfectly and my recent Hove visit has added a lot more products to the shopping list!
Many of us who live in Brighton live in flats - do you have any space-saving tips for us to maximise the most out of our spaces? There is a small housing revolution happening all over the country at the moment. The key to making a small space work for you is to analyse how you live as a household. Every property will house individuals who are completely unique, so you can take the same flat layout but the style and requirements will differ for each and every one of us. Adaptability is incredibly important. For instance, in my house I need a smaller dining area for four – me and my three children, however sometimes I’ll have more people round for dinner. Therefore, furniture such as extendable dining tables are ideal for catering
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for these extra guests when needed without taking up precious extra space on a daily basis. It’s also important to make sure you choose furniture that’s on the right scale for the room, so it doesn’t make the space look any smaller. Finally, always make sure you declutter. You don’t want to overload these smaller spaces so look for clever solutions such as integrated storage that make the most of the space available to you.
You're used to creating and making amazing small spaces not always in the home; can you share any advice with our readers to do this in their gardens? Is there anything we can do in small courtyards, patios or shared spaces to add more living space? Creating continuity from your interior to exterior is always a great way to fashion a streamlined effect. This can be done by installing large patio doors to help bring the outside in, or mirror the materials and colours found in the garden inside for the opposite effect. If you have enough space for it, a garden structure is a great way of adding a fun area away from the main house - perfect for a new study or play room for the kids. For those looking for an outside area with lower maintenance however, consider paving the space but investing in a few wellplaced potted plants and quality outdoor furniture for relaxing and entertaining. Also, make the most of the height in a smaller exterior space. Installing trellises to your walls or fences means you can use climbing plants that help inject much needed colour and greenery to the area. As the Restoration Man, we've also seen you help viewers transform old houses into stunning homes. Do you have any advice for those that live-in Brighton and want to restore an old building (from Regency townhouses
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to 1960's built flats)? What should we know or do before we do anything? Think about the history of the building itself and try to embrace its former use as these properties have a genuine character. Working with an architect will help you to find the balance between the building’s natural style and your own personal taste. You should see an architect or interior designer as a worthwhile investment for any home project but especially when restoring older buildings. Your home is a huge financial commitment so it has to be right. The difference an architect can make to a renovation project is indispensable thanks to the level of expertise and experience they will bring. When making this type of financial commitment, just consider investing that little bit more to reap the benefits. Also, if further down the line you are considering selling, you can then also add the ‘architect designed’ label to your property to help increase your home’s value. You're a fan of Sussex and are a regular visitor - when you're not visiting Will's workshop in nearby Lewes, what else do you enjoy doing in the area?
I spend a lot of time in Sussex and always enjoy being here. There is so much to do in the area, from the bustle of the sea front to the amazing shops and restaurants. As an architect, I am always drawn to the fantastic array of buildings, from the traditional Georgian properties to the new build flats, there is always something that catches my eye. And finally, can you tell us about any exciting projects you're working on and when we can next see you on the TV?
I’m a very lucky man as what I love about my career is that it’s varied – I can get involved in architecture as well as design. I have the luxury of talking about buildings and travelling – I’m off to New Zealand filming soon, and Norway and Japan, which will be fantastic. There is a new Amazing Spaces on the cards, and another show that is yet to be revealed – so watch this space!