George Clarke On Creating His Dream Private Study

In our new column, Staying In With, we ask the experts of interior design to tell us about their ultimate night in. Here, we speak to George Clarke, a household name in the world of architecture, design and television, about his personal study – which he dubs a ‘retreat from the world’ and the heart of his home.

Staying In With George Clarke

George Clarke (photo by Chris Terry)

What’s your favourite place to stay in, and why? 

Without question, it’s my study. It’s surrounded by architectural models and filled with photographs of my children, so it feels deeply personal. That small study really is the heart of my home – a space that reflects both my work and my life.

How would you describe the space?

It’s very much a private space. My study is where I retreat from the world so I can properly focus and get work done. I spend around 90 percent of my time travelling, staying in hotels, and working on the road, so when I’m home, that room becomes my sanctuary.

Do you like to wind down here?

My desk and study are where I work, write and think creatively – it’s where I’m at my most productive. But I wouldn’t say it’s where I’d go to wind down.

In the evening, I gravitate towards the living room. It’s an open‑plan space that’s perfect for switching off, usually with the TV on and on my English chair or sofa – often football or something similarly easy to watch. For me, properly unwinding means stepping away from screens, emails, and my desk. Different spaces serve very different purposes in the house.

Tell us about a ‘wow’ feature you love.

In the study, it has to be my new desk. It’s a beautifully minimal, modern piece from the Danish brand Karakter, designed by Bodil Kjær. It’s often described as ‘the most beautiful desk in the world’ – and I have to say, I completely agree. It’s the standout object in the room.

(photo by Chris Terry)

Is there anything on your wish list for the space?

There’s always something. Staying with the study theme, I’d love to add an Anglepoise lamp to the desk. I already have several Anglepoise pieces around the house, but I’m keen to add another. Their recognisable silhouette works perfectly with the sleek, minimal aesthetic of the space and complements it beautifully.

What does the space say about your personal design style?

It’s modern and minimal, with a strong emphasis on natural materials. I’d describe it as a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese materiality – timber features in the floors and walls and even the ceiling, which really creates a warm, cocoon‑like feel. There are also skylights overhead that flood the space with natural light.

It’s often described as Japandi, but while it’s calm and considered, it’s also deeply personal. The room is filled with architectural models, artwork, books, and meaningful objects collected over the years. I’ve been gifted fragments of historic buildings from projects I’ve worked on, from a section of an 1800s windowsill to a piece of Durham Cathedral stonework. It has models, artwork, samples from buildings that I’ve been given over the years and pieces of historic buildings; it’s a real treasure trove of beautiful personal things, so whilst it’s minimalistic, it also has a real homey feel.

Do you see the space changing much in the future?

Not really. If anything, it’s full to capacity. The shelves are packed and there’s barely room for another book. I might declutter slightly, but if something works, there’s no need to change it.

Ideal Home Show

Do you prefer staying in or going out?

Coming home on a Friday night and knowing I’ve got the weekend at home is an absolute dream. I live in West London and have done since I was a student, and I love it. Going out for dinner with my girlfriend and close friends, switching off completely from architecture and work, sharing good food and a few bottles of wine – that’s heaven to me.

How do you live a life in balance at home? 

I wouldn’t say my life is especially balanced – that always makes me smile. But my daughter calls the house ‘the Zen house’, which I think says a lot. It’s calm, relaxed and grounded in natural materials.

After constantly being on the move, staying in hotels and working in other people’s homes, simply returning to my own space creates balance for me. Home is where everything slows down.

Anything in the pipeline you can tell us about?

I’m currently working on four Channel 4 series at the same time; all filmed across different parts of the country. Alongside that, there are events, the Ideal Home Show and books coming up.

A personal project is taking place in my home city of Sunderland. I’m restoring a historic commercial building and converting it into a home – I’ve never owned a property in my home city because I always lived with my mum when I was growing up in the north-east. We’re filming the entire process as a couple of one‑hour programmes.

As part of the project, I’m also opening a bookshop on the ground floor, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a very personal project, and we’ll be starting on site shortly, with plans to open in early spring next year.

The Ideal Home Show is coming up – what’s the story there?

The Ideal Home Show dates back to 1908, and this year marks 16 years since my first appearance in 2010. It’s a real honour to still be involved. I’ll be giving talks on thoughtful design, appearing on stands, and focusing on sustainable living and renewable technology.
I’m especially excited to be there on opening day on the 10 April this year! It’s something I haven’t been able to do for a long time, and it feels very special.