Jim Chapman On His Freshly Renovated Home Office

In our Staying In With column, we ask the experts of interior design to tell us about their ultimate night in. Here, we speak to Jim Chapman – presenter, author, illustrator and one of the original British YouTubers – about his ongoing home renovation, the mid-century home office he’s carved out for himself, and why leaving London turned out to be the best decision he ever made.

Staying In With Jim Chapman

Jim Chapman

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

Other than the kid’s bedrooms, the only room that’s finished is my office. I can’t tell you how much I love that space. Of course, Sarah and the kids are welcome, but it’s my little creative hub with all my bits and bobs exactly where I want them. My drawing nicknacks, my odd books on dinosaurs and writing techniques, random Lego, and my computer. I adore the colour scheme and the matching furniture set from Castelry with my L-shaped desk and shelving units. I’ll have the kitchen and our bedroom finished soon, and they are looking beautiful so far, so they may be contenders in the near future.

Is this a space you like to host guests in, or wind down in? Or something else?

No guests. They’ll want to touch everything. I do wind down in there sometimes; I might sit and draw on my iPad or watch something on my computer, but really, it’s my space for solitude and productivity. Having two little children makes finding time to think (especially when developing creative ideas) a little tricky.

How have you set it up? 

Our house is Georgian and during this renovation, we’re trying to be sensitive to the era – but I wanted my office to have a different vibe because it feels a little less like working from home and more like a dedicated space to focus. I love the Georgian aesthetic, but I’m also really into mid-century, and that’s something I’ve leaned into for this room.

Tell us about a ‘wow’ feature that you love.

I think it’s probably the artwork all over one of the walls. It’s very eclectic, and covers floor to ceiling and around my desk.

What was your best buy for the space?

The matching furniture, for sure. I usually artfully mismatch furniture, but because I wanted to maximise storage, that meant keeping everything in fairly close quarters. So I decided to get it all from the same range (it’s called ‘Seb’ from Castelry ). I also have a reclining armchair that’s super comfy.

Is there anything on your wish list, or have you been eyeing anything up for the space recently?

I need new windows. The office was a bathroom when we got the keys, and it still has frosted privacy glass. I’d love to see the view from my desk.

What does the space say about your personal design style?

Oh, it’s me to a tee. Structured madness. The layout is ergonomic and efficient, the choice of furniture is classy and considered, the items I have on my shelves are bonkers, and the artwork is a little bit of everything.

Do you see the space changing or evolving much in the future – let’s say the next five years?

I hope not. I have the rest of the house to finish, so I really should focus my attention there. Also, much like my dress sense, I have a pretty solid framework. Fashion comes and goes but style is eternal, and this room is very much my style.

Do you prefer staying in or going out?

Our kids are little, so Sarah and I usually stay in once they’re in bed. Like most people, we have dinner together and watch a show. Simple, but lovely. Our date nights are a wonderful thing, so if we can get help from my in-laws, we may sneak out for dinner together. I’m also usually in London a few days a week for work, so I will either be at events or meet friends for dinner when I’m there, and that ticks my social box perfectly.

How do you live a life in balance?

Balance? I thrive on the chaos. I think it keeps me young and full of enthusiasm. I can be covered in dust while fixing up one of the rooms in the morning, and by the evening be in a dinner suit on a red carpet in London. My balance comes from time – lifting my head above all the noise and connecting with my wife and kids. Making sure I get my workouts in so I can sweat it out. If I have any moments left over, it would definitely be illustrating something.

Anything else we should know?

I’m really enjoying this adventure. I wasn’t sure how I’d fare leaving London, and was worried I’d get engulfed and lose myself to everyone else. But seeing my children thrive in their new preschool, and watching the love they share with their grandparents, knowing Sarah can meet her mum and dad for a coffee just because she feels like it, and for me, making my children’s home with my own hands – it’s so rewarding. I haven’t lost a thing. I have gained so much. Making this move was 100 percent the right decision.

More From Jim

You can keep up with Jim Chapman (and his home renovation) at @jimchapman on Instagram.