Top 10 Ways To Create Your Own George Clarke Inspired Amazing Space
Want your own Amazing Space now you’ve been inspired by George Clarke’s television series on Channel 4? Having worked as Consultant Stylist on the series here are my top 10 observations on how you can do just that.
1. Don’t Let Difficulties Get In Your Way
Understandably Few people would go to the extreme that Max Reestore did, when he realised that a neighbours garage was a listed building meaning that the only way to get the shipping container into his back garden was to cut it up into small pieces, walk it through a narrow alley and reconstruct it in situ.
2. Doubling Up On Usage Helps Small Possibilities Become Big Ideas
The side of George’s caravan opening up to become a deck doubled the floor space. The sofa in the horsebox also being the water tank and the table and chairs in the beach hut also being storage. Waste no space and double every possibility.
3. Look Backwards To Go Forwards
You may find that your childhood memories will give you a modern interpretation for your amazing space. George’s happy family holidays in the Lake District in a 70’s static caravan inspired his own adventure.
4. If You Have A View… Frame It!
Tim Sands, at the woodsman’s cabin, built his shack at the very top of a hill and on stilts to further elevate its position so he wouldn’t miss out on the view, which he framed through his space. The view, which is even better in the winter months when the trees are bare and there is snow on the distant hills, is beguiling.
5. There Are Experts Out There To Help You At Every Stage
The seemingly worn out 1950’s kitchen cabinets that George bought for his caravan were in a sorry state, and enough to put anyone off from buying them. We found a specialist restoration company that was familiar with the product and bingo… they are now just like new, with a fabulous white enamel finish but with genuine period charm.
6. Sometimes It’s Good To Be A Bit Bonkers
Rob & Layla’s purchase of a rusty old bus tried the vision and belief of many. Its restoration into the Majestic Bus was a bit of a journey but we know they have no regrets, only good memories and excitement about the road ahead.
7. Seeing Potential Is An Underestimated Quality
The ex underground public toilet conversion into super stylish urban apartment is a case in point. I had to pinch myself while I was there to remember what the place started out as. Laura Jane Clarke, the owner, is a master at seeing the possibility in things, embracing the space and reinventing it.
8. Finding The Answer To A Solution Doesn’t Come In An Instant
Often our first reaction is… “That’s not possible”. Lovely William Hardie is a case in point. Watch him carefully when he’s asked a super difficult question. He pauses, doesn’t answer, thinks carefully, giggles slightly and then comes up with a solution.
9. There Are Possibilities Everywhere
Although some Amazing Spaces were leisure based, others, such as the Majestic Bus and the Flying Ducks converted coffee and ice cream caravan were business ventures. There are possibilities everywhere, and although these types of projects have the potential to be a bit tacky if not done well, keeping your standards up and having a clear design vision in mind have created very special opportunities for their owners.
10. Don’t Underestimate The Impact Of The Big Wide World Out There
The mod-pod in Dumphries, Brockloch Bothy, is on a side of a valley, in a field of sheep with big wide views across the landscape. Views so big you can see the weather coming. The place itself though is super insulated, stylish, warm and modern. Comfortable to be in and inspiring to look out of. Simply perfect! And although remote when you look at it on a map, it isn’t far from an intercity mainline railway station. A few days away, in a truly wild space is possible even on public transport.
If you would like to take part in Series 2 of Amazing Spaces simply complete the application form on the Channel 4 website.
Picture Credit: Sourced from Canopy & Stars showing Wilderness Wood
