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Dreaming of a bigger kitchen, a bright open-plan living space, or simply ready to refresh your home? When it comes to renovation, architect and TV favourite George Clarke is a trusted voice, known for his practical advice and straightforward approach.
With decades of experience transforming homes through clever extensions and full renovations, George partnered with us and our sister company Exterior Spaces to complete his own home improvement project. Along the way, he shared invaluable insights, from avoiding common renovation pitfalls to the crucial role of choosing the right doors and windows.
We’ve gathered George’s top design tips to help you start your renovation journey with clarity, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose.
George Clarke’s Design Tips
1) Begin with a Clear Vision and the Right Team
Wondering how to kick off your home renovation? The key is having a clear vision of what you want and need; be it a versatile space for family time, a bright open-plan office, or a cosy spot for unwinding with a good book.
“Your home has to reflect you, your needs, your family, your personal taste, your style and what you really love.”
Once your vision is defined, the next step is assembling the right people: an architect, an interior designer if necessary, and trusted suppliers. This is why George Clarke chooses to collaborate with us at Express Bi-folding Doors and Exterior Spaces. As industry leaders since 2007, we focus on delivering long-lasting products built with care. Unlike others, we don’t outsource; our in-house installation teams are highly experienced, many with us for over a decade, and only work on our projects. That’s how we maintain consistently high standards.
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2) Make Design Decisions Upfront
When it comes to home renovation, making early, clear decisions is essential to keep your project on track.
“The more decisions you make upfront, the better. Everyone then knows what they’re doing.”
Renovations follow a structured sequence, starting with the framework, then electrics and plumbing, and finishing with the details. Delaying key decisions like window sizes or door openings can lead to major setbacks and extra costs.
George recommends finalising your doors and windows as early as possible, allowing all other elements to be planned around them. At Express, we can guide you on the best options for your space, whether it’s a new build, extension, or home update. Visiting one of our showrooms to consult with our experts and view industry-leading bifold doors, sliding doors, windows can make all the difference.
3) Invest in Quality Products That Last
If there’s one message George repeats often, it’s this: go for the best quality you can afford.
“You don’t want to be thinking about replacing anything, ever, if I’m honest with you.”
Lower-quality options often fail to withstand time, leading to performance issues and costly repairs. Selecting products that suit your space, budget, and environmental goals minimises hassle and maximises your return on investment.
Everything we produce is crafted in our state-of-the-art 200-square-foot manufacturing facility in Leeds, where we are involved in every step from survey to installation. We use only the finest thermally broken aluminium, paired with high-quality Low E performance double glazing as standard, to create products that are reliable, beautifully designed, and genuinely work for your home.
4)Embrace the Rise of Outdoor Living
Blending indoor and outdoor living is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most important aspects of modern home design, a view strongly shared by George Clarke.
In the UK, gardens are often underutilised, but designing an outdoor area that flows seamlessly from your kitchen or living room can completely transform how you live. Features like bioclimatic pergolas and glass verandas help bridge the gap, allowing you to enjoy your garden comfortably all year round.
George himself loves the flexibility of his bioclimatic pergola, which he added as part of a recent project with our sister company, Exterior Spaces. He explains:
“It can be light-filled because you can open up the levers, and it can be cosy because you can bring down the shutters and the screens on either side.”
We design and install bespoke aluminium pergolas that can be customised with heating, lighting, speakers and more. They’re perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying your garden whatever the season.
5) The Right Doors and Windows
Choosing the right doors and windows is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about improving how your home works for you every day. Features like skylights or a lantern roof can brighten darker rooms, while carefully chosen glazing helps improve energy efficiency and connect different parts of your home effortlessly.
“When it comes to selecting the right doors, you’ve got to do what’s appropriate for the interior space as well as the exterior space.”
Whether it’s bifold doors for a wide garden opening, frameless sliding doors for a more minimal look, or classic French doors to match a period property, every option should serve a clear purpose, bringing in light, framing views, and supporting how you use your space day to day. It’s never just about what looks good; it’s about smart, considered choices that stand the test of time.
6) Don’t Follow Trends: Build What You Love
When asked about upcoming home improvement trends, George was quick to say: ignore them:
“My designs are timeless and classic… if you do something that’s trendy for 2025, you’re implying it’s not going to be on trend for 2027.”
Instead of following the latest fashions, he encourages homeowners to focus on developing spaces that truly reflect their personality and will stand the test of time. This applies to everything, from layouts and finishes to doors, windows and garden features.
That said, he does support one notable shift: the growing focus on outdoor living, which he believes is here to stay. In fact, George has recently been filming a new series, Kitchens vs Gardens, exploring how indoor and outdoor spaces can work together to improve the way we live.
Visit Our Showrooms
Having collaborated with George Clarke on numerous projects, we understand why he chooses to work with us time and again. Our premium aluminium doors, windows, and bespoke pergolas align perfectly with his commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen extension, opening up your living space to the garden, or tackling a full renovation, you can count on us to deliver high quality aluminium solutions that stand the test of time. Visit our showrooms and see how we can help you create a space you’ll love for years to come
