🧱 George Clarke-Inspired Interiors: Mixing Old & New with Style

TV architect and presenter George Clarke has become a household name in the UK thanks to shows like George Clarke’s Old House, New Home and The Restoration Man. His design philosophy? Celebrating period charm while introducing fresh, modern functionality. Whether he’s breathing new life into a Victorian terrace or transforming a 1930s semi, George Clarke shows us how old and new can live in perfect harmony.

At House of Isabella, we’re passionate about that same balance - combining timeless design with contemporary style. So whether your home has original cornicing and sash windows or you're just a fan of characterful interiors, here's how to channel George Clarke’s signature mix of tradition and modernity using our curated collections.

🧡 Why George Clarke’s Style Resonates

George Clarke doesn’t believe in stripping away the soul of an older home. Instead, he works with its original bones, highlighting:

• Heritage features (fireplaces, mouldings, stained glass)

• Warm, inviting palettes

• Smart updates (open-plan living, modern lighting, flexible furniture)

It’s about making your home work for the way you live now, without erasing its history. And that’s something every design lover can get behind.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

🛋️ 1. Respecting History with Heritage-Inspired Furniture

The first step to George Clarke-style interiors? Honour the history of your space by choosing furniture that complements the era—without feeling stuck in time.

Style it:

• Use French-style beds or button-tufted armchairs in period homes

• Add a tall chest of drawers in traditional oak or walnut

• Style a console table with carved legs in your hallway or lounge

💡 Match the material: Pair antique finishes with newer pieces in similar tones for cohesion.

🔗 Shop Traditional Furniture
🔗 French Style Bedroom Ideas

✨ 2. Add Modern Pieces to Keep Things Fresh

Once you’ve grounded your space with traditional bones, introduce sleek modern elements to add contrast. George is known for using glass, matte black, and soft neutrals to modernise old homes without overpowering them.

Add contrast with:

• A black framed mirror or circle mirror

• A modern nest of tables in marble and gold

• Clean-lined side tables for living room zones

• An L-shaped desk or glass console in a study

🔗 Explore Modern Mirrors
🔗 Contemporary Side Tables

💡 Don’t match everything—layer eras for lived-in charm.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

🪞 3. Maximise Light with Mirrors & Neutral Tones

Older properties can sometimes feel dark or narrow. George often solves this by opening up spaces, adding mirrors, and embracing light palettes.

Try this:

• Add a long wall mirror opposite a window

• Use a white mirror or arch mirror full length to reflect light in hallways

• Choose cream ottomans, light oak furniture, and linen upholstery

🔗 See Brightening Decor
🔗 Browse Light Neutrals

💡 Layer whites and creams with texture to avoid a flat look.

🧱 4. Highlight Original Features, Don’t Hide Them

George Clarke always encourages homeowners to celebrate original details—whether it's a fireplace, ceiling rose, or original brick wall.

Make them shine:

• Frame an original fireplace with modern accent chairs

• Pair an ornate ceiling with a brass chandelier or pendant lighting

• Use upcycled furniture or a vintage-look sideboard to tie old and new together

🔗 Shop Brass & Gold Lighting
🔗 Sideboards & Buffets

💡 Don’t paint over period details—highlight them with contrast instead.

🛏️ 5. Create a Modern Bedroom with Classic Touches

George loves a tranquil bedroom with a nod to the past and an eye to the future. Think soft colours, practical furniture, and design that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Blend the eras:

• A modern bedside table in high gloss or lacquer next to a traditional bed

• Gold or black bedside lamps that pop against pastel walls

• Add a dressing table mirror or vintage tray for a boutique finish

🔗 Modern Bedside Tables
🔗 Gold Accents

💡 Add texture with a shagreen tray, velvet cushions, or luxury bed throws.

🪑 6. Functional Furniture That Works for Today

Modern families need storage, flexibility, and pieces that earn their space. George Clarke is a champion of adaptable interiors—and so are we.

Smart choices include:

• A storage bench for hallways or under windows

• A desk with drawers that doubles as a vanity

• A sofa bed for multipurpose rooms

• Pouffes or ottomans with hidden storage

🔗 Shop Multi-functional Furniture

💡 Flexible pieces are ideal for small homes, rentals, or family living.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

🌿 7. Use Greenery to Soften the Space

George often finishes a space with greenery—either real or faux—to bring warmth and texture to minimal or angular interiors.

Bring the outdoors in:

• Add a tall plant in a natural pot to a corner

• Use faux olive trees or fake plants in dark corners

• Style a garden ladder shelf with greenery and books

🔗 Faux Plants Collection

💡 Choose realistic textures to keep the look refined and natural.

💡 8. Embrace Simplicity Without Losing Character

One of George Clarke’s best qualities as a designer is restraint. He’ll restore, simplify, and modernise—but never in a way that feels clinical. His homes still feel warm, lived-in, and authentic.

How to do this:

• Stick to a warm neutral palette

• Use soft lighting, not harsh spotlights

• Blend period shapes with modern finishes (e.g. a modern bedside cabinet next to a vintage bed)

🔗 Explore Warm Neutrals

💡 Layer in books, artwork, and personal accessories for character.

Photo Credit: Channel 4

💳 Make It Affordable with Clearpay

At House of Isabella, we believe good design should be accessible—whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace or updating a 1980s semi. That’s why we offer Clearpay, so you can spread the cost of your transformation across 4 interest-free instalments.

🔗 Learn More About Clearpay

🧠 Final Thoughts: Old Meets New, Your Way

George Clarke reminds us that you don’t have to sacrifice charm to get comfort. At House of Isabella, we celebrate that same balance—helping you design a home that reflects your history while meeting the needs of your future.

Mix antique finishes with clean-lined furniture. Honour original features while embracing smart design. Your home should be full of character and function—and we’re here to help you create it.

🔗 Shop the Look:

• Traditional Furniture

• Modern Accent Pieces

• Mirrors for Light & Depth

• Storage & Multi-Use Furniture

• Greenery & Finishing Touches