George Clarke’s Home Bible

As we now return the festive decorations to their home in the attic, or a darkened cupboard our humbug thoughts often relate to more storage space.

Not only that but perhaps even thoughts on improving our abode either with a colour change in the living room, new shelving in the kitchen or perhaps a complete makeover of the spare room.

Before your thoughts race away wildly it may be best to take advice from a professional expert who is not only an award winning architect, post graduate lecturer, and TV presenter but also a writer.

George Clarke perhaps best known from the ‘Home Show’ on Channel 4 and the recent ‘Restoration Man’ series has just published one of the most fascinating, comprehensive and informative books on how you can improve your home.

Entitled ‘George Clarke’s Home Bible’, the title sums up exactly what it is.

From making more ceiling space in your attic, to lightening your hallway, through to making the most of your utility room George explains in fine detail some of the tricks, techniques, golden rules and recipes for making the most of your home.

He says,”For me your home is the most important piece of architecture in your life. A home is a container of dreams, childhood memories and life experiences. It is a very personal place that reflects everything about you and your way of life. There is literally no place like home…”

The book is a total compendium of interest often using his own home as an example with before and after pictures which illustrates how best to make use of space and reflect differing styles, tastes, and ways of living.

He also advises on planning and includes a graph layout and scaled furniture blocks in order that you may pre-plan before making your final alterations.

Advice is also given on the building and planning process, how to cost it and manage you money, along with how to find the experts.

The book is beautifully illustrated both with colour photographs and line drawings and is written clearly and concisely.

Having garnered a few DIY books and projects over the years myself, I feel that this surpasses the DIY vogue and is the best read that I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking a look at.

Published in hardback by Weidenfeld & Nicolson at a cost of £30 it is worth every penny and in the long run could save you pounds.

It has also given me food for thought for a few alterations in my home.

You can also check out his interactive website at www.georgeclarke.co.uk .

George Clarke’s Home Bible  is available in most good book stores.