George Clarke sitting in a kitchen fitted with Norfolk Charcoal vertical blinds

George Clarke at Hillarys

George Clarke stood in front of different venetian and vertical blinds

Written by George Clarke

Hillarys Ambassador

Written: 23/01/2024

As an accomplished architect and television presenter specialising in property and interior design programmes, George Clarke knows a thing or two about how to make windows look amazing.

Here we share our favourite moments with George, from how to dress different styles of windows, to getting out about with local advisors and seeing what goes into each and every Hillarys product order.

A home improvement champion

After years of working together, George really has become part of the Hillarys family. George has joined us at our Roman blinds and curtains factory in Nottingham and our metal Venetians factory in Washington, Tyne and Wear, which just happens to be his very own home turf! He met the talented teams behind our products, even bumping into some familiar faces from his days as a kid growing up in the local area.

George helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary too, with a behind the scenes look at how our expert advisors learn their craft at our Nottingham Training Academy. He's even tried out his new skills in some of our customer's homes.

And of course, as a home improvement champion, George has shared plenty of advice over the years, from solutions to decorative challenges to working with light, colour and design to transform the character of a room.

Let's take a look...

George Clarke on... How to make wide windows look amazing

As an architect, I know when it comes to home transformations, your windows are key. Choosing the right window dressing can make a massive difference in any room, and it’s so important to get everything just right.

Wide windows are a sought-after feature for many, who love the open views and sunlight pouring into their home. But the sunshine won't always feel glorious and there will be times when you long for a little shade, total darkness or some all-important privacy.

Here are my ideas to help you tackle the tricky job of dressing different styles of wide windows, from Crittalls to bays.

George Clarke on... How to style garden rooms

Struggling with temperature control in your conservatory? Too much light in your garden home office? Hillarys have plenty of stylish solutions that can help you solve these dilemmas.

So join me as I explore a selection of stylish garden rooms and show you how to make the most of yours.

Ways with garden rooms

Ways with garden rooms YouTube video thumbnail

George Clarke on Windows
How to make wide windows look amazing

How to make wide windows look amazing YouTube video thumbnail

Wide windows are a sought-after feature for many, who love the open views and sunlight pouring into their home. As with everything, there’s a downside.

When George Clarke went behind the scenes

Over the years, I've been lucky enough to experience the different parts of Hillarys that have led the company to become the nation’s favourite for made-to-measure blinds, curtains and shutters.

In the factories, it's brilliant to see such a lovely group of people bring their skills together to create high quality products that are truly built to last. And the intensive advisor training means that whatever your window dilemma, you'll get a perfectly fitted solution, and a really friendly, knowledgeable service too.

Take a look at these behind the scenes films and read my articles.

George Clarke with advisors practicing product fitting

Tricks of the trade

Hillarys has a network of local advisors, which means that, wherever you live, they have experts all over the country who will come and take care of everything for you. I visited the Hillarys Academy in Nottingham to get a taster of the rigorous training programme all advisors go through, before joining experienced advisor Libby who helped me try out my new skills with real customers.

See the full video
George Clarke sits with female advisor with vibrant fabrics hanging behind them and books of fabric swatches on the table

A rewarding role

Lucy has been a Hillarys advisor for three years and told me all about why she loves what she does. Interacting with customers and helping to create their perfect home by inspiring them with different ideas is where she gets her job satisfation. Hillarys local advisors like Lucy are passionate about creating a room that both looks and feels wonderful. They're on hand every step of the way, helping you get the perfect finish.

Read more about why Lucy loves her job

It's all in the detail

It was a pleasure to visit the Hillarys factory in Washington, Tyne and Wear - my home turf! There, I learnt all about the manufacturing process of a Venetian blind. It was an exciting day on the factory floor, spending time with the dedicated team - I even saw some familiar faces along the way! I was really interested to understand the steps involved in making a Venetian blind and get a first-hand look at all the skill involved in the process.

Find out more

A look behind the curtain

I loved meeting advisor Kevin and Senior Product Manager Yvonne to take a look behind the curtain to see what goes into each and every Hillarys product order. From seeing how to measure curtains with Kevin to how curtains are made in the factory in Nottingham right through to how to hang curtains on a pole. All Hillarys advisors are expertly trained to help the customer decide what’s best for their home.

Read my article

Request an appointment with a local advisor

Request an appointment

Questions? Call our Irish based call centre

1800 882 917

Take a look at our range

Be inspired by our made-to-measure styles

Harper sunshine roman blinds paired with daisy spring roller blinds in pastel themed bedroom

Blinds

Combining contemporary designs with great practical benefits our huge range of blinds, including our electric range offers style solutions for every budget.

View Blinds

Pearl olive green floor length pinch pleat curtains paired with voiles in cosy living room

Curtains

Our beautiful curtains range features quality fabrics and fashion-forward designs at a great price.

View Curtains

Pure White shutters in living room

Shutters

Our collection of stunning shutters offers surprisingly affordable options to add style to any home.

View Shutters