TV PRESENTER NICK KNOWLES KNOWS HIS WAY ROUND A TOOL BOX — BUT HE’S HAPPY FOR HIS PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO DO THE SPADEWORK

He keeps unruly builders in line on DIY SOS, so you’d think Nick Knowles would be keen to oversee work on his new house.

But Nick is happy to let his personal assistant Charlotte select the colour schemes, choose the furniture and even pick up the tools.

“I’m so busy with work that I normally only spend about four nights here a month, if that,” admits Nick, who is also presenting BBC1’s Last Choir Standing at the moment.

“Charlotte coordinated the renovations in my absence – she chose the samples, designed the flush-fitting cupboards throughout the house, and bought the kitchen.

"I wouldn’t do DIY, even if I had the time. I hate it.”

Nick, 45, who has three children, Charlie, 15, Tuesday, 13, and TJ, 11, with his ex-wife, bought his three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Fulham, London, six months ago, and has spent three months having it renovated.

He shares it with his 24-year-old girlfriend Hannah.

It has a bathroom and two bedrooms on the first floor, an open-plan study, a lounge area and spare bedroom on the ground floor, and a kitchen/diner in the basement.

“I’m a real fan of the minimalist look,” reveals Nick.

“I used to be a clutter monkey but now I like the feeling of space. When I bought this place I wanted a big kitchen and dining area, so I got the builders to knock down some walls.

“Charlotte helped to fit this stylish, contemporary kitchen from MFI. It cost £7,000 and the wooden work surfaces from IKEA were around £300. I do use the kitchen when I’m home.

"I have three sisters and a brother, plus nephews and nieces, so I usually have them over for Christmas and they all sit around the big dining table.

“Cooking’s the one thing I like to do myself. I’m famous for my five-hour leg of lamb!”

Nick presents Last Choir Standing on Saturdays, 6.55pm, BBC1 and DIY SOS every Friday, 8.30pm, BBC1.

 

1. CAMERAS “I bought my cameras online and from antique shops. One of them is supposed to have belonged to the film director Stanley Kubrick.”

2. RED SCULPTURE “This is by British artist Jason Minsky. I bought it for £950 at Sotheby’s.”

3. CANDLESTICKS “These were once part of the drive axle on a Formula 1 car. I bought the pair for £3,000 at a charity auction.”

4. FLOWERS “I love flowers — I’m like Elton John! A company called Pampered Pots bring them in for me.”

NICK'S STYLE TIPS

* Only buy a kitchen or bathroom from a shop whose fitters will install it too.
* If you hang a flat screen TV over a fireplace, make sure there’s air flow behind it to avoid overheating.
* Plan your lighting and install sockets accordingly.

Words: Olivia Buxton Photography: Lancton Grooming: Caroline Piasecki at Time Compiled by: Sally Gillam

 

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