• Houzz
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

making spaces

ramblings

Menu
  • Design Portfolio
  • About
  • My Home.
Close Menu
  • The Coach House – Phase 2 – Open Plan Kitchen Diner

    by Karen Knox

    Hello summer 2023! (it’s raining today). You may remember a couple of years ago, I shared the completed living room at The Coach House project in Harrogate. Here it is… Before, this room, along with the rest of the house was rather dull and uninspiring. Having been recently “flipped” by  a property developer, it was presentable enough to sell, but in order to make...

    July 23, 2023
    comments 6
    Architecture, Building, Final Reveal, Kitchen, kitchen design, Renovation, vintage
  • Tewit Well Road – Harrogate

    by Karen Knox

    Hello everyone! I’m back with some updates and final reveal pics from one of my slow burner projects. It’s been hard, but something I’ve had to accept is that when things really picked up for Making Spaces a few years ago, it meant I didn’t have time to sit down and write about my job, because I’ve been so busy doing it. The projects...

    April 30, 2023
    comments 7
    Bathroom, Final Reveal, Interior Design, Kitchen, kitchen design, Project, Property, Renovation
  • The Purple Brown Master Bedroom - Final Reveal

    The Purple Brown Master Bedroom – Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Good day! How are you all doing out there? It has been exactly six months since I last wrote. Hopefully it gave you enough time to read my previous post though, as that was quite a long one. Today’s instalment is the final reveal for the Master Bedroom at The Ilkley Project. Yay. Let me show you the Purple Brown room! If you’re not...

    October 9, 2022
    comments 11
    Architecture, Bedroom, Final Reveal, Interior Design, Mood Board, Renovation
  • Domestic Anthropology

    Domestic Anthropology and Interior Design

    by Karen Knox

    Well this sounds very serious doesn’t it? What is Domestic Anthropology? It’s the study of human behaviours and how our cultures, traditions and societal changes have affected how we use our homes. I’m fascinated by people, particularly how individuals and families interact, move around one another and within their four walls. Everything I’ve learned about people’s habits, pathways and needs in the home environment...

    April 9, 2022
    comments 20
    Interior Design, Just me, Lessons in Design
  • The Victorian Kitchen and Dining Room - the one with the yellow ceiling

    The Victorian Kitchen Dining Room – the one with the yellow ceiling

    by Karen Knox

    Jumping back onto the blog today to share a recently completed project. I’ve been working on this one since the beginning of the year, the final piece of the puzzle going in just last week. With a last minute visit earlier this week to see it all finished and capture some photos, it’s time for a new project reveal! Welcome to the Victorian kitchen...

    October 7, 2021
    comments 49
    Decorating, Final Reveal, kitchen design, Project, Renovation
  • The New Build Final Reveal

    How to add personality to a new build

    by Karen Knox

    Hello everyone, it’s been photoshoot central of late so i’m back with my second post of the month. It’s another final reveal post, plus I’m sharing some tips on how to add personality to a new build property. The homeowners, a young couple were keen to put their stamp on their new four bedroom home so contacted me to help them with the ground...

    August 31, 2021
    comments 21
    Decorating, Final Reveal, Make Over, Painting, Project, Remote Design, Styling
  • The Victorian Terrace

    The Victorian Terrace – Games Room and Home Office

    by Karen Knox

    Hello there, how are you all doing, I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the glorious British summer!? Today i’m sharing some final reveal photos from a sloooow burner project; The Victorian Terrace. A house I started work on back in April 2019. Yes, that’s how long full house projects can take, especially when you’re living at the property during the works and you...

    August 11, 2021
    comments 17
    Design, Final Reveal, Project, Renovation
  • The Georgian Apartment – Bathroom – Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Hello May, how are you all doing? Your umbrella been getting a good outing this month? Today i’m back at the Georgian Apartment for for the final reveal of the bathroom. Hoorah! This is what we started with… Before A very small and narrow space indeed which surprisingly (or not) the previous owners had squeezed in a loo, basin, bath and a separate shower,...

    May 24, 2021
    comments 29
    Bathroom, Design, Interior Design, Project, Renovation
  • The Georgian Apartment Final Reveal

    The Georgian Apartment – Open Plan Living Space Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Well it’s been a while since I posted about this one hasn’t it? A project I introduced back in June 2019; ya know, the one with those ceilings. It’s time for the final reveal of The Georgian Apartment. Whoop! Before – May 2019 All the major works for this room were completed in time for Autumn 2019 with a list of smaller, fiddly jobs left...

    April 15, 2021
    comments 22
    Architecture, Interior Design, kitchen design, lighting, Project, Renovation
  • The Victorian Coach House - Final Reveal

    The Coach House Living Room – Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Hello! Three months it’s been since I last wrote. A whole season. A quarter of a year. 13 weeks! I thought it was about time I got back into the swing, and what better way than to offer up the final reveal of Victorian Coach House Living Room; one of my favourite rooms to work on since starting this crazy ass job six years...

    March 26, 2021
    comments 44
    Design, Final Reveal, Living Room, Project, Renovation

Recent Ramblings

July 23, 2023

The Coach House – Phase 2 – Open Plan Kitchen Diner

Hello summer 2023! (it’s raining today). You may remember a couple of years ago, I shared the completed living...

by Karen Knox
comments 6
April 30, 2023

Tewit Well Road – Harrogate

Hello everyone! I’m back with some updates and final reveal pics from one of my slow burner projects. It’s...

by Karen Knox
comments 7
The Purple Brown Master Bedroom - Final Reveal
October 9, 2022

The Purple Brown Master Bedroom – Final Reveal

Good day! How are you all doing out there? It has been exactly six months since I last wrote....

by Karen Knox
comments 11
Domestic Anthropology
April 9, 2022

Domestic Anthropology and Interior Design

Well this sounds very serious doesn’t it? What is Domestic Anthropology? It’s the study of human behaviours and how...

by Karen Knox
comments 20
The Victorian Kitchen and Dining Room - the one with the yellow ceiling
October 7, 2021

The Victorian Kitchen Dining Room – the one with the yellow ceiling

Jumping back onto the blog today to share a recently completed project. I’ve been working on this one since...

by Karen Knox
comments 49
The New Build Final Reveal
August 31, 2021

How to add personality to a new build

Hello everyone, it’s been photoshoot central of late so i’m back with my second post of the month. It’s...

by Karen Knox
comments 21
The Victorian Terrace
August 11, 2021

The Victorian Terrace – Games Room and Home Office

Hello there, how are you all doing, I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the glorious British summer!? Today...

by Karen Knox
comments 17
May 24, 2021

The Georgian Apartment – Bathroom – Final Reveal

Hello May, how are you all doing? Your umbrella been getting a good outing this month? Today i’m back...

by Karen Knox
comments 29
The Georgian Apartment Final Reveal
April 15, 2021

The Georgian Apartment – Open Plan Living Space Final Reveal

Well it’s been a while since I posted about this one hasn’t it? A project I introduced back in...

by Karen Knox
comments 22
The Victorian Coach House - Final Reveal
March 26, 2021

The Coach House Living Room – Final Reveal

Hello! Three months it’s been since I last wrote. A whole season. A quarter of a year. 13 weeks!...

by Karen Knox
comments 44
Mood Board Pink Interiors
December 18, 2020

In The Pink – Is there a better way to end 2020 than some pink interiors?

Well it seems I have done all my Christmas wrapping and have a bit of time to share some...

by Karen Knox
comments 9
Living Room Design Concept
December 8, 2020

End of year updates – What have we been up to?

Well hello there, it’s been a while hasn’t it? How are you all doing? I don’t think there’s any...

by Karen Knox
comments 12
Projects in progress
September 20, 2020

Making (lots of) Spaces with five projects in progress

Hello hello! Yes I know it’s been a while since I last wrote, but I have an excellent reason,...

by Karen Knox
comments 7
The Harrogate Master Suite
August 20, 2020

The Harrogate Master Bedroom – (very nearly) Final Reveal

Hello everyone, how’s your August going? Today I’m sharing a (very nearly) final reveal of the master bedroom at...

by Karen Knox
comments 12
Next Door @ The Old Forge
July 28, 2020

The Old Forge York – Two Years in the Making – Final Reveal Part 2

Hello hello, how are you all? Thanks to everyone who read Part 1 of final reveal for The Old...

by Karen Knox
comments 4
The Old Forge York
July 15, 2020

The Old Forge York – Two Years in the Making – Final Reveal Part 1

And so, today’s blog is partly an opportunity to emotionally offload (when isn’t it?) and more importantly celebrate over two...

by Karen Knox
comments 17

Karen Knox aka Making Spaces

Making Spaces UK Interior Design Blog

Archives

Snoop

KEEP IN TOUCH

If you'd like to keep up to date with Making Spaces just pop your details here and click. No spam. Hate that stuff.
Privacy & Cookie Policy 
First Name
Last Name
Email address
**Fresh blog alert** The full, two year run down **Fresh blog alert** 
The full, two year run down of the Harrogate Coach House project. Check my stories for the link if you'd like to see the process from start to finish. 
📷 @robcarch
_______________________________________
@niche_design_architects
@studionestharrogate 
@littlegreenepaintcompany 
@tekton_interiors 
@emilyfarncombeupholstery
An absolute treat to visit the Rawdon project yest An absolute treat to visit the Rawdon project yesterday. This Arts and Crafts property in west Leeds has taken some real graft to get it looking like it does today. Swipe to see the space as it was last summer.
I worked closely with @madebyeastburn who make and fit beautiful, bespoke timber kitchens and furniture. This simple shaker kitchen was painted in @littlegreenepaintcompany
Slaked Lime with walls in Slaked Lime Deep. This earthy, neutral scheme provides a calm and welcoming space. 
More photos from this project to come this autumn! 🤞🍂
Good morning Sunday! 😊 Am back with another pic Good morning Sunday! 😊
Am back with another pic from the Coach House project over in Harrogate - this is the living room completed in phase one of this four year project. Designed and implemented throughout 2020 lockdown this was a room I felt very proud to add to my portfolio. 
As part of phase two (the kitchen/dining and bathroom shown in previous posts) this room finally got its new glazing. Which means now I can finally share a shot of this side of the room as it was always made to look 😍
Swipe to see the room as it was when my client, Mr O, first purchased the house. It's certainly come a long way.
Oh hi 👋 It's just me, casually sitting on the d Oh hi 👋
It's just me, casually sitting on the dining sofa I designed in a room I designed feeling super relaxed in front of the camera. #casual
I absolutely love being photographed and this caused me no discomfort whatsoever 🙄
But I needed to update my website with a photo of me in my mid 40s rather than clinging onto ones from my 30s. Bit concerned that the ASA would have arrested me for misleading customers.
"Hang on a minute, we booked a consultation with a cool, young rebellious looking woman. You're wearing linen dungarees!"
Well, I need worry no more. Because this is it, people. This is what you get**
** Smiling not guaranteed 
📷 @robcarch
Trough sink, bronze fittings and mirrored door wit Trough sink, bronze fittings and mirrored door with hidden storage and integrated  toothbrush charger.
Seamlessly coated in @forcrete_ throughout this finish helps showcase the various shapes, angles and changes of light in the bathroom at the Harrogate Coach House project. 
There's also a little hint of the glass roof dormer. Swipe to see how @niche_design_architects and I worked together to make my crazy suggestion of a frameless glass dormer a reality. It's very cool 😎
📷 @robcarch (pic1)
Getting the layout for the bathroom at the Coach H Getting the layout for the bathroom at the Coach House project was not a simple task. I think we managed to get to revision 15/16 for this room. Despite the ceiling being vaulted, the floor was also raised by approx 45cm to accommodate enough head height in the new dining space directly below... and of course the insulation in the roof was beefed up considerably to meet new regs which lowered the finished ceiling height further. 
Getting a bath and shower in here was tricky, especially when you need head height for both. Sure - you don't need much head height when you're lying down in the bath, but have you tried to get in and out of one without banging your head on a sloped ceiling? You're taller standing in a bath then you'll ever be standing in a shower.
So we mocked up the space with various sized boxes and acted out the most popular bathroom moves 🕺:
1. Getting in and out of the bath (classic)
2. Reaching up in the shower (armpit wash)
3. Bending down at basin to rinse toothpaste (does your bum hit anything?)
4. Sitting on the toilet without your knees/legs hitting glass screens, furniture  or walls. Toilets right up against walls are the worst!
5. The big bath towel wrap. We need an arm span for this and if you're 6ft them that's about a 6ft arm span. That's a lot!
Focusing on anthropological design I am fascinated by the way we move as humans and exist in our space. And this bathroom, as simple as it looks was a proper brain work out. 
The walls, ceiling and floor were finished in @forcrete_ so no tile cuts, grout lines or junctions to contend with which allows the @studioore Bronze fixtures and fittings to shine.
As well as the @studiomichaelanastassiades D3 wall lights - which literally do shine. Because they're lights 💡
📷 @robcarch
Good morning! Today I'm sharing one of our favour Good morning! 
Today I'm sharing one of our favourite shots of the #MakingSpacesXStudioNest project. A close up of the beautiful fluted, walnut cabinet fronts, the raw brass @studioore tap and @caesarstone_uk Moorland Fog worktop and full height splashback.
All styled to perfection with breakfast croissants and a jauntily placed linen tea towel. All very #slowliving
This project was an absolute pleasure to work on with @studionestharrogate and we certainly enjoyed the photoshoot too (those croissants didn't last long 😉).
📷 @robcarch
Good morning! Continuing with more photos from the Good morning!
Continuing with more photos from the Victorian Coach House project (did you see yesterday's kitchen I worked on with @studionestharrogate ?)
Today it's a before, during and after of the dining space. It's quite different to how it started out 😍 swipe to see just how different.
Working closely with @niche_design_architects we created a stunning open plan dining area by knocking through from what was a small, disconnected kitchen at the back of the house and extending sideways just a couple of metres. If anyone is interested in seeing the before and after plans, and a break down of the project as a whole, I'll be posting this two year project on the blog shortly. But for insta purposes... we now have a dining area that feels warm and welcoming painted in @littlegreenepaintcompany Joanna. Somewhere that oozes light and space perfect for filling with gallery style artwork and stunning mid-century designs. Tap the image for tags. But extra special shout out for the original rosewood, Kai Kristiansen Model 42 chairs which quite frankly are just breath taking. I mean just look at those legs 😍 and huge thanks to @tekton_interiors for the elegantly beautiful and expertly crafted bespoke walnut dining sofa upholstered in @harlequinfw Molecule linen blend fabric.
The brief: "I'll spend most of my days sitting in this space, so I'd like somewhere comfortable to sit back and relax. Somewhere I can appreciate the views into the kitchen and newly created garden courtyard. An extra deep dining sofa was the answer and it's an absolutely beauty 😍
More of these spaces coming over the next few days. I really hope you like them.
Why do your projects take so long? Well. Because Why do your projects take so long?
Well. Because we make changes at the most fundamental of levels. We don’t offer surface level makeovers. We get right back to the bones of your property and make changes where it counts. This is the Park View project, a stunning four storey stone built Victorian property in north Leeds. We're currently working across three floors to improve the layout and quality of space. For the ground floor kitchen and dining room, it was about opening up and creating a sense of light, space and greater connection to the gardens. The ceiling over the dining table (in what was the kitchen) will soon be vaulted with huge rooflights fitted above.
Yes, this is what interior designers do. You don’t always need an architect to change the shape of your building. You need someone who sees the potential of your home, an amazing builder and canny structural engineer.
It’s about working with the right people and for this project, I’m delighted to have Tim and team from @levo_architects on board to deliver and manage this project with the level of care and detail my brain and eyes demand and  @skyhooksengineering for the ability to deal with the structural calcs I can't even begin to comprehend. 
Today was a big day. Two spaces opened up into one and the back of the house with new large arched doorway onto the garden finally realised. Am so so excited! We’re ready for the doors soon  @r_e_falkingham_ltd 😁
More on this space coming later this autumn 🍁🍁🍁
I've stopped sharing so much personal stuff over h I've stopped sharing so much personal stuff over here these days and don't post many (any really) personal pics at all. But I want this marker on my feed, mainly for me.
A family trip over Easter weekend down to that there London. A seemingly benign thing but for us three it was kind of a big deal.
My last trip to London back in 2018 for the Amara interiors blog awards - well that required 5 months of psychotherapy in order for me to get on a train, travel 3 hours away from 🏡 and spend a night away in a bed that wasn't mine. I remember feeling super proud getting on the train back to Leeds the next day. Not because I'd won, but because I did something a normal person would do. Being normal is hard!
My anxieties about being away from 🏠 have since eased but Charlie (aged 10) finds sleeping away from home extremely difficult, so we rarely go on holiday because it's more stress than it's worth. Something I carry a lot of guilt about. 
Pete, my wonderful husband (aged 43) absolutely loves travel but since his epilepsy diagnosis last year he struggles to satisfy his wanderlust. 360 sounds and unfamiliar spaces are some of his triggers - things unavoidable when travelling.
So this trip was a family team effort and we agreed to help and support each other through a 48 hour adventure away from home. I spent days looking for a hotel on the @Southbank_london and finally plumped for 2 nights at @banksidehotel somewhere within walking distance to all the places we wanted to visit (the less tube time the better!) alongside being design savvy enough to satisfy my appetite for interiors 😍
We obv visited the @tate and we also got tickets to see the @playgoeswrong which was absolutely brilliant. Highly recommend if you've got kids that enjoy the theatre. 
We walked, talked, ate and drank nice things, spent too much money but came home culturally recharged and full of positive memories of being somewhere different! Unfortunately, Charlie's first experience of staying in a hotel has set the bar rather high. He's now looking forward to our next trip away - but only if it's in a 5* hotel. What have I done!!?? 🤦‍♀️
Thank you for the kind words on my previous post. Thank you for the kind words on my previous post. It's always dead nice being able to finally share something you've been working on for over a year. 
Here's a close up of the other side of the drawing room at @renovating_harrogate which shows that beaut Rozalia wallpaper from @divinesavages again.
You may have noticed a floral theme in this room with various blooms appearing in artwork, in vases and obviously within the wallpaper. These milk glass wall lights  from @pookylights were the perfect choice, the delicate scalloped shades, just like pretty petals 🌸
Popped across to see Andy and Vanessa today at @re Popped across to see Andy and Vanessa today at @renovating_harrogate. They've been in their current house for two years working tirelessly to re-convert what was 2 x 2 bedroom flats back into a 5 bedroom family home. This kind of project really does take it out of you so getting final reveal photos takes time. Lots of it!
Today I got free rein to style and capture some images of their drawing room.  It's turned out rather lovely with the beautiful Rozalia wallpaper by @divinesavages wrapping around all four walls. The dusty rose ceiling with original plaster detail really sets it off, especially with that reclaimed chandelier 💡 These guys never shy away from going bold.
The fire surround and marble hearth were nicked from two other rooms in the house and repurposed here. Original floorboards were refurbed and some FB marketplace furniture and antique Persian rug added.
I'll share a few more pics over the next few days. Really hope you like it! 💙♥️
.
Ps. Tap the image for product details.
My new (old) fave lamp 😍 It took me a while but My new (old) fave lamp 😍
It took me a while but I finally found "the one".
A 1970s adjustable, teak wall light by Danish design house, Domus now adorns the walls at chez Making Spaces. 
Looks fab against the warm, neutral @littlegreenepaintcompany Clay walls.
#ilovelamp
Kids bathrooms and curves 😍 Toddlers, wet tiles Kids bathrooms and curves 😍
Toddlers, wet tiles and corners don't mix, so I found ways to add as many soft curves as I could in this kiddies bathroom. The round ended bath was tiled in with fun kit-kat tiles, which echoes the rounded edges of the double vanity unit. Those large format, terrazzo effect porcelain tiles disguise a multitude of sins too👌a very family friendly space which just makes you smile when you walk on in.
Swipe to see the room as it was before @renovating_harrogate got to work.
Design and photo @makingspacesnet 
Tiling @chameleonzibii
Purple brown. Purple brown. Purple brown. Isn't p Purple brown. Purple brown. Purple brown. 
Isn't purple a really weird word?
Say it five times right now 🖐️
**Pauses**
Did you say it five times?
Did you start laughing?
I did.
This. Is Purple Brown by @littlegreenepaintcompany another sumptuous brown shade resembling a darker, more bitter chocolate than my previous milk chocolate ceiling pic.
This post is also proof that I can do curtains. I mean, I hate curtains. I hate thinking about curtains. I hate specifying curtains and all window coverings. They are just an absolute ball ache. There's no other way of saying it really. And I mean, this was a pretty simple window to sort, which allowed some creative headspace in order to suggest a pom pom trim. Which I'm a big fan of for this room incase you were wondering.  Anyway. Now I've started writing about curtains it brings me onto this small rant... 
(I don't plan these posts in any way. It just tumbles out. Shocking I know!)
Architects*
Please, for the love of all things design, please STOP drawing up fancy pants, triangular, arched, round, mental shaped windows in bedrooms. Unless you're:
1. Going to specify electrochromic glass 
Or
2. Are also going to sort out a non fugly way to dress the buggers when the homeowner wants to sleep. I assume with it being a bedroom, the primary activity is shut eye?
Sure, I get how a cool window can make a building look mazing from the outside, but if it's a bedroom then worra bout the practicalities of the inside? 
Us lot have got enough going on with bay window tracks to last us a life time. So leave it out with the windows that give us  insomnia 😉 
And that, is all for this evening. I've just read this post back and it's a bit of an odd one isn't it? Not really sure what it is does it? So... Time for PJs and back to episode 4 of Red Rose. 🌹 After I pop up stairs to drawn my bedroom curtains that is. 
* no death threats please. This is a tongue in cheek post. But FYI those windows are a bloody nightmare.
Load More Follow on Instagram

"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams."

Arthur O' Shaughnessy

Categories

Archives

RSS RSS

  • The Coach House – Phase 2 – Open Plan Kitchen Diner

Cookie & Privacy Policy

Snoop

KEEP IN TOUCH

If you'd like to keep up to date with Making Spaces just pop your details here and click. No spam. Hate that stuff.
Privacy & Cookie Policy 
First Name
Last Name
Email address

Trending Posts

  • Banisters, balustrades and building regs
    Banisters, balustrades and building regs
  • My Ikea Pax Hack - The Nude Bedroom Update
    My Ikea Pax Hack - The Nude Bedroom Update
  • The Plywood Floor - 15 months on...
    The Plywood Floor - 15 months on...
  • Black Wednesday - Week 11
    Black Wednesday - Week 11
  • The 3 Bed Semi Extension - The Site Visit
    The 3 Bed Semi Extension - The Site Visit

ramblings

  • Copyright © 2023 making spaces
  • Proudly powered by WordPress
  • Theme: Zuki by Elmastudio

KEEP IN TOUCH

Now you've found me, why not keep in touch by signing up to my blog?

A weekly email bringing you all the interior design ramblings you could ever wish for.

No spam. Hate that stuff.

Privacy & Cookie Policy

First Name
Last Name
Email address
Secure and Spam free...