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  • Mood Board Pink Interiors

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

    by Karen Knox

    Well it seems I have done all my Christmas wrapping and have a bit of time to share some pink interiors to end this year, what a rosey treat! Let’s start with this room: Before – sales listing This will soon be the guest bedroom on the top floor of a lovely big Victorian house in Ilkley. You can probably fathom it was a...

    December 18, 2020
    comments 9
    Bedroom, Decorating, Interior Design, Mood Board, Property, Renovation, Wallpaper
  • Living Room Design Concept

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

    by Karen Knox

    Well hello there, it’s been a while hasn’t it? How are you all doing? I don’t think there’s any need for me to explain why i’ve been absent from the blog is there? I mean, i’ll just say “2020” and leave it there for you to work it all out. It seems I have some time today for some rambling, so let’s see how...

    December 8, 2020
    comments 12
    Interior Design, Living Room, Project
  • Projects in progress

    Making (lots of) Spaces with five projects in progress

    by Karen Knox

    Hello hello! Yes I know it’s been a while since I last wrote, but I have an excellent reason, I promise. In short, i’ve been mega busy keeping lots of plates spinning since lockdown has eased and now i’ve got five projects in progress. So I just wanted to check in and let you know what’s keeping me busy til the end of this year....

    September 20, 2020
    comments 6
    Design, Interior Design, Mood Board, Renovation
  • The Harrogate Master Suite

    The Harrogate Master Bedroom – (very nearly) Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Hello everyone, how’s your August going? Today I’m sharing a (very nearly) final reveal of the master bedroom at the Harrogate project. It’s the last room to be completed after a four year long renovation of a large, five bedroom Edwardian property. I’ve learned and gained so much from working with Vanessa and Andy and it feels quite emotional knowing this will be one...

    August 20, 2020
    comments 12
    Bedroom, Building, Interior Design, Materials, Project, Renovation
  • Next Door @ The Old Forge

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

    by Karen Knox

    Hello hello, how are you all? Thanks to everyone who read Part 1 of final reveal for The Old Forge. I’ve heard from Karen (the owner) that bookings at the newly renovated holiday cottage have been going swimmingly since its launch with Next Door @ The Old Forge now being fully booked until the end of September, so get your skates on if you’re looking...

    July 28, 2020
    comments 4
    Bathroom, Bedroom, Building, Decorating, Design, Final Reveal, Interior Design, Mood Board, Project, Renovation, Wallpaper
  • The Old Forge York

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

    by Karen Knox

    And so, today’s blog is partly an opportunity to emotionally offload (when isn’t it?) and more importantly celebrate over two years work. I’m very pleased to be able to share the news that after approximately 698 days since my first consultation at The Old Forge, it’s finally time for the official opening of Next Door @ The Old Forge; a two bedroom, family and dog friendly...

    July 15, 2020
    comments 17
    Building, Interior Design, Mood Board, Project, Property, Renovation
  • Design for Diversity

    Diversity in Design – Positive Changes in the Design Community

    by Karen Knox

    A slightly different post from me today, about something i’ve spent days researching, reading, talking to others, and re-educating myself about. Since the death of George Floyd in May this year, the Black Lives Matter movement has seen an awakening across the world. Over the past few weeks many industries, businesses, communities and families have been witness to difficult conversations; with the lack of...

    July 9, 2020
    comments 8
    Just me
  • 3 bed semi extension

    The 3 Bed Semi Extension – The Site Visit

    by Karen Knox

    Hello everyone, how are you all doing? It’s been a while since I last posted, for lots of reasons I won’t go into today, let’s just say there’s been a lot of (a bit too much) “life stuff” going on. Alongside that, i’ve been rolling along with three of my five live projects and wanted to share the progress we’ve made on the 3...

    July 3, 2020
    comments 15
    Architecture, Flooring, Interior Design, kitchen design, Mood Board, Project, Renovation
  • MADE Adeline Stool

    Kitchen Stools – Design Crimes Part 1

    by Karen Knox

    Hello everyone, how are you all? I hope you’re all coping and staying well. It’s been a really tough April here at Making Spaces HQ (still recovering from what we think was Covid), hence the lack of posting, but I’m trying to stay positive for May. And what better way to uplift everyone’s spirits than to write a trilogy of Design Crimes? Today it’s Part...

    May 12, 2020
    comments 25
    Furniture, Lessons in Design
  • Open Plan Living Room

    The 70’s Flat – Open Plan Living Space – Final Reveal

    by Karen Knox

    Hello hello – how is everyone? Slowly adjusting to the new norm? No, me neither really. However, I tried my best today to do what I normally do and write up a post for the blog. Another final reveal from the 70’s apartment project to be precise, purely as an attempt to provide some kind of distraction for a few minutes. Today it’s the open...

    March 31, 2020
    comments 10
    Decorating, Design, Final Reveal, Home Decor, Interior Design, Living Room, Online Shopping, Project, Renovation

Recent Ramblings

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 6
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
Design for Diversity
July 9, 2020

Diversity in Design – Positive Changes in the Design Community

A slightly different post from me today, about something i’ve spent days researching, reading, talking to others, and re-educating...

by Karen Knox
comments 8
3 bed semi extension
July 3, 2020

The 3 Bed Semi Extension – The Site Visit

Hello everyone, how are you all doing? It’s been a while since I last posted, for lots of reasons...

by Karen Knox
comments 15
MADE Adeline Stool
May 12, 2020

Kitchen Stools – Design Crimes Part 1

Hello everyone, how are you all? I hope you’re all coping and staying well. It’s been a really tough...

by Karen Knox
comments 25
Open Plan Living Room
March 31, 2020

The 70’s Flat – Open Plan Living Space – Final Reveal

Hello hello – how is everyone? Slowly adjusting to the new norm? No, me neither really. However, I tried my...

by Karen Knox
comments 10
REMOTE DESIGN
March 19, 2020

Remote working, it can be done – Remote Design in Action

So with all that’s going on in the world right now, I am sure I am not the only...

by Karen Knox
comments 17
Final Reveal Black and Marble Bathroom
March 8, 2020

The 70’s apartment – Final Reveal of the Marble and Black Bathroom

Hello hello! From kitchens to bathrooms, today i’m back with another final reveal post from the 70’s flat. This time it’s...

by Karen Knox
comments 27
Ikea Kitchen Review
February 23, 2020

The 70’s Kitchen Final Reveal – And an Ikea Kitchen review

We’re back at the 70’s apartment this week for another final reveal – it’s the kitchen. An Ikea kitchen...

by Karen Knox
comments 16
The Snug - Rebel Walls
February 15, 2020

The Snug – Final Reveal – in collaboration with Rebel Walls

Hello again you lovely lot, I’m back again with another final reveal post of a project I began work...

by Karen Knox
comments 19
The Green Guest Bedroom
February 8, 2020

The 70’s Apartment – The Green Guest Room – Final Reveal

Well it’s been a while since I’ve written about this project. The two bedroom, 70’s apartment was introduced over...

by Karen Knox
comments 12
Brick Wall - Loft Bedroom Moodboard
February 1, 2020

When is a brick wall not a brick wall? – The Loft Bedroom at the Victorian...

I’m back at the Victorian Terrace this week talking brick walls. And today I’m up on the top floor...

by Karen Knox
comments 2

Karen Knox aka Making Spaces

Making Spaces UK Interior Design Blog

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Something blue for Blue Monday 💙 It's the livin Something blue for Blue Monday 💙
It's the living room from the Victorian terrace I've been working on. Walls are in @benjaminmooreuk Spellbound, a very moody blue with grey undertones. The sofa is the @ikeauk Kivik which was made to look extra beautiful with a loose fit @bemzdesign cover in @designersguild Brera Lino Linen. It gives a very Scandi, "lived in" relaxed look and makes the sofa look totally different to your standard Ikea number. Well I think it does anyway. 
Tap the image for other details n that. And go make yourself a cup of tea and have a biscuit. It's that time! ☕🍪
Hello Friday! Are you snowed in!? We are ⛄ I've Hello Friday! Are you snowed in!? We are ⛄
I've got a remote appointment booked in today to talk kitchens with a family just a few miles from me. Hopefully when the snow has buggered off and the world is slightly safer, I'll be able to go and actually meet them! 
As my brain kicked back into kitchen design (as an interior designer, you have a slightly different set of tools for each room/space you work in) it reminded me of this design which I worked on back in 2019. This was a quick camera snap before the final bits were added (artwork, stools and the like). I don't think I've shared this side of the room before, so here you go!
Hello! How are you all today? I'm certainly in a Hello! 
How are you all today? 
I'm certainly in a better mood than yesterday that's for sure. (Thank god for that everyone says. Rude!)
Here's a quick snap from our Victorian Terrace project. I had an early morning site visit to said house to double check first fix measurements for the bathroom which is finally underway. Citing!
Whilst I was there, couldn't resist a little faff and foto as the winter son shone through the living room window. 
I actually loved the original fireplace in this room (swipe to see the before) but the client was not a fan at all. In reality the old gas fire didn't work and needed replacing anyway. So we took the lot out (the old fire surround was passed on to a family member - fear not!) In fact we took so much out we decided to expose the brick along this wall. Haven't they come up a treat!? And the new fire that looks like a log burner, is actually the @esse1854 G525 Gas stove. Looks good dunnit!? I spent a lot of time looking for something that looked as authentic as possible. Comes with a fancy remote control too, so you can feel like James Bond on the sofa 🔥🔥🔥
Hope you like it!
And it's not even got to Blue Monday yet!! (Appare And it's not even got to Blue Monday yet!! (Apparently Monday 18th is the most depressing day of the year - not today 😩)
God help us!
I've been flicking this glittery golden light switch all day long. I even rang my mum so she could try and cheer me up. I don't normally don't do that! 
My poor husband (the rational half of Making Spaces) who's been holding down the homeschooling since last March looks like he's just finished a 12 week school term after today. Monday 11th Jan has nearly broken him, me and several other parents in our WhatsApp group (I don't think I've typed so  many 🍷and 😭emojis).
Google classroom. 
Lexia.
Sumdog.
Sway.
Jamboard.
Epic.
Oodles of print outs.
And a kitchen table we're all hot-desking the crap out of, a table covered in laptops, phones, iPads, chargers, plates of half eaten food, a wash from the tumble dryer that needs folding, a box of tissues and a partridge in a pear tree.
I'm so so pleased that the @mother_pukka and @tradeunioncongress 
survey has reached its target of over 50,000 responses from parents and primary carers who are both homeschooling and working.
Massive big ups to everyone who's juggling the most balls you've ever juggled before. You are amazing! We all know being a parent and working is the equivalent of having two full time jobs, so if you're doing both on top of homeschool you're currently doing three! 🥇🥇🥇 I salute you all!! 
And for those here for the artwork, it's by @jesswilson1984 and available from @jealous_london 👌
Tentatively dipping my toe back into the land of t Tentatively dipping my toe back into the land of the gram. Mainly because I've just cleaned the shit out of our kitchen 💪
And when there's snow outside there's a lovely white light in here. I'm so shallow aren't I!?
I hope you're all ok. Well you know. Nobody is actually ok right now are we? But I hope you're getting through each day with some help from friends and/or family 🤗
I guess I should say happy new year now eh, for my first post of 2021!? 🤷 So, Happy New Year?? Feels right to add those question marks at the end right now.... 
Right, better get back to the cleaning, there's a mop with my name nowhere over it, but needs must.
Happy Saturday you lot 🖤
As we near Christmas Eve (my favourite day over th As we near Christmas Eve (my favourite day over the Christmas period) I wanted to stop by to post a big thank you to everyone who has continued to support Making Spaces this year. It’s meant so much in what’s been a truly bonkers and most memorable year; a year that will no doubt remain infamous, be written about in history books and become fodder for Trivial Pursuit questions in the year 2120. 
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Thank you to our clients who have let us loose in their homes, either physically or virtually via the wonders of the internet. Thank you to those who have read the blog (sporadic as it is) and to those that have been following Making Spaces on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc. Your support through these digital pages has been so very much appreciated, each and every one of your likes, comments and shares has been a real tonic (which has gone tremendously well with my gin).
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As we near the end of 2020 and are soon to step into 2021, my hope is that in a year’s time the phrases "social distancing” and “self-isolation" will be something of the past. May 2021 bring us all back together. Until then, let’s all keep supporting one another!!
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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from Karen, Pete and Charlie xx
And it's now officially sold! So long beautiful ho And it's now officially sold!
So long beautiful house 👋 may it bring joy and happiness to all that sail in her. I really hope they don't fit a new kitchen! 🤞
Time for the next project with the crazy cats from Harrogate! I wonder what fun and frolicks it will bring our way 😊
I'm reeeally excited to share these photos from a I'm reeeally excited to share these photos from a hallway, stairs and landing I consulted on in the summer. In this beautiful 1930's, double fronted detached property the hall, stairs and landing ran through the centre of the house with all the rooms coming directly off. It was important that the colour, style and finish of this space worked with every other room in the house. One of the reasons why doing the hall, stairs and landing last is the way to go. Also because these spaces get absolutely trashed whilst doing every other room in a house. No point making your hallway mint then inviting builders in to knock down a wall elsewhere. Your walls and floors won't like it.
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Once the plan was made it was over to my lovely client who booked her decorator for October. I was SO happy to see these photos land in my inbox last night. Properly cheered me up 😊 as did this review she my kindly wrote for me on @houzz about the two projects i'd worked on with her.
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"Karen is a superstar. We initially met on a colour consult for the hallway and after a cuppa and me moaning about our kitchen, she persuaded me the way to go was to put off the decorating and knock down a wall in the kitchen instead! This was a bit of a shock but after some discussions we went for it and the end result is amazing. The space has been totally transformed and it makes a difference to our family every single day. She is a true designer. I have also seen Karen recently to talk through the actual hallway, where she has given me the confidence to use colour everywhere and has shown me how to pull it all together (all walls still intact). She is incredibly creative and inspiring and I would not hesitate to work with her again"
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I absolutely loved working with this client. She was really open to ideas and brave to boot 💪 And what an end result because of it! (Thank you for letting me share your photos 😘)
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I really hope you guys like it as much as we do. Details tagged below:
@littlegreenepaintcompany Adventurer @benjaminmooreuk Ciao Bella
@divinesavages Gershwing Flamingo
And of course the Quirky B Shuttle Silas stair runner from @alternativeflooring
Hello there! 👋 Lucky for me, my partner in life Hello there! 👋
Lucky for me, my partner in life and work, aka. Pete is on homeschool duties today (yesss!!) which has freed me up to visit the Coach House project in Harrogate this morning. I've just this minute got back and I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy. This room feels sooo good to be in!
We are so close to getting it finished, but alas the lead time for the @williamyeoward mirror from @amaraliving has budged back again and won't be here until the end of the year. Gah! 
Looks like it'll be 2021 for the proper final style and photoshoot for this room. So today it's a quick snap from my phone instead.
Tap for tags and that. Oh and walls are in @benjaminmooreuk Char Brown 🖤
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