All posts tagged: lighting

Not feeling SAD with Lumie

Published by Karen Knox

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all settling into Monday slowly but surely. If you find it hard to motivate yourself during this time of year (it’s January if you’ve just randomly found this article) then this blog post is one you need to read. Most of you guys may know already that I live with anxiety and depression, cropping up a few times on the blog before. It’s something I (and millions of others) live with and manage as best as I can. No big surprise that my mood can suffer in the depths of winter. I’m not 100% sure if I suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but there’s a marked difference in my overall wellbeing when we have lighter, brighter days. As someone who is a pale skinnned, indoor kinda gal (and permanently vitamin D deficient) the little light I do get is massively missed during those long, dark drawn out winter days. So I contacted UK based company, Lumie to ask if I could try out and review some of their products and …

H&M Home – doing more Home

Published by Karen Knox

Hello!! Yes, I know i’ve been away for a week and left you without so much as a word to read, but we’ve had friends stay with us this week. So i’ve taken some time out, away from the screen to bloody well enjoy myself. And as punishment for said fun, i’ve been struck down with a virus and been like this since Thursday… … just in time for the school holidays. Oh life, you’re a cruel beast! Anyway, less moaning and more writing. Today’s post is about H&M Home. I know most of you will already know about their homeware dept, i’ve written about them before and used their stuff in sooo many projects… .. but there are actually still some peeps that haven’t twigged yet. And for those that don’t pop on there weekly (like I do), then today’s post is just for you. We already know H&M sell cushions, accessories, ceramics and textiles… everything in this pic above (apart from the sofa, books and twig) is from H&M. Standard. But did you know H&M’s …

When is a light not just a light?

Published by Karen Knox

I’ve not done a lighting round up for ages, which is kind of odd as i’ve been researching lighting for several big projects recently. During my recent searches i’ve found some proper gems too, and you know me, when I see designs that excite me as much as these do, I just have to share. Behold! My six favourite designs from Swedish design brand, Markslojd, all available at Wayfair. And the best thing about these six lights, is that they’re doing more than light up. These designs are hard working offering genius solutions for small but perfectly formed spaces. When one of Markslöjd’s designers comes up with a new idea, it takes one year before they have a finished product. The reason for this is because of their high demands for safety and quality. Products should not just look good, they should also have a good length of life. With a combination of investment in design and quality, many of Markslöjd’s products have become classics. Number 1. Tray 3-Light LED Kitchen Island Pendant Upon first glance …

Debenhams Lighting – My Top 10

Published by Karen Knox

Yes, it’s another round up post and today i’m showing you my top 10 lighting picks from Debenhams. It’s not somewhere I really look for…. well, anything, but their lighting department has been evolving over the past year or so (see this post) and i’d go as far as to say they’re giving BHS a run for their money in the affordable high-street lighting stakes. Yes siree! So in no particular order (but split into styles -ish), here are some corkers all for less than £150. Yippee!! Home Collection – Pixie Pendant – £96.00 This pendant light from The Collection will add a contemporary update to your living space. Sculpted from metal, it features a slick black frame and is ideal for creating a modern ambience. Dimensions (HWD): 69 x 72 x 72cm Absolute bargain 70cm diameter pendant light for less than a hundred squid. It would easily sit in a paired back Scandi scheme as well as a maximalist’s dream digs. The simple, opal glass shades keep glare to a minimum. Home Collection – Carla …

Matalan, you dark horse, you!

Published by Karen Knox

So there I was, hunting for some home decor and accessories to style a couple of bedrooms i’m working on. Budget is tight which obviously limits where I can look. Matalan isn’t somewhere that’s really on my radar, i’ve never really had that much luck there and never ordered online from there either. But I randomly ended up on their site on Friday night (rock n’ roll) and was pleasantly surprised. Matalan are upping their game, so much so I had to write a post all about ’em. Here are some pieces that I think you guys might like… Nomad Textured Cushion – £12 Could easily be by House Doctor (with the House Doctor price tag) or one of the other delicious Scandi brands, but it’s Matalan as part of their Nomad range, which you will see more of as you scroll down. Nomad Textured Cushion – £12 Great for those bohemian lovers out there and for £12 a pop you can’t go wrong. Double Sided Mongolian Cushion – various colours and sizes – £10-15 Absolutely brilliant …

My Top 10 Brass & Gold Pendant Lights (for under £250)

Published by Karen Knox

Ceiling pendant lights are one of the items I spent the most time searching for. The choice our there are the moment is completely immense. However, it’s still not easy to find affordable, statement lighting. And when I say statement, I mean, something that’s big enough to take hold of that space above your head. Gild Hall Hotel – NY For a 2.4m high ceiling, you want something at least 35cm diameter, preferably 40cm. For a 2.6m ish ceiling go up to around 50cm. Any higher you’re going to be looking at around 60cm +. The grand/er the better really, especially if you have a ceiling rose. Fitting a crap, piddly light into a beautiful, period ceiling rose is just rude. In my opinion of course. But these big statement lights can be so darn expensive. And a lot of my clients (like me) don’t have that kind of money, so finding something for less than £250 can be a real arse. So I thought i’d show you my top 10 finds over the past couple …

Sharing the love

Published by Karen Knox

It’s only Wednesday but it’s been a tough week for everyone. I think it’s fair to say we’re all feeling it. Personally, I found it hard to focus on any work at all yesterday, sensing myself getting angrier and more frustrated in the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen Knox – Making Spaces (@makingspacesnet) I’m not a political person really, mainly because I don’t really understand the intricacies of religion, history and world politics. I just have to keep reminding myself to stay open, focus on my family, be wiser, better and stronger and most importantly love more. And continue to share that love. So i’ve literally focused on that message; “Share the love”. I’m not normally a sentimental, soppy kinda gal. I don’t have family photos on the walls, I hate plaques with the word “family” or “home” on. But you know how some people like to light a candle in memory of someone or to celebrate or reflect on an event? Maybe lighting up “love” at home could …

The Upper Brook Street Bedroom – Pre-Reveal

Published by Karen Knox

I can’t actually speak right now. I drove over to my Upper Brook Street project this morning, first time i’ve seen it since it’s been wallpapered. I always knew it was going to be a special room, but I never quite expected it to look this good. After measuring up for some final pieces, I was given free reign to start styling the space and take some pics. I’ve just uploaded about 56 photos to my Mac and spent the last hour almost flipping crying (happy tears, don’t worry). I’m overwhelmed by how this room has turned out so far. So forgive me, i’m just going to post pictures and some details about what’s from where and then i’m going to go and buy a bottle of something cold and fizzy to celebrate this evening. Goa Four Poster Bed from Maisons Du Monde This picture makes me soooo happy. Upper Brook Street Minuit wallpaper from Little Greene This room really wouldn’t be the same without it. Hemnes Bedside Tables from Ikea updated with Brass Drawer Pulls Futurist …

Let’s talk about Next…

Published by Karen Knox

I tend to dip in and out of Next. They have had bursts of genius in their homeware department… which tends to come and go, so it’s always pot luck whether i’d find something of interest. Antler Light from Next used in my Eclectic Living Room Project Next have certainly stormed into 2017 wearing their best pants, giving us some SERIOUSLY good interiors inspiration. Some of it I want right this minute. And I think you might too. Come see. Spheres 6 Light Brass Pendant Light – £130 Oh my actually bloody hell what??? Can you see this? Yes, it’s from Next. And it will sell out. So if you like it, flipping buy it now. At £130, this is a steal when similar chandelier/multi-arm lights are selling for £500+. Palm Tree Table Lamp – £60 It’s so cool. Not too crazy. A great way of adding a subtle touch of personality and fun to your bedroom or living room. Evelyn Pendant – £35 Oh this is just ridiculous. £35? They may as well be giving them away. How …

The Pre-reveal – The Loft Extension Wk 16

Published by Karen Knox

Week 16? Is it? I’ve lost count now to be honest. It feels like we’ve been living in another universe where time as we know it doesn’t exist. We were hoping to be done for Christmas. And we should have been really. Easily. But we weren’t. And it was fine (it wasn’t, but you know what I mean). So the project continues into 2017 and every time I think we might have just one more week left to wait, something crops up. I’m fed up of waiting for the final reveal post now, so i’m going to have to write this Preveal post, just to satisfy myself really. Oh and to keep you guys up to date too I guess. And if i’m being totally honest, to thank all the brands that are working with me for being so patient throughout this whole project. I’ll be giving them a little shout out so you know who they are… First off, some slightly better photos of the staircase. Instead of a landing balustrade, I really wanted boxed in …