All posts tagged: making spaces

Where i’ve been lately

Published by Karen Knox

Hello everyone, how have the summer holidays been treating you so far? Enjoying the torrential, seasonal rain we’ve been having? No, it’s been a bit crap hasn’t it? So i’ve been staying in. Staying in a lot… but I have been virtually strutting my stuff around t’internet town lately. A bit like this guy: I thought some of you would like to see where Making Spaces has been making some moves during the past fortnight, because it’s been a busy couple of weeks! First up, Houzz. A room tour of the bedroom in our recently converted loft space. “Unconventional” It’s had some pretty nice feedback so far, which is good considering it certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste, especially on Houzz. This particular comment made me smile: “Love scandi style and the bed cover. But don’t like the black. The pictures left me looking for the finished product. Glad the home owner likes it. That is most important.” Anyway, if you’d like to check out this tour on Houzz and read what everyone else had to …

2016 – The Best Bits

Published by Karen Knox

Where did 2016 go? Seriously, where? I can’t believe it’s been 365 days since I wrote my best bits from 2015. This year has been all kinds of bonkers. So what’s happened then? 2016 End of Year Report Written 105 blog posts (about 80,000 words) Styled and photographed over 2000 photos Completed ten interior design projects Collaborated with over 25 brands Introduced “Making Spaces Remote” for those of you that aren’t lucky enough to live in Yorkshire. This has really taken off, and since its launch i’ve worked with clients in Cumbria, Warrington, London, Bristol, Manchester… Appeared in Real Homes, HomeStyle Magazine, At Home Magazine, High In Style, Yorkshire Living Featured on Houzz, Wayfair and Swoonworthy Nominated for an Amara Interior Blog Award Got married (whoop!) Went to NY on our honeymoon Started our long awaited loft extension, which is sooo nearly ready for its final reveal and i’m so frickin excited I could burst. Roll on January! Huge thanks to everyone who has been reading and following my progress since setting up Making Spaces back in …

The Office Refit

Published by Karen Knox

Remember me introducing you to the office refit project i’m working on? Yes, that’s the one. Well things are moving forward rather nicely now. And i’ve got stuff to show you. I’m working with Visibilis, an Integrated Digital Marketing Agency. It’s my first dip into working in a commercial premises, but it’s good and am enjoying the experience of scaling up! The team of staff has reached capacity at their current office space prompting the move to a new, larger purpose-built office space in a swanky part of Leeds City Centre. So swanky in fact, you need a small bank loan to be able to afford the parking outside. Anyway, enough about me and my parking issues… My brief: Personalise the space. Solve layout. Plan an office that can hold 12 desk spaces. Use two existing Ikea desks and office chairs Include space for wall monitor. Add colour. But something light. Scandinavian style seemed to be ticking the boxes. Source affordable lighting that didn’t take up desk space or need wiring in. Add a break out …

We have light

Published by Karen Knox

Remember a few posts ago, I introduced you to some of the lighting options for the living room at my new project? The very first time I walked into this room, I visualised a particular ceiling light. After showing the homeowner what had popped into my head (a deconstructed chandelier), it was love at first sight all round. A couple of days later, I found “the one” for this room, and before I knew it, the homeowner had placed an order and it was on its way. Yesterday on my second visit, upon walking back into the living room, the light had arrived and was already being fitted by the electrician. And it looks as gorgeous as I had imagined. The Molecular Pendant by House Doctor was the hands down winner for this room. The clean, minimal lines with the brass accents will work perfectly with the plans for this room. I’ve got serious light envy. A new moody blue, velvet sofa will replace this one. And a larger rug. The homeowner has loads more artwork that’s never …

2015 – The Best Bits

Published by Karen Knox

This will be my very last post for 2015 peeps. And what a year it’s been for Making Spaces. Almost too much to write about in just one blog post, most of which I could never have expected. At all. It’s all a bit surreal to be honest, in the best of ways. This time last year, I spotted this candle. Bought it, read it every day and let it burn over New Year’s eve. It made me move. Move forward. Do what i’d dreamt about doing. I had no idea if it was pure fantasy, but 2015 was the year I was going to bloody well find out. 2015 End of Year Report I’ve: Designed and built my website. Set up Making Spaces – Ramblings. Written 92 posts (About 55,000 words). Styled, photographed and edited over 1000 photos. Completed seven interior design projects. Completed nine DIY projects. Appeared in Sunday Times Home section, Ikea Hackers, Homestyle MagazineHomestyle Magazine, twice. Written for the Metro and DIY Lifestyle Magazine. Been nominated for an Amara Interior Blog Award. Been featured …

Introducing Sherwood Forest

Published by Karen Knox

I’m currently working on an enormous redesign of a through lounge. It’s going to be a biggie. I’ve named it Sherwood Forest. Scenario: A couple have moved in together. They’ve got too much stuff, differing yet complimentary styles, a four month old baby and severe sleep deprivation. Obv. My job is to bring all of their precious belongings together, including their most precious item, their new baby son and all the gubbins that comes with little people. The room needs to be functional for a family, look amazing, have half as much stuff, whilst looking cohesive. All with a twist of the bonkers. To say my current clients are adventurous in their tastes, is an understatement. One loves mid century, retro pieces and is not afraid of colour AT ALL. The more pop the better. Especially orange pop! And the other describes their taste as “Natural History Museum meets Out of Africa”. Taxidermy, beautiful teals, blues and peacock feathers. Retro bright orange phone. Sitting on an art deco walnut drinks cabinet might I add. Books, salvaged …

Making Spaces in Print

Published by Karen Knox

It’s just a quickie today, mainly because i’ve been up since 5am thanks to my beloved child and i’ve got so much design work on right now. But I do have something to share with you, I thought you might like to see…. Would you like a proper nosey around my home?? AND see me standing (slightly awkwardly) holding a mug? You do?? Well you’re in luck. My home and I were featured in Home Style Magazine in last month’s October edition. I know it’s October now, they all do that confusing thing where they publish in the future. So now it’s nearly time for the November issue, i’ve got my greedy paws on my eight page feature to share you. Don’t be shy. Get reading! My very first proper photo shoot. Such a fun day. And there is more to come which I can’t say too much about right now. I hope you enjoyed your snoop! Have a lovely weekend peeps. All photos by Olly Gordon for Home Style Magazine