All posts tagged: styling

From left to right

Published by Karen Knox

You know every so often, I get an idea in my head, analyse and mull it over for weeks and then post it here as a long rambling blog? Well today is one of those days…. For a while i’ve been musing the concept of Left to Right and its use in Interior Design. What’s that then? Firstly, it’s the way that we write, as in we start at the left side of the page and scrawl across horizontally to the right. A lot of languages are written this way admittedly, but in this country we also drive on the left hand side. So it’s pretty hard wired into our lives to look left and keep left. Here’s my hypothesis: Because of our propensity towards the left, our eyes naturally scan from left to right (in this country anyway). Apparently, when us Brits go into a store, we subconsciously wander over to the left too… Weird! So what’s this got to do with anything? Well, i’ve noticed that when I layout a space or style …

The Red Room – Pre-reveal – Pt 2

Published by Karen Knox

Because sometimes things take a little longer than planned… here’s Pt 2 of the pre-reveal. I wasn’t planning a Pt 2, but I also wasn’t planning for one of the light fittings to be broken, for the curtains to be such a pain (why are curtains always such a pain?) or for the electrician to be quite as elusive (why are electricians always elusive?) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen Knox – Making Spaces (@makingspacesnet) But we’re about a week away from being done. After a four hour picture framing, gallery wall hanging, plant moving, nik nak fiddling session yesterday, I couldn’t possibly wait to share some pics I snapped before I left. Mantel piece styling with pieces from Ikea, Wayfair, H&M Home and….. … this super cool, not freaky at all black and gold hand from the very talented Muck N Brass. The cinema style wall light from Rockett St George looking tip top above the home bar (still to be stocked). Still a bit more work to do here (small shelf… vinyl… more …

Faffing with furnishings

Published by Karen Knox

Since my last post, where I gave you a little peep at the pre- final reveal for the loft extension, quite a few of you asked where the throw on the bed was from. Nice init? Twas my Christmas pressie from the brother and sis in law. At £39.99 from Maisons Du Monde it was a steal, however, i’m afraid to say it’s now sold out. And i’m not surprised, as all things Moroccan, ethnic or tribal are hot to trot this year. EVORA blanket – Maisons Du Monde At 160 x 210cm it’s plenty big enough to sit across the entire width of the bed and hang over the sides. Really don’t like it when they come up too short and simply rest over the top. But that’s me, being fussy. They had (yes, past tense) matching cushion covers too. Also now sold out. Gah! Although they do still have the MAKASSAR black and white blanket available at £34.99 if you’re looking for a similar style and size. MAKASSAR blanket from Maisons Du Monde As i’m gassing on …

Making Spaces in Print – Pt 4

Published by Karen Knox

This time last year, I was ripping out this fireplace. Very cathartic indeed. And one year later i’m sharing the latest magazine feature for Making Spaces. Come and see the very same fireplace and the room it’s sat in, in this month’s edition of HomeStyle Magazine. The Sherwood Forest Project in print Doesn’t it look great? My very wonderful client agreed to be in the pictures, sit still and even wear shoes. She is not a fan of shoes at all. The room may look a little different in the feature as things were moved around for the shoot. The left hand alcove was fiddled with a fair bit. Magazines don’t like to include TV’s in shots as they’re so f’ugly and a complete arse to make look good in photos. Annoying if you’re looking for cool ideas of how to incorporate them into your home though. Kind of does my head in that they insist on taking them out, I mean, we (nearly) all have one. So here’s a shot of where it actually …

The addiction is real…

Published by Karen Knox

…But at least this addiction is affordable. Ish. I’ve been spreading the love about Netto, for a few months now over on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. The Danish discount food store might not be the first place you might think of when it comes to design, interiors or home decor, but after flicking through my Instagram feed i’ve realised just how many amazing finds i’ve had from there. Some for work and some for home, either way, it seems i’ve found a lot of lovely pieces. I’m lucky enough to have a Netto about a mile away, so I pop in every week for a hunt. They have new pieces come in store each week. Once they’ve sold out, that’s it. If they’ve not sold that week they’re discounted by 50%. So you can get some ridiculously good prices if you drop in at the right time. Let’s have a peep. Instagram pics first: Scandi framed alphabet picture £2.50 (I got a couple of different designs). It’s currently in the “Holding Area“, Destined for a project. …

The Shelfie

Published by Karen Knox

A few days ago I introduced you to my home office update, well my new DIY desk to be precise. I absolutely loved working in here last week but there were some bits that still needed sorting. Some of which involved a drill. So I smiled sweetly at my OH and thankfully, he took the hint. As you can see above, a new radiator has been fitted which i’m a little too excited about. Radiators are always so damn ugly, but I adore the look of column radiators. So every time we get around to updating a radiator, I get lil butterflies. (Weirdo). I keep sticking my head under my desk for a peek and temp test. Aaanywaaaay…. We’ve also finally fitted the shelf that has been waiting in its packet all week. I wanted something slimline, minimal, unobtrusive and just big enough to keep all of the gubbins I need close by without it crowding up my desktop. After all, my desktop is far too sexy to be covered with all my shizzle. The Duraline photo shelf …

Mid Century Score – Pt 3

Published by Karen Knox

It’s a Saturday quickie peeps. I’m full of cold and feeling properly sorry for myself. Mainly because it means I can’t gorge myself on Halloween fun and drink tonight. Unless it’s something tasting of paracetamol and lemons. Eugh. Just wanted to show you my eBay find in situ which I mentioned in a previous post last week. My Mid Century walnut drawers looking rather resplendent against the dark teal walls. A colour that I still can’t capture very well. This photo shows the wall colour better. I so wish I could invite you all around so you can see it in real life. Anyone?? Also some pieces i’ve been collecting over the last few weeks to dress the room. Two metal vases/pots in a distressed finish. £3 for the large and £2 for the smaller one. £5 for two. From Netto. I know. Good eh? And that little coppery brass tray was two squid. I bought two for drinks/candles as I think coasters always look a bit cack. Trays are a little more thought out …

Halloween Styling x 2

Published by Karen Knox

You don’t need to buy a load of new stuff to add a bit of Halloween vibe to your abode. Take a look around your house. I spent about 20 minutes having a quick nosey and found enough to show you two different ways of styling your home for the spooky season. Let’s go… Halloween Styling No 1. I’ve gone for rich autumn tones here. Burgundy, oranges, mustards and the pop of copper, punctuated with strong black accents. And the obligatory plant to break it up with some greenery. All styling vignettes must include either flowers or a plant. It’s like the law. Say hi to Montell. The only new thing I purchased. A copper skull picked up from TK Maxx at the weekend. He’s such a dreamboat. My new favourite accessory. Bought in honour of Halloween, but will remain in our living room as a permanent fixture, fo sho. I think skulls are kind of beautiful. My mum does not. Skull print gone, added a throw and changed the cushion colour. A little experimenting. Better? …

Marble & Metallics – H&M Home does affordable luxe

Published by Karen Knox

Copper Plant Pot – Also in gold and silver – £7.99 Hi everyone, here I am banging on about copper again. It’s not going anywhere, so you will have to succumb at some point. It’s easy to add some to your home through downright affordable accessories and H&M have knocked it out of the park this season. In fact, within about three minutes of perusing H&M Home, I made my “Oooh that’s nice” sound about eight times. Black and bronze ceramic pot – £12.99 This has reminded me to paint the rest of my DIY Copper Plant Pot black. Must do that tomorrow. I adore the colour combo, so bold but classic and this simple shape is super contemporary. Add a plant for a splash of green and you’ve got yourself a winner. Yes indeedy. Also in white and gold. Gold Pineapple Glass Jar – £4 £4! Pineapples are all over the place, along with palm prints and flamingos. Very Copacabana. This is currently in the sale and the silver ones have already gone, so get your …