All posts tagged: swoon editions

New Project – The Red Room

Published by Karen Knox

New project time everyone! Yeah yeah!! This time it’s a 1930’s house that’s recently had a lovely extension across the back. This has given them a light and airy, family friendly, open-plan kitchen-diner. And two sitting rooms. None of which they really like anymore. Including this one, which they admit they never actually use. It’s accumulated bits of furniture over the years, but now it just doesn’t work as a dining room, a living room, a study…. Let’s just say it’s lost its way. Time for a re-design, a new layout and a new purpose. Oh goodie. This room is to become the new family TV room, but in its current set up, it’s really tricky to configure the space so the seating can all get a view of a TV in one of the alcoves. After spending a good few hours playing around with potential layouts, here’s what I came up with. It’s going to be fun. The biggest change we’ve made which completely free-d up the room was to block the original entrance …

My “Go-To” places to shop for interiors online

Published by Karen Knox

Today, i’m sharing with you guys the places I ALWAYS go to when looking for pieces for projects. I’m sure you will have heard of most of these websites, but for those who struggle to find new places for interior inspiration and find themselves getting stuck in the “Next, M&S, John Lewis loop”, here are my top ten online spots. Nine times out of ten, I find what just what i’m looking for from one of these ten places. Lets go. La Redoute I don’t think i’ve done a project in a long time that’s not had at least one piece from La Redoute. A really good place to take a look for pieces of furniture, soft furnishings, rugs, accessories… They ALWAYS have a sale on, so you should be able to get at least 25% off most of the time. If you can wait until a BH Weekend, then they have been known to knock off 40%. That’s when i’ve filled my basket! Maisons Du Monde These guys have only just started advertising in the …

The Bank Holiday Big Shop

Published by Karen Knox

There’s no better time than a bank holiday weekend to get moving with that online shopping list. Especially when that list is crammed with those big ticket items for the home. A BH weekend = bank holiday money saving and the more you can stretch your budget, the more amazing your space will be. Win. It was time to finally make some decisions and start placing orders for the Masonic Villas project. Come see what we we bagged (online) this weekend. “Must have” statement reading light from Bluetreesun Orchid Wall Light – 10% off plus a nice and chunky trade discount from yours truly. The finer details – all from La Redoute Some for the living room and others for the home office. All these gorgeous items had a whopping 40% off all weekend. The multi function, industrial style media unit from Swoon Editions The Anvil Coffee Table had 10% off with free delivery The homeowner’s love of crosses continues into art work choices. This poster from Desenio is perfect for the monochrome, paired back …

“Here are a few of my favourite Pins…”

Published by Karen Knox

(Did you get my Sound of Music reference?) I’ve not mentioned the Masonic Villas project for a little while, mainly because i’ve been working like a donkey, juggling four other projects dotted around the region. Eeesh. Anyhoo, the last time this project got a mention on le blog, the living room had just had the ceiling lighting updated. Since then, i’ve been busy planning the schedule of work, solving problems, booking trades and placing orders. The paint for the whole redesign is on its way. Exciting indeed. I’ve also been Pinning like a demon, pieces that I think would look fab in this project. Some of them will make it, some won’t, but I thought it would be nice to share with you, some of my finds. To be precise, 10 of my finds. Pieces for the living room, home office and hallway. Come see. Lara Armchair – Fern and Grey Leather Chair – Cox & Cox Hoxton Swing Arm Wall Light – Bluesuntree Indian Cart Coffee Table – House Junkie Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber Rug – …

The mighty fine nine

Published by Karen Knox

In my previous post, all about how to make the most of your space, clever ways with storage popped up a fair bit. We all need storage. In every room. Not just under the stairs, in the garage and up the loft ladders. The living room needs it too. Which brings me quite nicely onto a little product research i’ve been doing for a client. Brief: Find me a cool industrial chest of drawers that will fit in my living room. Somewhere I can chuck all my day to day crap and keep my 5 year old’s pens and Play-Doh in. Ok then. I shall. Obviously, I started scavenging for something vintage, salvaged, quirky and unique. However, these pieces are getting increasingly more expensive, and harder to find in decent condition. When you do spot something it often needs couriering, so you don’t get to give it a once over until you’ve already bought and paid for it. I don’t mind taking a risk for me in these situations, it’s all part of the fun. …

In Real Life…

Published by Karen Knox

When designing a room, inspiration can be found everywhere, but especially online. I’m always spotting, bookmarking, Pinteresting things that would be bob on for clients (and sometimes for me). It’s not always possible to see everything in person before buying, so online shopping is the only way to get your mitts on the goodies. And whilst virtual shopping is THE best thing since sliced bread, it can also be a right pain if things are not as they appeared when arriving. Most items for The Blue Room were bought by my own fair hand, in person. So I could see what I was getting straight off the bat. But there were a couple of online purchases where I clicked “Buy” and kept my fingers crossed. Let’s see how I got on… Swoon Editions Sydney Stool – £59 The Sydney stool from Swoon Editions is gorgeous. Industrial, yet chic and delicate. The metal work is much brighter than the online photo made it appear, which in this instance will actually work to this room’s advantage. The warm …