Get to Know: Karen Knox

Image: Making Spaces

Juggling family life and a burgeoning interior design business, Karen Knox of Making Spaces has teamed up with Wayfair for a bold and beautiful Guest Curation. Here, she gives us some insight into her life as well as valuable advice for any interior enthusiasts.

Karen Knox, Guest Curator

How did you go about realising your interior design dream with Making Spaces?

To be honest, I have no idea if it's realised yet. But it's definitely tangible now. I've always had a huge interest in design with a good eye for layouts, colour, problem solving etc. People always ask me for advice on how to sort their rooms, where to find furniture, or what colour paint they should choose. It just got to the point where it made sense to try and make a career out of what I'd always been doing. My background in the arts and over a decade of working for myself in project management gave me a pretty good starting point. I had no idea if Making Spaces had legs, but I was set to find out and the only way to do that was to put myself out there.

My other half bought my website as my Christmas present in 2014. On Christmas day he gave me mylaptop, told me to open it and in popped an email. My first email into the inbox of Making Spaces. Well, I was blown away. Making Spaces existed fist pump.

In January, I took loads of photos of my work, learnt how to edit, format, built my website, opened what felt like one million social media accounts, sorted business cards… and began the journey.

The blog came second, as a way of documenting ideas, my DIY and design projects and to give me some clarity about what I was actually doing. And it seemed some other people liked reading it too, which was a massive boost. It made me feel that there was a market for me out there. Of course, I wouldn't have been able to realise this dream if it wasn't for some financial backing. I sold my first house in 2014, which gave me a pot of money to live off for a while. It was this that gave me the freedom to take a year to invest in Making Spaces. I can't ignore that bit, I was very lucky to be in that position.

**What's the most exciting thing that has happened to you because of Making Spaces? **

Going to pick up a copy of HomeStyle Magazine and flicking through the eight page feature of me and my home. I took the role of homeowner and stylist that day, working directly with the photographer. My first photo shoot and my first styling job (as such). It was a great experience and I loved it.

What's the thing you are most proud of from 2015?

The thing that's made me swell with pride is being accepted. By people that read the blog, people that have contacted me for design work. And people I really look up to. 

Image: Making Spaces

Some of my design icons (designers, writers, bloggers, experts) have been really forthcoming with some great feedback on my work—both my design work and my writing. It really made me feel like I was doing the right thing and helped build my confidence so much.

The other thing that has to be mentioned is "mum guilt", and getting over it. I'm proud of that. It's so hard to get back into work after you've been a stay-at-home mum. Especially when you're self-employed, going to work seems too selfish at first. More-so when you're not earning any money (for months). But I'm a better mum, a better partner and a better, happier person because of Making Spaces. My work has always been such a big part of my identity and Making Spaces has helped me find out who I am again.

Image: Making Spaces

If you had any advice to offer a fellow interior-enthusiast who dreamed of making it acareer, what would it be?

Start. Start now. Be pro-active, make connections, design as many spaces as you can, whether they be virtual or literal. Get a good camera. Photography and design go hand in hand. Myphotography skills have definitely improved in the last year. Looking at photographs of your work also gives you a more objective view. Use social media to your advantage, it might not be your forte, but if you're starting a new venture then you have to build a brand and that brand has to be actively seen. Learn as much as you can from others but also be true to your vision. Work on that vision and clarify it. What's your USP (unique selling point)? What is different or good about you? Do you have a signature style? 

Your instincts about design are your most important asset. Use them. Trust your gut and follow it through. Be prepared to work for free. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Then as your presence grows you can refine and be more selective. Rinse and repeat.

What is your top tip for transforming a space on a tight budget?

Colour. Using a bold wall colour can be enough to transform a room. No one ever walked intoa magnolia room and said, "Ooh, I love the colour". Cost—the price of pot of paint.

What are your favourite upcoming trends for the year?

Bold, eclectic design will really explode this year. Somewhat similar to pattern clashing, which can work so so well when done right. This all-inclusive style will be pulling favourites from multiple trends over the past few years and making them all work in one lovely design-filled space. Think industrial lamp, sitting on a delicate regency style desk, monochrome artwork hanging above and a battered vintage chair sitting on a rather luxurious sheepskin rug. Each item instantly recognisable in style, all different but all working together. Lovely.

Describe your dream home, if budget or location posed no issue. 

Image: Making Spaces

Eesh. My idea of perfection is constantly evolving, so I don't think there's such a thing as a dream home. Well maybe it would be for a few months, but then I'd get itchy fingers again. I'm such a project junkie, which is partly why I moved into Interior Design—to give my poor house (and other half) a rest.

But if I had to choose, it would be a detached house with original features. At least 100 years old. Parquet floors, high ceilings, original doors, cornicing, fireplaces, wooden framed windows and original front door, restored and painted a Scarlet red or Kelly green . A good-sized house with all the fundamentals nailed would be a dream to live and work in. They look amazing empty, have great proportions and work wonderfully with classic, modern or contemporary design—even better with a more eclectic, organic design. And now I want to move house again. Gah!

What's your favourite spot in your own home and why?

I love our kitchen now we've taken the wall down and opened up into the dining room. Sitting at the table is where I do most of my work. It always makes me smile that we made this space ours on a complete budget. Oh, and it's close to the kettle and biscuits.

If you could buy any one accent piece right now, what would it be and why?

Oh man. One?? My current obsessions are vintage Index Drawers (sexy storage), Jielde Floor Lamps (sexy lighting) and anything by artists Ruben Ireland and Alex Garant. But I'd say there are about four Cole & Son wallpapers on top of the to buy list at the moment. I'm updating our living room this year and wallpaper is the way forward—for one wall anyway…

After such a successful 2015, what does 2016 look like for Karen Knox?

It looks pretty good so far. It gives me butterflies thinking about it to be honest, but I constantly have to rein myself in. I refer to myself as a realist, however the other half calls me a pessimist and he's probably right. I've just got to keep focused and take one day at a time. I've got some exciting features coming up, (including this one with Wayfair), more photoshoots on the horizon and new design projects booked. Oh, and I'm getting married this year too (I have to mention that as my other half will think I've forgotten all about it). All I talk about is Making Spaces at the moment—because it's just so exciting!