Fall 2019 One Room Challenge Week 2: The Makings of a New Home
Fall 2019 One Room Challenge Week 2: The Makings of a New Home

If you read my week 1 introduction to this project, then you know that we’re renovating a basement and converting a one-car garage to create, in essence, a single, split level apartment. 

Last week, I showed you some before photos and the floor plan, but what is the design plan? So glad you asked…

Each area has its own plan but it is one streamlined aesthetic. I’ve mentioned that for this project, I was keeping everything super simple because while having it look good is obviously important, the priority is making it livable, functional, and comfortable. So while a reno may seem like the perfect opportunity for me to go balls-to-the-wall creative with the design, here I really kept it super simple, focusing on keeping it feeling cozy and effortless. 

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Look BookAlbie Knowsone room challenge, renovation, nyc living
Fall 2019 One Room Challenge Week 1: A Cross Country Renovation
Fall 2019 One Room Challenge Week 1: A Cross Country Renovation

This is my fourth time participating in the bi-annual design event. Designers, design bloggers, design enthusiasts, DIYers, and everyone in between all participate, completing a design project within 6 weeks. In addition to the guest participants — like myself — 20 designers are featured, documenting their projects from start to [hopefully] finish. 

This season I’ll be taking on a project that’s very personal, and very near to my heart...

A home renovation! Specifically, gonna be converting a garage into livable space and renovating a flooded basement. 

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Look BookAlbie Knowsone room challenge, renovation, nyc living
Behind The Design: Organizing My Pantry
Behind The Design: Organizing My Pantry

When we moved into this condo in Spring 2017, one of the very first things we were thrilled to have was an actual pantry! Prior to this, we’d had really good storage in our kitchens — our studio apartment in NYC had WAY more cabinets than we ever used and our first apartment in WA had a tall pantry cabinet — but this was the first time we had an actual step-in pantry and we were geeked! My husband cooks, I clean, and it’s a glorious arrangement for us. With that, it meant he now had a place to hoard store all his culinary things, while for me it was a place to organize… a win-win all around. 

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Look Book, The EditAlbie Knowspantry, organization, kitchen, amazon, behind the design, shopping
She Designed A Life She Hated...I Am She
She Designed A Life She Hated...I Am She

For the past three years, I thought I was designing a life I loved… through my home, my business, my family, and just everything. I had moved across the country with my family, my husband had a great job, I was able to launch a subscription box, I was pursuing my masters, I had shed my “baby weight” by the power of nursing…I mean, life was great…right? The hard truth that I only recently had to come face-to-face with was that I had designed a life I HATED, not loved. I was only “pretending” to be this strong and happy and put-together person. This post is an introduction to, not just new content, but a new me…a real me, not by design, but by transformation. By the grace of God, I have survived a serious case of “growing pains” and while I do not know what lies ahead or what comes next — like at all — I do know that I want to share the entire wild ride with you, unapologetically, and truly loving the space I’m in. 

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Vibe CheckAlbie Knowsmompreneur, mental health, year in review, self care
How To...Lazy Bed Making
How To...Lazy Bed Making

It’s no secret that I love making my bed. It’s actually a rare occurrence for my bed to be unmade — and it’s usually because I wasn’t the last person in it. I’ve always found that making the bed, no matter how disheveled the rest of the space looked, instantly made the whole bedroom look put together.

But I’m not a complete maniac — there are days I am too tired, busy, or just plain ol’ lazy to make the bed. Does this mean I completely abandon the habit? Nope! It just means I had to find lazy ways to get it done.

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Watchlist, Vibe CheckAlbie Knowsbedroom, nest bedding, brooklinen, dhp, how toComment
Decorating For The First Time: What I'd Do Differently
Decorating For The First Time: What I'd Do Differently

When we moved out west, it was a lot of firsts for us. First major life change as a new family of three. First move as husband & wife, and as parents. First time being responsible for a home we’d be creating together. That said there’s a lot I know now that I couldn’t have known before because, for us, it was all new territory. As mindful as I thought I was being when it came to furnishing our new home for our new life, there’s quite a bit a didn’t exactly get right. 

So what would I do differently?

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Vibe CheckAlbie Knowsmoving, west coast transplant, nyc living, reversible design, mini cribComment
Homeowner Upgrades, Renter Friendly Design: Basement Finish
Homeowner Upgrades, Renter Friendly Design: Basement Finish

I can’t believe how many of you were surprised at how much of a home renovation could be recreated for renters! The last installment, in case you missed it, my first renter-friendly version of a home renovation featured a bathroom design by my friend Morgan Molitor of construction2style and her amazing team.

So now we’re back with another fabulous reno from Morgan & Jamie, this time featuring a basement project in Delano, MN, where they were able to transform an unfinished basement into a cozy space for the entire family to enjoy — from entertaining to working out.

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Look BookAlbie Knowsrenovation, construction2style, bathroom, design therapy, sponsored post, shopping, reversible designComment
Shop With Me: Decorating With Natural Weaves
Shop With Me: Decorating With Natural Weaves

Y’all know I love me some hygge right? And one of my favorite elements of hygge design is the use of natural elements to create a design that feels layered with warmth and texture and character. 

Some popular weaves and textures are raffia, rattan, and jute — elements that can be (and often are) easily mixed up with one another — and that’s just scratching the surface! When it comes to wanting to add that earthy feel to your space, you can also consider options like water hyacinth, rush, and grasscloth.

Decoding the precise differences between the different options would require a whole different post, and ain’t nobody got time for that. LOL. Today, we’re going shopping — how can you bring in these cozy elements into your home through different furnishings and decorative elements?

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The EditAlbie Knowshygge, decor styling, natural weaves, design therapy, shoppingComment
Batching Hack: Setting Up Canned Emails in Gmail
Batching Hack: Setting Up Canned Emails in Gmail

If you listened to the last Q & Albie episode of the season, then you know it was all about batching with e-designer and content creator, Heather Hess. After a long season of sharing insights and tips for elevating your design business, it seemed only fitting to end with an episode all about productivity.

As we addressed productivity hacks on the show, there was one that we both agreed cold save a ton of time with clients, vendors, or other partners:

Q: ARE THERE ANY BATCHING HACKS THAT YOU CAN RECOMMEND?

A: CANNED EMAILS!

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Studio, The EditAlbie Knowsdesignpreneur, free resource, gmail, the design influence
Here’s What You Need To Know About My New Book
Here’s What You Need To Know About My New Book

In case you missed it…I wrote a book! And not like I’m thinking about writing a book. I literally wrote and published a book to be sold… to you! 

But before I jump into all the reasons you should pre-order my new book — which you totally should by the way — I wanted to share with you some fun facts about the entire project that you may not know. Some of it is behind the scenes stuff. Some of it is an invitation into my head. And some of it is just pure random fun factness. But all of it is important to understanding how we go to here — me, an author. 

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Studio, Look BookAlbie Knowsdesign therapy, booksComment
Homeowner Upgrades, Renter Friendly Design: Bathroom Design
Homeowner Upgrades, Renter Friendly Design: Bathroom Design

While you rent, you may not be able to make structural changes like knocking down walls and moving plumbing; but cosmetically there’s a lot you can do to achieve the look of homeowner upgrades that are still renter-friendly. One of my new fav internet friends, Morgan Molitor of construction2style, and her husband Jaime own and operate a home renovation and interior design business in Minneapolis. They let me pluck one of their designs to show you how you can achieve a similar look, even as a renter.

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Look BookAlbie Knowsrenovation, construction2style, bathroom, design therapy, sponsored post, shopping, reversible designComment
Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

Summer is here! And whether you own or rent, live in a small space or a large estate, it’s time for some outdoor living! So often we talk about bringing the outdoors in, but now is the season for bringing the indoors out with comfortable seating and chic accents that are reminiscent of the rest of the home you’ve created.

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The EditAlbie Knowsoutdoor, summertime, decor styling, shoppingComment
What To Do With That Spare Room
What To Do With That Spare Room

One of the best design problems I have the pleasure of solving for clients isn’t helping them style accessories or choose paint colors or organize odd space…it’s been helping them decide what to do with their “extra” room. Talk about a good problem to have. There are so many options that we don’t think of because it’s not what’s expected but really, when you have a spare room in your home, there are a myriad of ways that you can ensure that room serves you. Here are 10 different rooms you can put that spare room to use in ways you’ll actually use.

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Vibe CheckAlbie Knowsguest bedroom, gym, bedroom, bathroom, design therapyComment
Shop The Design: Brooklyn, NY Studio Makeover
Shop The Design: Brooklyn, NY Studio Makeover

Where some people tend to get overwhelming and tap out, is where I just get started. I love the research that goes into finding the right pieces to fit the parameters of any projects — size, cost, timeframe, etc. Because I enjoy digging around the interwebs for product so much, I forget how many of you actually hate the whole things — like loathe it. Needless to say, so many of you messaged me asking about where to find so many of the items from my latest One Room Challenge reveal. Over on my Instagram, I also had you guys guess what you thought the room totaled, and while majority voted correctly, a large amount of you were also about $1000 to $1500 short. That’s when I knew I had to dedicate a separate post to just the shopping list.

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Look Book, The EditAlbie Knowsone room challenge, small spaces, budget friendly, apt2b, amazon, brooklinen, sponsored post, behind the design, shopping, reversible designComment
Hygge Inspired Design Takeover
Hygge Inspired Design Takeover

It’s no secret that when it comes to the way I think about design, finding ways to incorporate Hygge inspired elements is always top of mind. Whether it’s for a client, a collaboration, or in my own home, I believe every space can benefit from having a bit more Hygge. Hygge design elements include cozy textures, warm lighting, soothing scents, natural materials, and a connection to the outdoors. Whether it’s a faux fur rug, chunky knit throw, or fiddle leaf true, my design ethos relies heavily in bringing Hygge into every home. 

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Look BookAlbie Knowshygge, high point market, design bloggers tour, design therapyComment
One Room Challenge Week 6: Brooklyn Studio Apartment Before & After
One Room Challenge Week 6: Brooklyn Studio Apartment Before & After

A few months back, I started an e-design shopping consultation for a studio apartment makeover in Brooklyn, New York. I was charged with helping her transform her small, cluttered apartment into a functional and stylish space that matched her Brooklyn swag. As the months turned to weeks, it hit me that the One Room Challenge was around the corner and she was gracious enough to let me submit her apartment as part of the bi-annual event.

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Watchlist, Vibe Check, Look BookAlbie Knowsone room challenge, hygge, bedroom, apt2b, brooklinen, simplify storage, sponsored post, reversible design
10 Amazing Art Finds From Amazon
10 Amazing Art Finds From Amazon

After the One Room Challenge week 5 update, I was overwhelmed by how many of you couldn’t believe that the artwork in the project was from Amazon. The 4-piece canvas featuring the silhouettes of 4 dope African American females is only one of many amazing art finds I’ve uncovered on Amazon — I practically shop for a living — and so I decided to share ten of my recent art favs from Amazon that I think you’ll love too!

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The EditAlbie Knowsartwork, amazon, design therapy, shoppingComment
Designing With Millennials In Mind
Designing With Millennials In Mind

Fact: I didn’t know I was a millennial. After experiencing the design trends geared towards millennials at High Point Market this season, it totes makes sense that this is my generation — these are definitely my people…at least when it comes to interior design and styling. And as my days at Market continued, I noticed that more and more showrooms were embracing these millennial design trends. 

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Vibe Check, Look BookAlbie Knowshigh point market, design therapy, design bloggers tourComment
One Room Challenge Week 5: When E-Design Meets Full-Service Interior Design & Organization
One Room Challenge Week 5: When E-Design Meets Full-Service Interior Design & Organization

Holy Moly Canoli…One week to go!!! And OMG!!! What a couple of days it was! It was a perfect reminder that some progress is better than no progress — the magic is in the editing, not in the perfection. The beauty of e-design is that it doesn’t have to stop here — I can consult with her on the next phase of what she’s ready to tackle, whenever she’s ready, with a quick video conference. But with the bulk of the transformation completed by yours truly, the space already feels less overwhelming and daunting. She can now start to feel confident in her home and be at peace knowing that her stuff isn’t working against — it’s working for her. It’s Design Therapy! 

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Look BookAlbie Knowsone room challenge, hygge, bedroom, small spaces, edesign, nyc living, organization, reversible design
Airbnb Essentials To Create A Great Guest Experience
Airbnb Essentials To Create A Great Guest Experience

While I’ve never considered myself a hotel snob, I’ve always been pretty particular about certain hotel requirements; and for that reason, I’ve never stayed at an Airbnb. When this whole Airbnb business model became a thing, I was very skeptical about staying in someone else’s home. The way a host prepares an Airbnb is no different than the way a host would prepare a guest bedroom…or at least it shouldn’t be. So what makes a great Airbnb?

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Look Book, The EditAlbie Knowsairbnb, high point market, guest bedroom, design therapyComment