The Harrogate Coach House by Karen Knox - a bold, contemporary home to balance warmth with modern sophistication.
When interior designer Karen Knox of Making Spaces set out to transform a tired Harrogate Coach House into a bold, contemporary home, she had a strong design vision for the kitchen: rich walnut cabinetry, sleek finishes, and a space that would balance warmth with modern sophistication.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Project: Harrogate Coach House Kitchen
Interior Designer: Karen Knox, Making Spaces
Architects: Niche Design Architects
Kitchen Partner: Studio Nest
Karen came to Studio Nest to turn her vision into reality, trusting us to craft and install the bespoke kitchen that would become the heart of the renovation.
Karen’s design called for:
Walnut cabinetry with natural grain to bring warmth and texture
Clean, modern lines that sit comfortably within the Coach House’s new contemporary style
A practical layout for cooking and entertaining
Minimalist detailing, allowing the beauty of the walnut and the architecture to take centre stage
This wasn’t about adding Studio Nest’s own design stamp, it was about respecting Karen’s creative direction while ensuring the kitchen was built to the highest standard.
At Studio Nest, our job was to:
Translate Karen’s drawings into precise cabinetry and joinery specifications.
Source and craft bespoke walnut cabinetry that matched her aesthetic perfectly.
Install with care, ensuring every line, joint, and finish met both our and Karen’s high standards.
Work with the client to identify and include the important internal organisation and appliance requirements.
Our focus was on execution - bringing craftsmanship, technical expertise, and attention to detail to ensure Karen’s vision was realised exactly as she and the client imagined.
The finished kitchen is a stunning, tactile space that grounds the home. The natural walnut grain creates warmth against the contemporary finishes elsewhere in the property, while the precise detailing makes the kitchen feel sleek, modern, and luxurious.
The kitchen isn’t just beautiful - it’s also practical. Every cupboard, drawer, and surface has been carefully considered to support how the family lives and uses the space.
This project was a true example of design collaboration at its best:
Karen Knox brought bold, creative design thinking and a clear vision, Studio Nest brought the craftsmanship, joinery expertise, and technical know-how to bring it to life. The result is a kitchen that feels both personal and timeless, seamlessly integrated into the Coach House project.
On sharing the kitchen reveal on her Instagram page, Karen described it as “a dream space, full of warmth, texture and character.” She also highlighted the importance of working with the right partners to achieve the level of finish her clients expect.
For us at Studio Nest, this project was about more than building a kitchen - it was about supporting another designer’s vision and delivering it with precision and care. We’re proud to have been part of the Harrogate Coach House transformation and to have collaborated with Karen Knox of Making Spaces on such an inspiring project.
Wide Kitchen View
“The Harrogate Coach House kitchen: rich walnut cabinetry and clean, modern lines brought to life by Studio Nest.”
Cabinetry Close-Up
“Bespoke walnut cabinetry - crafted with precision to showcase the natural warmth and texture of the wood.”
Island / Worktop
“A sleek, contemporary island designed by Making Spaces, built and installed by Studio Nest for everyday living and entertaining.”
Detail Shot (handles, joinery, or drawers)
“Every detail counts: Studio Nest craftsmanship ensuring Karen Knox’s design vision was realised to perfection.”
Lifestyle / Styled Shot
“Warmth, texture, and character - the kitchen as the true heart of the Harrogate Coach House.”
Working with a bespoke kitchen designer like Studio Nest puts you in control, creating a space that’s tailored to your lifestyle, home, and personal style.
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