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KATE KNOWLES HOME

Home Build | The Renovated Acre
Home Build

Why we decided to knock down our home and rebuild

April 9, 2018

Home Build | The Renovated Acre

Hi friends! Welcome to the first of many home build blog posts. I decided to start a home build section on the blog that will cover different topics as we go through this process.  I thought for this first post I would start at the beginning with our decision for staying right here on our current lot and rebuilding.

You may be wondering why we would knock down our current home and rebuild versus build elsewhere and I want to tell you exactly why.  When we purchased our home in 2010 we instantly fell in love with the lot itself and that still holds true today.  In my first ever blog post I talk about how we hoped one day our kids would enjoy having space to run around and play in our yard.  Fast forward 8 years and we now have three boys.  Jack and Harris would play outside all day, everyday, if they could and Teddy will be out there right along with them in no time!  We also love being centrally located in Omaha. The homes in our area have so much character and we are closely located to some of our favorite spots, including our son’s school.  We have kept our eyes open for other options in this area but ultimately nothing felt right to us.  Another factor that helped us make our decision was that when we purchased our home in 2010 it was right around the time that the market tanked and home prices were at an all time low.  Because of this, we were able to purchase our home and lot at a much lower cost than homes and lots in this area are going for right now.  For all of those reasons we knew we wanted to stay but we also wanted to check and see if it made sense to expand our current home or to rebuild.  We met with an architect two years ago to discuss the changes we would want to make to our current home to make it our “forever home” and structurally it would have been more expensive to make those changes than to start over.  So with all things considered, we decided to stay here and rebuild.

I am so excited to finally be going through this rebuild process, but I am also sort of emotional about it which surprised me.  We brought home each of our babies to our current home and have made lots of wonderful memories here.  However, we have definitely outgrown our home and it is time to move on.  I am so excited for our boys to be able to grow up in the same yard that they enjoy playing in so much and I am also looking forward to all of the memories we will create in our new home, too!

Thank you for stopping by and I can’t wait to share more with you! In the next home build blog post I will talk about our floor plan.

P.S. If you are considering building a new home, my husband Ben read this book and found it extremely informative: Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect, 2nd Edition by William Hirsch, Jr.

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TAGS:building a househome buildknock down
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  • Elizabeth Bear
    April 10, 2018

    Kate fun to read this and I look forward to following along as you build your dream home. ❌⭕️

    Reply
    • Kate
      Elizabeth Bear
      April 10, 2018

      Thanks so much Elizabeth! I appreciate you stopping over and following along! XO

      Reply
  • Kelly
    April 10, 2018

    Excited to see what you guys do! I’m sure I’d be emotional as well tearing down our house but you’ll make so many new beautiful memories in your new home! So happy for you!!!

    Reply
    • Kate
      Kelly
      April 10, 2018

      Thank you so much Kelly! You are so sweet, I appreciate you stopping over and following along! XO

      Reply

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Meet Kate

Welcome to my blog! Started in 2017 as an outlet for my love of home design, Kate Knowles Home has become a place to document our home journey and lifestyle. My blog is a culmination of all the things I love, shared with you. My hope is that you find inspiration here and thoughtfully decorate your spaces with beautiful, livable style.

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  • Everything got a little holiday glow up yesterday… 🌲🎄 It’s officially feeling festive around here! Linked my favorite faux Christmas wreaths and garlands for creating a timeless, collected holiday look!Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6sB7J#ChristmasDecor #TraditionalChristmas #ChristmasGreenery #HolidayDecor #ChristmasHome ltkhome
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  • First tree is up in the basement 🎄 I am SO impressed with this tree from @mcgeeandco 😍😍😍 Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨
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  • Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback!  Hope you have a wonderful Labor DayComment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
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Everything got a little holiday glow up yesterday… 🌲🎄 It’s officially feeling festive around here! Linked my favorite faux Christmas wreaths and garlands for creating a timeless, collected holiday look!Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6sB7J#ChristmasDecor #TraditionalChristmas #ChristmasGreenery #HolidayDecor #ChristmasHome ltkhome
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Everything got a little holiday glow up yesterday… 🌲🎄 It’s officially feeling festive around here! Linked my favorite faux Christmas wreaths and garlands for creating a timeless, collected holiday look! Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6sB7J #ChristmasDecor #TraditionalChristmas #ChristmasGreenery #HolidayDecor #ChristmasHome ltkhome
10 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/8
A little Christmas decorating progress in our basement! 🎄Our 9’ Grandis Fir Christmas tree is currently 30% off! I’ve linked the tree, along with all the Christmas ornaments, plaid and velvet ribbon, and decorations I used to create this timeless, traditional holiday look.Comment SHOP or click the link below ❤️Basement Design: @ericabryantdesign #TraditionalChristmas #RalphLaurenInspired #ChristmasTreeDecor #ClassicChristmas #ChristmasDecorating PlaidChristmas VelvetRibbon McGeeAndCo HolidayHomeDecor Classic, Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tree. Mixing traditional plaid ribbon, rich velvet, mercury glass ornaments, and warm nostalgic holiday colors.
View Reel on Instagram
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
Follow
A little Christmas decorating progress in our basement! 🎄 Our 9’ Grandis Fir Christmas tree is currently 30% off! I’ve linked the tree, along with all the Christmas ornaments, plaid and velvet ribbon, and decorations I used to create this timeless, traditional holiday look. Comment SHOP or click the link below ❤️ Basement Design: @ericabryantdesign #TraditionalChristmas #RalphLaurenInspired #ChristmasTreeDecor #ClassicChristmas #ChristmasDecorating PlaidChristmas VelvetRibbon McGeeAndCo HolidayHomeDecor Classic, Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tree. Mixing traditional plaid ribbon, rich velvet, mercury glass ornaments, and warm nostalgic holiday colors.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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My favorite garland for decorating our staircase at Christmas! 🎄 I found that the 60” length works well for each “swoop”. I double up the garland for a fuller, more lush look. For the bows, I love using 2” wide silk and velvet ribbon (not wired). It gives them that soft, floppy, effortless look that I love!Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨#ChristmasGarland #StaircaseGarland #ChristmasDecorating #TraditionalChristmas #ChristmasRibbon ClassicChristmasDecor
View Reel on Instagram
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
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My favorite garland for decorating our staircase at Christmas! 🎄 I found that the 60” length works well for each “swoop”. I double up the garland for a fuller, more lush look. For the bows, I love using 2” wide silk and velvet ribbon (not wired). It gives them that soft, floppy, effortless look that I love! Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨ #ChristmasGarland #StaircaseGarland #ChristmasDecorating #TraditionalChristmas #ChristmasRibbon ClassicChristmasDecor
6 days ago
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First tree is up in the basement 🎄 I am SO impressed with this tree from @mcgeeandco 😍😍😍 Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨
View Reel on Instagram
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
Follow
First tree is up in the basement 🎄 I am SO impressed with this tree from @mcgeeandco 😍😍😍 Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
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View Reel on Instagram
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
Follow
When the basement becomes the best room in the house 🤎 Comment SHOP or click the link below ✨ Interior Design: @ericabryantdesign Paint Color: @sherwinwilliams Grays Harbor #BasementDesign #RalphLaurenInspired #TraditionalInteriors #ClassicInteriors #TimelessDesign BasementRemodel Inspired by the timeless, traditional interiors of Ralph Lauren, our basement combines classic American style, rich textures, warm wood tones, and collected details. A cozy, inviting space designed for entertaining, relaxing, and spending time together.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/8
Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback!  Hope you have a wonderful Labor DayComment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback!  Hope you have a wonderful Labor DayComment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback!  Hope you have a wonderful Labor DayComment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback!  Hope you have a wonderful Labor DayComment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE#LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
@kateknowleshome
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•
Follow
Enjoying these last few weeks of summer on our outdoor patio 💙 The Japanese beetles almost took out my roses this year, but they made a comeback! Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6mKUE #LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/8
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
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Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it!One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍Design: @ericabryantdesign📸: @mandymcgregorphoto#ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
Follow
Finally getting around to sharing more photos of our basement! Summer is flying by, and we’ve been soaking up every minute of it! One of my favorite things is hosting, and over the Fourth of July weekend we had friends in town from Charleston. It was so much fun welcoming them into this space and making new memories together. Swipe to the end to see all of us! 🤍 Design: @ericabryantdesign 📸: @mandymcgregorphoto #ralphlauren Ralph Lauren home bar, basement remodel, basement bar, leather banquette, leather bench
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/8
An 11 second clip of 11+ months of a basement transformation. 🤪 If only it went that fast! But as they say, good things take time. @ericabryantdesign nailed it 👏👏 📸: @mandymcgregorphoto #basementrenovation #golfsimulator #homedesignideas
View Reel on Instagram
@kateknowleshome
@kateknowleshome
•
Follow
An 11 second clip of 11+ months of a basement transformation. 🤪 If only it went that fast! But as they say, good things take time. @ericabryantdesign nailed it 👏👏 📸: @mandymcgregorphoto #basementrenovation #golfsimulator #homedesignideas
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/8

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