HGTV Urban Oasis Sweepstakes Home Tour + Knoxville Travel Vlog

I teamed up with Visit Knoxville to tour the HGTV Urban Oasis Sweepstakes home, and also to get a feel for all that Knoxville has to offer. Check out the video for a quick tour of the home and a little more of our trip, and see below for lots more pictures and details below! You can enter twice daily for a chance to win this home on HGTV.com, with a total value over $600,000, from now until November 22nd!

The HGTV Urban Oasis Sweepstakes home is a beautiful fully renovated Crafstman style home.

But first, to give you a full appreciation of the transformation of this home – let’s take a look at the before, shall we?

BEFORE:
HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Front Exterior Before HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Kitchen Before

With Open Door Architecture and Interior Designer Brian Patrick Flynn leading the charge, the outcome is nothing short of spectacular.

See the dramatic transformation below!

AFTER:

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

The team worked with a local painter, pressure wash service Lynchburg, and landscaper to work out how they were going to make the exterior look stunning. There is now some major curb appeal with the bold pink door, which contrasts so well with the dark blue and white paint colors, a color palette that is continued throughout the home. The house has also had some beautiful siding installed too to make it look a lot more modern. By visiting https://www.sidingatlanta.com/, the architects and designers were able to find a color that truly matched their vision. The siding has really increased the curb appeal.
hgtv-home-front-porchOh yeah…I could see us living here! Just putting those vibes out into the universe!HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Living RoomThe home has an open and airy feel to it, and I love the use of cozy chairs instead of bigger and bulkier sofas.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

The hallway is extra-wide, a special design touch that makes a big difference.HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Dining Room

This home used to have a mish mash of kitchen spaces, three total kitchens to be exact. The layout was redesigned to create one spacious kitchen and a dining area that can now seat up to eight.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TNHGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

The kitchen has stunning blue custom cabinetry (paint color Sherwin Williams Salty Dog blue), marble counters, and a Black Walnut island. There are high-end fixtures by Kohler, and top of the line Samsung appliances, including a smart fridge where you can keep track of food you have inside, as well as play music. HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Guest Bedroom

French doors lead into this beautiful bedroom, which has a calm color palette, with some stand out pieces like a bold four post bed, unique side and console tables and oversized art.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

My favorite part about this bathroom is definitely the shower. It’s so big! And the glass frame makes the room feel bigger and adds a bit of contempory style to it. As soon as I saw it I was straight on sites like GlassShowerDirect.com trying to learn more about the different options available for framless showers!

And that bathroom paint color though… stunning! Bright colored paint like this can sometimes be hard to paint as it’s easy to leave streaks behind. On top of that, they had to consult Simully to double check how long they should let the paint dry before testing the shower out! HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is unique with dark parkay flooring that is from reclaimed oak barrels, and the black trim makes the white and soft pink colors really pop.
HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Master Bathroom with TubHGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Master Bathroom

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Master Bathroom with Shower

One word I have for this Master bath: LUXURY. Complete luxury with wall to wall tile, brushed bronze fixtures, a stand alone tub, gorgeous wall paper, and even a remote controlled toilet.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TNHGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

Another room perfect for kids or guests include a shiplap built-in bunk bed. HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Laundry Room

Laundry room/Mud room takes you right out to the beautiful screened in porch.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

A perfect place to relax which also adds to the spacious feel of this home.HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 - Garage with Door ClosedMAN-CAVEHGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

The rec room has such a statement gallery wall, staying with the bright and bold color palette of the home. hgtvhome-sophia

Sophia coordinated perfectly with the outdoor entertaining space – don’t you think?

HGTV Urban Oasis 2017 in Knoxville, TN

An extra room can be used for an artists loft, if I had this, I might have to take up painting, just saying…

The total value of this home is more than $600k – you can enter twice a day until Nov 22nd for your chance to win – click HERE to enter!

For you design junkies out there, get a little insight into Interior Designer Brian Patrick Flynn’s inspiration for designing this home:

http://www.hgtv.com/videos/designing-urban-oasis-2017-0282274

This home is fully furnished by Overstock.com, with fixtures from Kohler, and Samsung Appliances. Flooring is from Authentic Reclaimed.

KNOXVILLE TRAVEL SHORTLIST:

WHERE TO STAY:

The Oliver Hotel – cute boutique hotel right in the heart of Market Square. Great hospitality, they even let me change Sophia’s diaper in the lobby when the hotel lobby bathroom was too crowded, aaand I’m slightly embarrassed to admit I let the attendant throw away the diaper for me. He got some major mom points from me right there!

WHERE TO EAT:

Olibea’s in the old city. I had the grilled cheese and highly recommend it!

Tupelo Honey – Must try: Avocado Toast and the Sweet Potato Pancakes.

Calhoun’s on the river – Good barbecue, even better views.

Wild Love Bakehouse – Great coffee and baked goods.

The Phoenix Pharmacy – Homemade Ice Cream and traditional old school Soda Fountain

The Stock and Barrel – Gourmet burgers

Babalu Tacos & Tapas – Great food + service

WHAT TO DO:

Stroll through Market Square – They have a farmer’s Market on Saturday, and different outdoor events like movies at night. Probably some of the best people watching and all around fun.

Stop by the Sunsphere – it is a Knoxville icon created for the 1982 World’s Fair that attracted 11 million visitors. There is an observatory where you can view the city and learn a little more about Knoxville’s history.

View the Smoky Mountains from the Knoxville Botanical Gardens – and if possible, arrange for a Private yoga session with Kim from The Glowing Body.

While at the Botanical Gardens, check out and take a few pictures at the ‘Secret Garden’ themed area.

Vintage shopping at Mid Mod Collective – there are several vintage shops in the same area, but I only had enough time to visit this one.

Stroll through alleyways around Market Square for Instagram worthy street art.

Visit the Old City – stop in to Pretentious Glass which is only a few doors down from Olibea’s to check out some hand blown glass art, and maybe meet artist Matthew Cummings, who has been at it for over 15 years.

A few things I didn’t get a chance to do:

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!