Here at KOD, we have many contributors when you factor in the hundreds of DIYers and their creative projects we’ve showcased over the years.
On top of that, it takes a vast amount of experience and expertise to deliver the knowledge behind the content for our home decorating and home improvement topics.
Simply put, we couldn’t do any of this without the passion, competence, and writing and editing abilities of our in-house contributing team.
Learn all about them and more below!
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Architect | Interior Designer & Decorator | LEED Green Associate | WELL AP
Nishtha Sadana, LEED & WELL AP is a licensed Architect and professional Interior Designer specializing in technical color theory.
As a lead Paint Color Consultant for KnockOffDecor, Nishtha has performed nearly 300 professional paint color audits for major brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr.
Her deep-dive analyses go beyond LRV and undertones to provide full-spectrum color strategies, including light-reflectance behavior, room-specific coordination, and exterior applications.
Nishtha’s mission is to help homeowners avoid costly mistakes through professional sampling techniques and expert-vetted palettes.
>>Read more about Nishtha’s professional background and latest work
Beckie Farrant
Serial Blogger | DIYer | Designer | Entrepreneur
Beckie founded KnockOffDecor in 2010, curating over countless projects to inspire a generation of DIY decorators.
A lover of thrift store finds and perfectly placed vignettes, she built this site on the belief that great design should be accessible to everyone.
Though she moved on in 2016, her creative soul remains the heart of our community.
We continue to honor her legacy by sharing the stories and photos of the makers she first set out to inspire.
Kimberly Chaffee
Sewing & Quilting Enthusiast | Store Owner | Instructor | DIYer
With 30 years of experience, Kimberly is a master of the “wonderful world of quilting.”
As the owner of Kimberly’s Fabric Stash, she brings deep expertise in color theory and technique to our community.
At KnockOffDecor, Kimberly has spent years uncovering the web’s most inspiring DIY creators while sharing her own passion for fabric and design.
Whether through her classes or her shop, her goal is always to provide heart-warming support to fellow makers.
Alana Shinn
Blogger | Thrifter | DIY Decorator and Crafter
Based in New Zealand, Alana specializes in revamping secondhand finds into new treasures.
She shares her passion for upcycling furniture and style through her blog, ThreadBareCloak.
At KnockOffDecor, she contributes unique projects focused on decor, gifting, and creative reuse.
She brings a soul for self-sufficiency to her work and notably lived in a yurt for seven years.
Jana Aplin
DIY Decorator & Crafter | Content Editor | Blogger | World Traveler
Jana brings years of DIY decorating and crafting experience and creative wisdom to the posts at KnockOffDecor.
Based in Tennessee, she is an avid home creator with a passion for DIY and cooking.
She is also a dedicated world traveler who spends months each year trekking through Europe with her husband.
Together, they share their vast travel tips and Swiss adventures on their blog, Aplins in the Alps.
Kirea Irvine, M.Ed.
Former Store Owner | Instructional Leader | DIYer
Kirea brings a diverse background to KnockOffDecor with experience living in both New York City and the Southwest.
She previously owned the online store Sol + Spirit, where she designed handmade jewelry and textiles.
Her professional expertise as an instructional leader helps infuse depth and clarity into her many articles.
She remains dedicated to the intersection of DIY and creativity through her love for working with her hands.
Amanda Hevener, MA, MLIS
Writer | Editor | Photographer | Historical Researcher
Mandy combines her background in history and journalism to provide a unique lens on home decor.
She specializes in vintage and eclectic design with a passion for historical patterns and timeless styles.
Her research brings the flavor of the past into modern decorating choices featured across KnockOffDecor.
She remains dedicated to finding inspiration in the intersection of historical research and creative writing.