How Lindsey Kurowski and her brother Matt are transforming old motels into cozy inns

Lindsey Kurowski is the host of Inn the Works, a renovation show on the Magnolia Network that follows her and her team as they restore historic motels and inns across the country. Lindsey is the CEO and founder of Knotty Pines, a design company that creates physical displays for marketing and artistic purposes. She has worked with big-name clients like Nike, Adidas, NBC, and United Airlines.

Matt Kurowski is Lindsey’s younger brother and one of her co-workers at Knotty Pines. He is also a regular on Inn the Works, helping Lindsey with the construction and design aspects of the projects. Matt is a skilled carpenter, welder, and craftsman who enjoys working with his hands and creating unique pieces of furniture and art.

The Oak Knoll Lodge project

The first season of Inn the Works featured the Oak Knoll Lodge, a 12-cabin property in Big Bear Lake, California, that Lindsey bought and renovated. The lodge was built in the 1920s and had a rich history of hosting celebrities, musicians, and movie stars. Lindsey and Matt wanted to preserve the lodge’s original charm while giving it a modern update and making it more eco-friendly.

The project took about a year and a half to complete, and involved a lot of challenges and surprises along the way. Lindsey and Matt had to deal with issues like mold, asbestos, termites, plumbing, electrical, and structural problems. They also had to learn how to run an inn, which involved hiring staff, managing bookings, and catering to guests’ needs.

The result was a stunning transformation that turned the Oak Knoll Lodge into a cozy and inviting destination for travelers looking for a rustic getaway. The lodge features a mix of vintage and modern decor, custom-made furniture and art, and amenities like fireplaces, hot tubs, and outdoor games. The lodge also hosts events like weddings, concerts, and retreats.

The Springs Inn project

The second season of Inn the Works, which premiered in March 2022, follows Lindsey and Matt as they take on a bigger and more ambitious project: the Springs Inn, a 40-room motel in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. The motel was built in the 1950s and was once a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. However, over the years, the motel fell into disrepair and lost its appeal.

Lindsey and Matt decided to buy and renovate the Springs Inn, not only because they saw its potential, but also because it was a personal project for them. The motel is located in their hometown, where they grew up and where their family still lives. Lindsey and Matt wanted to revitalize the motel and bring it back to its former glory, as well as reconnect with their roots and their community.

The project is expected to take about two years to finish, and will involve a lot of work and creativity. Lindsey and Matt plan to overhaul the motel’s exterior and interior, adding new features like a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. They also want to incorporate elements of the motel’s history and the local culture, such as vintage signs, antiques, and artwork. They hope to create a place that will attract visitors and locals alike, and offer them a memorable and relaxing experience.

Conclusion

Lindsey Kurowski and her brother Matt are a dynamic duo who are passionate about transforming old motels into cozy inns. They are the stars of Inn the Works, a renovation show on the Magnolia Network that showcases their amazing projects and their personal stories. They have successfully renovated the Oak Knoll Lodge in California, and are currently working on the Springs Inn in Massachusetts. They are an inspiration for anyone who loves design, travel, and adventure.