Office Love, Cookbook Launch + The School

Many people work from home these days, especially those who freelance in creative fields. I love seeing how people express themselves in this very personal space, especially those who are artistic, or like me, very visual. One of the highlights of building a new home has been the opportunity to create my own workspace, and as much as I love how it has turned out, I'm still constantly inspired by what I see around the web.   

I've picked out some recent favourites to share with you. 

The office of Copenhagen graphic designer Louise Breyen has a light and airy feel, with white painted floorboards, pale wood furniture, and a collection of her beautiful artwork. The sheepskin adds a touch of cosiness. 

When it comes to Scandi-cool, the workspace of Deborah Gordon, from Ollie & Sebs Haus is spot on, much like all of Deborah's styling. I especially love the String Pocket Shelf and Playtpe Poster. 

Having visited the home office of one of my favourite NZ jewellery designers Lindi Kingi, I've seen first hand the amount of tools and materials people in this field use, and how organised they need to be. This home office, belonging to Melbourne jeweller Kim Victoria Wearne is another amazing example.The perforated peg board, which provides the perfect place for hanging tools is genius. Featured on The Design Files, I recommend you check out the entire home tour - it's incredible!  

I recently discovered the interiors blog Cecilies Lykke when I came across this gorgeous workspace on Instagram. So bright and fresh, I love the long trestle table. The moodboard and fairy lights are so pretty!

Another great find via The Design Files, this stunning home office screams creativity. Belonging to Theo and Soula Mantalvanos, the husband and wife team behind graphic design studio Origin of the Image, the painting by Rachael Guthridge is the hero for me. 

To see many more inspiring home offices belonging to clever creatives, check out my Workspace Pinterest board. 

Before I go, I have a couple more things to share with you. Karla Goodwin of Bluebells Cakery fame has just released her first ever cookbook, and I had the pleasure of attending the launch last night. I have never seen so many beautiful cakes! Much like her baking, this book is heavenly, and with Christmas fast approaching, I think it would make a beautiful gift. Or why not treat yourself! Pop over here to purchase a copy. 

Lastly, for those of you who know all about The School, and its impending arrival to Auckland this weekend, I found out today that I will be going to Megan Morton's Science of Styling workshop on Saturday, thanks to my newest sponsor Mildred & Co, who will be hosting the series. I am beyond excited and I look forward to reporting back, and sharing my new found skills with you very soon! The School is bringing with it a range of amazing classes, and some still have places available. To find out more, pop over here.  

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Homes to Inspire | Swedish Style in Sydney

When I came across this lovely Swedish-style home in Sydney today, it was the bathroom that really made me sit up and take notice. Although small in size, it speaks volumes in terms of simple yet clever Scandinavian style. 

Located in Kensington, the two-bedroom apartment has been beautifully renovated by its owner Frag Woodhall, a product and industrial designer. Developed around the idea of 'Swedish Summer Cabin', that enviable Scandinavian mix of simplicity, minimalism and functionality is seen throughout, especially the bathroom. Rich Baltic Russian pine wall-panelling creates warmth, while black tapware provides contrast and interest to the predominantly white space. Then there is that incredible sliding re-machined door. It really gives the room an edge, don't you think? 

The one-man renovation project, with Frag being both designer and builder, took nine months to complete. Along with the typical Scandinavian monochrome palette, Swedish influences are seen in every room. I love the interchangeable wall hanging cabinetry that sits on a peg rail in the kitchen above. Charming yet unpretentious, this home has an incredibly fresh and welcoming feel. 

Source: Share Design

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Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

We've just had Labour weekend here in NZ, and although I had some work to do, it was mixed in with visits to the beach with the boys, a couple of runs, dinner out and catching up with friends. All in all, it was a lovely long weekend, with sunshine and some much needed rest and relaxation. I also got in a good dose of Pinterest and discovered some amazing homes. Here are three that really stood out for me. 

A repin from Deborah Gordon of the blog Ollie & Sebs Haus, the dining area above with its white painted floorboards and gorgeous mix of chairs had me clicking over to Deborah's post to find out more. There I discovered that the home, currently on the market in Sweden, belongs to Elin Kickén, a freelance interior stylist, and assistant to Sarah Widman, whose work I also love. You can seen many more images over at Västanhem Mäkleri & Interiör where the home is listed, but these are some of my favourites. 

I love Elin's beautiful pared-back style. White and bright, the interior features cool framed prints, and simple hanging lights. The bedroom has a relaxed vibe with Muuto dots, gold accents and a casually-styled side table. 

This next image was repinned from Catherine Lazure-Guinard, who featured this stunning home on her fabulous blog Nordic Design. 

Catherine describes the the interior style of this Stockholm apartment as Nordic meets Ethnic. This can be seen in the bedroom, which has a gorgeous mix of pieces including a reindeer hide, Thonet chair, simple brass pendant and statement wall feature. 

An incredible warehouse conversion in Melbourne, this next repin was thanks to Est Magazine, who featured the home here. Owner Lynda Newton, a fashion designer, has used her eye for colour and texture to transform the factory. Dark floors, white walls and black joinery creates a striking monochrome palette, perfect for showcasing an amazing collection of vintage furniture, bold artworks, and vibrant rugs.

Finishing off with my latest Pinterest moodboard, I curated this for the long weekend, but also to provide inspiration for the week ahead. 

Before I go, I'm thrilled to announce the winner of the Lahood Giveaway. Congratulations to Jeanette Sweet!! Thanks to Lahood for their generosity and to everyone who entered. 

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Studio You Me

I was very happy to discover the Melbourne based design firm Studio You Me thanks to Est who featured one of their incredible projects recently. Looking through their portfolio, I was further wowed by what I saw. Founders Kestie Lane and Hana Hakim, share a love of design. Their unique strengths, individual styles and personal friendship has resulted in a great business partnership. Hugely talented, the pair work on interior projects across residential, workplace, hospitality and retail design. They also collaborate together on graphic, event, furniture and product design. 

Starting with the Brighton Residence that initially caught me eye, I love the use of custom black-stained American Oak veneer and bright pops of green and orange. Danish white limed floors and white walls add further contrast to the dark cabinetry. 

Photo credit: Jonathan Vdk

The urban apartments, Morton Avenue, are simple yet elegant. Featuring a black and white palette with industrial accents, I love the tiling and round accents such as the hooks and bathroom mirror. 

Slattery Australia is a multiple award-winning workspace dubbed the office everyone would love to work in. I can see why! Featuring a sophisticated white palette and refined black elements, the mix of black in-filled ships deck floor and steel framed glazing is divine. 

Photo Credit: Peter Clarke

All images via Studio You Me

We have a long weekend here in NZ, so I will be back on Tuesday to announce the winner of the gorgeous Lahood Giveaway. If you haven't yet entered, you have until midnight Monday. Good luck, and have a wonderful break!

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Pop Factory Shop

When it comes to shopping for the kids, I'm a fan of cool, comfy threads, fun bedroom decor and good quality toys that encourage imaginary play. Pop Factory Shop, founded by brother and sister duo Christopher Hope and Bridget Lee ticks all the boxes. Using their design backgrounds and the littlies in the family to test their products on, the clever pair have created a range of goods that appeal to adults and children alike. I particularly love that their products are unisex (so practical) and their "dark but playful aesthetic". 

Based in Tauranga and just two months old, Pop Factory Shop already have a varied collection, with lots more in the pipeline. I couldn't resist buying a couple of things for the boys and I also have my eye on the Superhero Sidekick Capes... if your kids are into dress-ups as much as mine, you'll want to check them out!



I had a couple of questions for Bridget, which she very kindly took the time to answer... 

You're a family business, and a creative one! Can you tell us about how you ended up joining forces with your brother (and how your Dad fits in), your design backgrounds and the launch Pop Factory Shop?

The 'Hopes' were growing and with so many young ones new to our wider family we thought it'd be nice to make some things for the littlies that we liked, but as we tinkered we figured some of our friends might like what we were doing too.

We both did a bachelor of arts majoring in graphic design and our dad comes from a canvas manufacturing background. He'd made us school backpacks growing up that at the time we thought were daggy, but now we reckon they're pretty cool.




Where do you get inspiration from for your designs - travel, the web, magazines, your own kids etc?

Mostly from nostalgia. Remembering being young and what us 90's kids thought was rad. The boys inspire us all the time. After all this stuff is primarily for Harper, Henry and Marlo! Our blog Pop Factory has inspiration and work of our own that triggers thoughts, but from the start we knew we wanted it all to be unisex and that helped us find our dark but playful aesthetic.

Your newest product, the capes, are super-cool! Tell us about those.

Thanks a lot! They were right in time for Halloween. We made them reversible like our masks so the little ones can always feel like superhero sidekicks. We encourage imagination. Running round pretending is more fun than not. Harper loves it!

What are you working on right now?

We're working on Christmas. We have pillow cases, onesies and more Little Goldie wall decals on the way, as well as some more patches for our backpacks.

You're still very new, but what are your plans for Pop Factory Shop?

We hope to make a lot more things. We'd like Pop Factory to organically grow into a one stop shop for young families - children and parents. Homewares, artworks, stationery and bedding. A factory shop of popular culture inspired goods. Our next range will be for winter and we're hoping to do twice as much stuff.



Thanks Bridget! Shop the entire range here and be sure to check out their blog and like their Facebook page to stay in the loop.  

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TDC Style Launch

For those of you who've been following my progress with TDC Style, I'm happy to report that the page is now live on the blog! For those just joining in, I've been working on launching an in-home and online styling service, with a peek here and there along the way. 



The page is accessible from the drop down menu panel at the top of the blog under Styling, or you can take a look here. I'd love to hear your feedback, and of course if you have any questions or would like a price list, please get in touch. 

You'll also find me over on the blog Eclectic Trends today, where I was honoured to have contributed to the October issue of What Do Bloggers Collect? The blog's author Gudy Herder has been an inspiration to me ever since I first discovered her blog and saw this video of her at work, styling a interior shoot. Based in Barcelona, Gudy's work as a stylist and international visual merchandiser takes her around the world. Reporting back on her travels and inspiring finds along the way, I am constantly in awe, and a tad envious!! 

Can you guess what I chose to share? Pop over here to see, alongside three other fabulous bloggers in this issue, and be sure to follow Eclectic Trends and the series. It's fascinating seeing what other bloggers collect!

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Joanna Laajisto | Revisited

Today we revisit the talented Helsinki-based interior architect Joanna Laajisto. First featured here after I'd discovered and fallen head over heels in love with her work, I've continued to follow Joanna, eagerly awaiting a glimpse at any new projects. Now almost a year on, I've picked out a few to share with you, each one showcasing Joanna's impeccable taste and beautifully elegant design aesthetic. 

Finnish furniture company Lundia enlisted Joanna to design their stand at the Habitare trade show during Helsinki Design Week recently. A stunning kitchen in black and pale wood, it's easy to see why the stand was awarded best of show by the Finnish Interior Journalist Association. 

I love the simple styling. Natural materials and textural objects like brown glass bottles, terracotta pots, copper kitchenware, flax baskets and branches sit perfectly against the black shelving and pale wood accents.  

This year Joanna was also invited to design a private pop up dining space for the Helsinki Design Week. Located in a historical building that dates back to 1901, her choice of furniture and signature style works in beautifully with the original brickwork. 

Featuring black-painted Alvar Aalto Highback 66 chairs around a large steel-clad table, and new Lambada lamps by Finnish designer Samuli Naamanka, the light-filled space is breath-taking. A willow tree at the end of the dining room adds further wow.

Joanna has also moved into product design, and her first piece, the Edit Lamp, is exquisite.

The timeless design not only looks incredible, it cleverly transforms from a pendant light to a wall fixture with a simple bracket. This would have to be one of the most perfectly stylish ways to illuminate a a reading corner!

See more over at Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio. 

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