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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.

Studio Number 19

It's no secret that I spend a lot of time on Pinterest (possibly too much) but it's not always the pinning that chews up minutes. I just can't resist clicking through from pins that take my fancy, and that often leads to great discoveries and more internet browsing. Inevitably there will be more pinning, but sometimes after I've shared it with you on the blog first.

Today's case in point is Studio No 19, founded by interior and commercial stylist Mia Widlake. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mia is happiest when she's designing or making things, and in addition to her interior work, produces a range of clay, cloth and soon to be launched lighting products.

It was two separate pins from Pinterest that put me on the path to discovering Studio Number 19, and I'm so glad I did. The first that caught my attention was a collaboration with Ginger and Fig, a new eatery based in Brooklyn, Pretoria.

Well suited to the artisanal eatery's homemade, organic style food, the crisp white interior has lots of greenery and an industrial edge. I love the feature lighting, square wall tiles and herringbone flooring.

The bathroom wall display features plates from the Studio Number 19 Plates Collection.

The other pin that grabbed me led to some incredible interior styling work by Studio Number 19, for Anatomy Design, a design studio in Johannesburg selling a beautiful collection of furniture and homewares. The stunning rugs are by Paco.

For more examples of their work, the full range of products and blog, take a look at the Studio Number 19 website.

Koskela

I can't remember precisely where I first heard about the Australian furniture company Koskela as it was quite some time ago but they certainly made a lasting impression, not to mention shooting to the top of my 'places to visit' list when I get the chance to go to Sydney again. In fact it was my Sydney-based cousin Sarah mentioning how amazing her visit to Koskela was on the weekend that prompted me to have another look at their website, where I got stuck for quite some time! New projects, an awesome blog and workshops on offer, there's just so much goodness, it's about time I shared some of it with you!

Founded by Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky, Koskela produces Australian-made furniture that is beautiful, functional and durable. Inspired by their lives and surroundings, they use environmentally friendly recycled timbers to create stunning tables and benches. Their sofas are designed using a unique lightweight system with handles for ease of movement, perfect for casual yet stylish living. Also on offer are an amazing range of stools, chairs, rugs and lighting alongside a carefully curated selection of Australian made gifts and accessories.

The Koskela showroom at Roseberry is a huge industrial space complete with the Kitchen by Mike cafe shown below and Megan Morton's School. When I do go to Sydney, I am definitely booking in for one of her styling classes! The massive retail space also houses many sought after local brands such as Castle, Bonnie and Neil, Planet Luxe, Greg Hatton and bedlinen by Kate Banazi.

Koskela have worked on many exciting projects in Australia over the last decade, providing fitouts for large scale offices, universities and restaurants including customised products developed with interior design clients. When it comes to their work in private residents the results are outstanding, so I thought I'd share one with you today which completely took my breath away.

Designed by Architecture Saville Isaacs, the Avoca Beach House has a mostly neutral interior with exquisite natural materials and pops of yellow. For this project, Koskela supplied Highgate and Quadrant Soft Sofas, Mud Licht, Bamboo Cloche and Bye Bye Birdy pendants, and the Twiggy Coat stand. See their full range of products here.

The Koskela showroom is situated at 1/85 Dunning Ave, Roseberry. The gallery space is often used to exhibit the work of local artists such as Rachel Castle, as a venue for pop up shops like Tales of the Fallen while Kitchen by Mike provides an amazing venue for events. Overall Koskela is a wondrous hive of creativity, retail and culinary delights! Who's coming to Sydney with me?

All images via www.koskela.com.au

The Department Store | Part One

Whenever I'm on the North Shore, I always pop in to The Department Store. It's a constant hive of inspiration when it comes to world class design so I've decided to break it down into parts. Way too much to talk about in one post! if like me you don't get over there very often, you can check out their blog which gives regular updates on everything from what's new in store, exclusive events (like the recent one featuring Escentric Molecules Fragrance creator Jeff Lounds and world renowned fashion critic Tim Blanks from Style.com) to which celebrities have been wearing Karen Walker lately!

Created by Karen Walker, Stephen Marr and Dan Gosling, The Department Store has certainly delivered on their vision of providing a 'modern take on the traditional Department Store experience'. A luxurious Mecca for design, fashion, beauty and interiors, since it's opening in October 2009 it's received some remarkable accolades from around the world. Fashion Bible Women's Wear Daily called it one of the 'hippest new stores around the globe'. Top Style magazine Monocle rated it #1 in their top 25 worldwide retail stars and included it in a feature on their online film series and Conde Nast Traveller listed them as one of its 'Seven Wonders Of The Shopping World'! Pretty impressive, don't you think?

Karen Walker

Black Box Boutique

The Men's Department

Topshop

Stephen Marr

Lucy & The Powder Room

Simon James Concept Store

The Department Store is located at 10 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland and is open 7 days. There is also a fabulous French Cafe, La Boulange on the ground floor where you must sample one of their to-die-for pastries!

Here's a few of their recent blog entries.

New from Nature Baby

Simon James and the rest of the Resident team were busy in Milan recently with their interactive display in Tom Dixon’s curated space at Salone del Mobile Milano 2012.

UK model, ‘It girl’ and TV host Alexa Chung spotted at London’s Heathrow Airport wearing the Karen Walker Eyewear ‘Number Two’ frame in Crazy Tort!

Jaquie Brown was at The Department Store chatting about her brand new book, I’m Not Fat, I’m Pregnant! Signed copies available in store.

Coffee Supreme on The Selby

One of my favourite websites is theselby.com. Started in 2008 by Todd Selby, the NYC-based photographer explores the real-life spaces of creative individuals such as artists, musicians and designers.

The highly influential site has led Todd to publish a book, "The Selby Is in Your Place". Needless to say it's on my Christmas wishlist!

It's very cool to see New Zealanders pop up on the site. This month features a favourite cafe of mine, Coffee Supreme in Ponsonby, Auckland. Check out the funky interior and exterior below.

Images via theselby.com and www.coffeesupreme.com