Love the look for running....

This post is in support of everyone running the Boston marathon today...My brother in law is going to be running so we are heading into Boston to cheer him on in a few minutes!! I do a little running myself, nothing crazy, but I do enjoy an occasional 5K and run about four days a week! Running keeps me sane and in pretty good shape. It's also efficient when you are tight on time.
Here is a peek at my typical gear for a race. Good Luck to all the runners!! Go Jonnie go!!

1. I start with a warm layering piece before I start a run.
2. Wireless headphones. I am investing in these!! The less cords the better!
3. A tank
4. Sports watch. I love to keep track of my mileage and pace.
5. Water bottle. It's tough to run with water but I once got heat exhaustion and dehyration. I feel panicky if I don't have at least a little water with me. This bottle should clip to a running belt. I may have to try it! I ran a 5K last week with a bottle in hand. It's a pain!
6.  A colorful sports bra for extra support!
7. Fitted lulu lemon running tights.
8. An armband and a great music play list for my phone!
9. I have had good luck with Adidas running sneakers. They seem to be a little wider. I try to replace them every eight months or so! I'm in need of a pair now.

I've also recently downloaded this running app.by Nike.  I love the larger font!

A calm Swedish apartment in green and cognac

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend? The sun's been shining here in Sweden and we went out for our first sail of the season- so exhilarating (do you sail too?). While we were out my little girl asked for our favourite colours. I was expecting The Man to say 'I've no idea' (he's more of a maths and science guy...) but he surprised us all by answering 'it changes all the time, right now it's green'. So today's Swedish apartment is for P, as it features the most beautiful green coloured walls. I now know what he means, it's such a perfect colour for spring, don't you think? I love the blue in the kitchen and the striking harlequin wallpaper in the hall too (what an entrance?!). Time to do away with those white walls?

Alvhem

Is there anything you love in particular about this space?

Apart from the touches of paint, I love the cognac leather theme throughout. Safari chair anyone?! The cactus in the glass jar is such a simple idea and yet it looks lovely too, possible DIY inspiration for the week?

The best thing about spring is that all the plants and flowers you need in your home can be found right outside your backdoor. I brought in a few branches from our japanese cherry tree at the weekend and the simple arrangement made me smile all day. If you're after a little more green inspiration this morning I love this really fab botanical inspired photo shoot by VT Wonen (I think I pinned every single picture!). 

Have a lovely day! 

PS If like me, you're stuck indoors but dreaming of being outside today - look at this magical picture, and dream - how idyllic?

Shelter Loves....

Happy Fri-yay!! I had a great design meeting today with a client I have worked with in the past! A big part of my business involves building relationships. I love watching my clients lives evolve and their families grow. The personal connections I make through my job is one of the most rewarding aspects!
I was working away on quite a few projects this week so my brain is in need of a day off.. Here is what caught my eye in the process! Peace out, have a relaxing weekend!

1. I designed a nursery yesterday. I love creating spaces for children that they can grow into. Designer, Nick Olsen did just that with this beautiful nursery design. Image via Veranda.
2. I'm kinda digging the platform wedge shoes that are out right now. They are stylish and comfy..A win, win in my book!
3. God, don't we all know this!! I've got to learn to move on a bit better.
4. I've decided to finally finish my personal photo wall in my home. I loved this mix of images and the simple framing used here.
5. + 6. My wonderful client and I walked through her new home today. It is a beautiful house with so much opportunity. We talked about injecting her home with moments of black and white stripes. The classic combo is perfect when done right! This Dorothy Draper designed floor is a great example of the look I adore! I'm also loving this moto jacket layered over a summery striped dress. Find a similar dress here.

A cool vintage industrial style Stockholm pad

Oh hello Friday, how lovely to see you! And you brought the sunshine with you - you make my heart sing....! Today's industrial functionalist (or 'funkis' as the Swedes like to call it) apartment belongs to Hannah and Christopher Bastin and daughters Irma and Klara. Located in Vasastan, Stockholm, it's been artfully decorated with a cool industrial bistro style kitchen and a fab dose of mid-century throughout. I'm loving the plants, vintage furniture and pops of hot pink.  What a perfect pad for the weekend, don't you think?!  I've got my eye on those wine glasses....

Photography: Johan Sellén (shared with kind permission). Featured in Elle Decoration.se

Lovely, right?

Most importantly that wine glass storage: to get the look you can find a similar rack here. Or buy stainless steel prongs in a local hardware store and fix them to the wall like the owners have. On it!

Another nice detail (shown in the set of pictures over at Elle Decoration) is how Hannah has made a montage using menus from her favourite restaurant. Wat a great idea on so many levels?!

Many of the other items seen in the home have been found at flee markets all over the world - inspiration to go get hunting?! My favourite places online to find vintage / industrial items are Etsy, Ebay and Lauritz.

I love industrial style bathrooms with this one being one of my all time favourites, and I could soak for hours in this bath, beautiful right? I'm also a huge fan of outdoor baths and showers - part of the plan for my dream summer cottage....one day! What does your dream cottage include?

Have a really fabulous weekend (I hope the sun's shining where you are too!). See you Monday!

PS A Dutch guy is selling his house and has found this entirely unique way of showing people around....genius?!!

The fab Brooklyn home and studio of a creative duo

Recently I've shown quite a few makers' spaces. Having made the leap from the corporate world to starting my own business at home (tea, toast and laptop in bed on a snowy day - now you're talking!), I am intrigued by the worlds of others who combine their living and work space. Today's art-filled Williamsburg warehouse in Brooklyn is home and studio to creative duo Jessica Barensfeld and Simon Howell and cat Kooks. Jessica (a jewelry designer) and Simon recently founded Lynn & Lawrence - a shop dedicated to selling hand-knit alpaca and wool hats. The light, airy loft, beautifully captured by Emily Johnston, is adorned with surf boards, large-leaved plants and handmade pieces for a truly inspiring, characterful environment.

Home-owner: Jessica Barensfeld and Simon Howell / Lynn & Lawrence. Photographer: Emily Johnston (with kind permission). For: Urban Outfitters Blog.

Could you work/ live here?

What does your work space look like?

Although I love working from home, my ultimate dream is to share a creative work space. Is there anyone with the same dream? Or perhaps you're already there? Some of my favourite studios include this collaborative workspace in Brooklyn, the light-filled studio of Camille Styles and the industrial style atelier of Love Warriors. One day...!

For those of you looking for home office, atelier, and studio inspiration - there's a ton more inspiration here. Who needs open plan anyway?!

It's never wrong to take time to pour over a few converted warehouse homes too!
 If you'd rather think about anything but work today check out this camper-van / trailer with an unbelievable twist! Something for the summer holidays?!

Have a lovely day!

So darn cute

Have I mentioned that I love before and afters? I've been working on a nursery project today. I'm actually lucky enough to have two pregnant clients right now!! I love designing children's spaces and could not help but share this adorable transformation. Oh and I HAVE to use Osborne and Little's Coronata wallpaper on one of my projects! :)

See the rest of the deets on this attic space here. 

One Boston Day...

(John Lennon + Robert Fulghum have both been given credit for this quote. I am not sure who actually said it first but I like the message)

Today marks the two year anniversary of the explosions at the Boston Marathon. I wanted to take the time this morning to remember the survivors, those who lost their lives and their families. My thoughts are with them all.

Martin Richard, was an eight year old boy who lost his life that day. His message of spreading peace resonates with me. His family has started a wonderful foundation in his name. I made a donation this morning to this cause. I truly believe we all have the ability to make this world a better place. Wishing you a wonderful day...

Here is the information on Martin's foundation.

"The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation

The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation Inc. was formed by the parents of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed during the April 15, 2013 bombings near the finish of the Boston Marathon.

In the days after the bombing, a photo of Martin holding a handmade poster that read “No more hurting people. Peace” went global and made many see Martin as a symbol of peace. Martin loved learning, sports and the world around him. He participated in the BAA Children’s Relay on Marathon weekend for three consecutive years, was a school "peacemaker," and recognized at a young age that while we are all different, we are all the same. The way Martin saw the world, anything was possible.

His parents, Bill and Denise determined it was fitting that the foundation should honor Martin’s message of peace by investing in education, athletics and community.

The mission of Martin’s foundation is simple: The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation honors Martin's message of "No more hurting people. Peace" by investing in education, athletics and community. To donate, click here."