An Incredible Workspace / Studio and Gallery in Delft Holland

Many moons ago interior designer and photographer Holly Marder of Avenue Design Studio came and shot my home for a magazine feature and we've been in touch ever since. Not only is Holly a lovely, funny person, she's also amazingly talented. Every interior she touches turns to gold and I've featured so much of her interior work here in the past. I was so excited to discover that Holly recently opened a new studio and gallery space in a Dutch canal house in Delft, Holland. The building itself is incredible and boasts soaring ceilings, sash windows and an original parquet floor. And true to style, Holly has used the natural light that floods through the windows as a backdrop for a gallery of "curated collection of art, objects, furniture and design" as well as a design studio. Ready to feel inspired? 

The design studio

I remember when Holly worked from an attic space which doubled up as a guest room. Naturally it was a lovely space - even so, I think we can all agree that the new Avenue Design Studio headquarters is a step up! Connected to the gallery via an outdoor patio, the space is used for presentations, meetings and consultations surrounded by a "rotating collection of curated objects and art which are collected for projects in the process of being finished" as well as samples and materials. 

The magnificent studio table is a travertine piece which has been custom made for the studio. A large mood board (try Ferm Living for similar pinboard) serves as inspiration for various residential interior design projects. 

Gallery by Avenue

Holly is forever sourcing unique pieces for projects as well as collaborating with artists, so a gallery space next door was a natural progression and a long-term ambition. 

The gallery, which is open to the public (I need to visit ASAP!), showcases a collection of vintage and contemporary design as well as furniture and objects designed in the studio. Think earthy tones, natural and tactile textures and a serene look and feel. 

How beautiful! To think people work in spaces like this - gaaaah!

I'd love to visit the gallery too - the only problem is I'd want to buy everything so it would be very dangerous! 

You can see more Avenue Design Studio projects here.

And Holly's own living spaces:

The kitchen

Previous living room

Current living room

Bedroom

Looking to revamp your home office or workspace? There's plenty of small space inspiration here: 

The black and white desk of a Finnish blogger

Vintage inspired home offices

Per's workspace (back when he was teaching from home last year!)

And other, larger studios / workspace inspiration here: 

A surfer's creative studio

An interior designer's studio

An inspiring light-filled workspace in Hannover

workspace envy: studio slow

A Norwegian design studio

And of course, I can't resist including a link to my own studio in Malmö. I moved in three years ago having worked from home for several years. It took me ages to decorate it, and I'm even doing a bit of a reshuffle here tomorrow (you know me!). I can't wait to share more pictures with you soon. In the meantime, you  might like to see the behind-the-scenes tomorrow over at @myscandinavianhome stories. 

That's it from me this week friends! Thank you for your kind comments, I'm so happy you've enjoyed the tours this week (if you've missed them, hit the 'older posts' button below - they're not to be missed!). 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Avenue Design Studio / Studio Artspret / Fanny Hååg / Rachel Terpstra 

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Workspace inspiration: A Norwegian design studio

Was it just me, or did the holidays go something like: 22nd December - BLINK - 10th January?! So typical! I've got so many work goals this year that I'm actually really excited to be back (is that annoying?!). My first goal (as always) is to re-arrange my office / studio space - perhaps I'll just get stuck on that for the year, who knows, but hey it's a start! This could be why my Pinterest workspace board has over 790 pins (obsessed, who me?!). I'm a big believer in how your environment affects you - and if you create a kick a*se workspace you can achieve anything, right?! This morning I stumbled across the beautiful, minimalist studio of Ask og Eng captured by Holly and Hedda of Avenue Design Studio. Norwegian duo Kine Ask Stenersen and Kristoffer Eng founded Ask og Eng in 2016 having built several sustainable kitchens and furniture for their own homes. Today they design and create bamboo kitchens and furniture for a wider audience out of their pared-back studio in Drammen, Norway. The studio has an airy, minimalist aesthetic with striking contrast. No guessing that Kristoffer is a trained architect (oh, how I could use a skill like that!).  

Photography: Avenue Design Studio

Kind of an easy space in which to keep a clear head wouldn't you say?! Love that there's no clutter too (although I know, personally I do like to have a lot around me!). How about you?

What really caught my eye is how their beautiful furniture and kitchen take centre stage - acting as a constant reminder of their vision. Definitely something to think about in our own workspaces?!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

I spy the DCW, ERA chair and Menu WM String chair and an old dutch teapot.

See more pics of Studio Ask og Eng over at the lovely Avenue Design Studio. 

If you're looking to give your workspace a bit of a spring clean (or total transformation - hey, why not?!) - there's loooooads of beautiful inspiration in the studio archive.

My workspace actually once rocked up on the front cover of an interior book (Everything in its Place) which I'm still so proud of today! Even so, I'm thinking it could use a little wood for warmth (vintage pieces?) and some colour too - what do you reckon? Thoughts welcome!

Have a wonderful day!

PS I really had better get packing now (see earlier post). I'm off to Hamburg first thing in the morning  and then will be heading to Hannover in the evening, quite the German adventure! If you feel like tagging along I'll be posting on Instagram stories along the way!

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An Inspiring, Light-Filled Workspace / Studio in Hannover

What does your work (creative / bill paying / studying) space look like? Since my career started in the early 00's the 'workspace' has changed an incredible amount. My first ever job fresh out of uni, was in Dubai. We had a nice office above the tennis stadium but it still makes me shudder to recall the receptionist diligently recording our arrival time in an excel sheet - waiting to admonish us by the end of the week ( a regular occurrence for a night owl!). I've also worked in corporate offices in London, Lund and Copenhagen - as well as from home. But these days I finally feel like I've 'landed' in the shape and form of a wonderful, light-filled studio in the centre of Malmö. Best of all - every morning a freshly brewed coffee awaits - no excel timesheet in sight. 

This year, those who can, have worked from home - and I have a sneaking suspicion, this is set to continue. For those of you who need social interaction, a local studio is a great alternative. Thankfully, there are some wonderful, relaxed, friendly, and practical ones popping up in every city. 

If you live in Hannover, Germany you're in luck! My talented friend and businesswoman extraordinaire Holly Becker of Decor8 blog has just opened Decor8 Studio. 

Divided into two rooms, the studio is located bang in the city centre and perfect to rent for offsite team meetings, photoshoots, podcast production, workshops, events and just about anything else your work might involve. It's also decorated in true Holly Becker style: minimalist, with pops of pastel and some beautiful furniture and accessories. So, even if you don't live in the north German city, there are plenty of ideas to steal for your own home and workspace! 

Ready for the tour?

The Shoot Space

The light-filled 'shoot space' room has been painted in fresh white with a beautiful pale yellow / wheat ('Organic No. 317') accent wall. FYI This colour was everywhere at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen a few weeks back - and set to be a strong trend for 2021!). 

A simple round table from IKEA serves as a perfect place for meetings and a Vertigo pendant lights up the room after dark. 

The Punctual shelves in blue are from Ferm Living and a vintage Alky lounge chair by Castelli Brown provides as a perfect spot for a quite read between shoots! 

Simple white sculptural pieces such as the Shell vase* and Ridge vase can be seen on the shelves alongside interior magazines. 

Holly made the desk herself using plywood and trellis legs.

The Gathering Space

The bright and airy room next door is a dedicated 'Gathering Space' and features a kitchen and dining area as well as a balcony with lovely views over Bödekerstr - a picturesque quarter of Hannover. In this room, Holly has opted for an earthy accent wall in 'Linen' - a textured clay-based paint by Nen.do) which gives the room a wonderful, calm feel. 

A HAY loop table takes centre stage under a large rattan pendant light from Market Set (one of my latest favourites from the lighting world!). 

An HK Living knotted cushion and white sheepskin throw* help guests to feel comfy! 

The gallery wall has been made up of a blend of mirrors, photography, samples and prints (The Poster Club* is a great source for similar prints and ships worldwide - just saying!).

A Skagerak natural wood and white bookshelf has been placed near the window beside a Menu afteroom chair* and a linen pin board from Ferm Living. 

I'd be quite happy spending a day or two (actually scrap that - working FULL TIME) in this studio, how about you? Sadly, Hannover is a little far from Malmö, so instead I'll be stealing some ideas for my own studio instead, how about you?!

You can see more pictures of the studio in the latest edition of 'Holly magazin' (in German)- alongside a piece about our Autumn #30dayhomelove instagram challenge which is currently running on instagram. If you haven't already, why not come and join the final 14 days?

Visit Decor8 Studio / @decor8studiospace to book this space. 

I hope this tour has given you plenty of inspiration today! If it's got you in the mood for a revamp, there's a load more inspiration here: 

Home office

The fab Brooklyn home and studio of a creative duo

Interior designer Genevieve Jorn's Malmö home office (and see the 'before' here) 

The lovely light-filled workspace of a nutritionist

5 vintage inspired home offices

Studios / Co-working / Atelier spaces

Interior designer Holly Marder's studio in the attic (which can easily be transformed into a guest room)

The inspiring studio and home of Pepa Poch (the plunge pool!)

Before and after: an awe-inspiring Berlin photography studio

From my own home:

My home office

Per's home office

My favourite ergonomic desk chair which is also stylish! 

What does your workspace look like? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Holly Becker / Decor8 Studio

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Beautiful inspiration from 'Your Creative Work Space'

What does your work / creative space look like? Do you love to sit there and tinker away? I'm sure you're familiar with mine, although more often than not I'm elsewhere - at the kitchen table, on the sofa, in the window, a nearby communal workspace or in a café. A wise friend told me recently that if you don't use a zone (it might be for no other reason that it simply doesn't feel right!), it means it's either in the wrong place, or you have designed it in the wrong way for the task. So true! A few days later the beautiful book Your Creative Work Space: The Sweet Spot Style Guide to Home Office + Studio Decor by Desha Peacock landed on my desk. It was a sign! Known for her eclectic style and helping others see the possibility within themselves, their homes and personal style, Peacock advises that 'your physical setting can either hamper or elevate' your creative calling and offers tips on designing a creative workspace that will inspire the work you are meant to do. The book is packed with beautiful work spaces belonging to artists, designers, craftspeople, writers, and stylists - all of which will make you want to revamp your office in a heartbeat. Here are a few of my favourites:

Aren't these spaces just so inspiring?! Does it tempt to you to pick up the book and make some changes? I can't wait to get started - watch this space!

Your Creative Work Space, by Desha Peacock is published by Skyhorse Press, NYC and is available
here.

Oh and good news, you can win a signed copy over on Instagram today! Yay!

For more workspace inspiration you might like to check out my office space/studio archive (featuring more of Justina Blakeney's fabulous LA studio, the magnificent Studio Slow and Holly Marder's atelier!).

Have a lovely day!

Photography credits: 1 + 2. Justina Blakeney 3. Anisa Rrapaj  4. Johanna Stark's home office by Emil Larsson 5. Sara Banner.  6. Leslie Woodward

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Workspace envy: Studio Slow

Gooood morning! I'm flying back to Sweden today after an incredible few days on set in Upstate New York. I'm so happy with the results (you can catch a glimpse of it here). All will be revealed soon - I hope you like the space as much as Emily and I do!). Tomorrow I'll be back in the office again, but I've been thinking perhaps it's time to get a studio in town - what do you say? I'm kind of thinking something like this incredible work space of Slow Studio in The Netherlands (hey, a girl can dream right?!). We've seen this space before, but being designers extraordinaire that they are, it's constantly evolving. It's where the talented Studio Slow team work to develop interior design, styling and graphic design concepts - and turn visions into reality with a strong sense of sustainability - love that! Let's take a little peek....

Interior design / work space: Studio Slow. 

Could you imagine working here? It certainly gives 'open-plan office' a whole new name!

How I'd get the look in my new studio (stil dreaming....): Z1 pendant light (it's no secret that I loooove this light - as you can see from this and this post of my home!), yards of grey linen (beautiful!), lampe gras wall sconce, old dutch teapot, Eames lounge chair and ottoman, Lisabo side table.

My workspace envy also includes the creative space of Katrin Bååth, Avenue Design Studio's converted loft and Studio Hear Hear. Don't get me wrong, I love my little home office, but it would be fun to have somewhere fabulous to go each day and be able to chat to other creatives! Don't you agree? Any tips Malmö friends?!

How does your workspace look? Do share below!

Have a lovely day!

PS Thank you so much Valentina for including both Modern Pastoral and The Scandinavian Home
in your list of 'the best interior design books you can't live without' - such an honour to be among such good company!

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