Something that has been bouncing back and forth at  B R E A K T H E L O O P  H Q  recently has been the idea of setting up a live / work space. We both prefer to work from home, reducing the impact of unwanted energy from outside sources (if only we could put the kibosh on those emails… ) and freeing up a whole bunch of time usually spent commuting / stuck in traffic / face-to-armpit on the tube etc etc. We are however, in total agreement that the space has to be well thought out, to actually work. Space being the key word (and commodity) here as something that can be tricky to find in inner-city locations, especially when your budget is more dash than flash! Another thing to consider is whether or not you will be entertaining clients in your live / work space? If so then not only does it have to be designed well but it has to look great and be free of dirty socks et al at least 80% of the time. It’s definitely extra work but so worth it. When it comes to interiors there are endless different styles and options, colour palettes etc etc it’s easy to get overwhelmed and kind of lose track of the overall look you’re trying to achieve. When I started sourcing ideas and images for this post I went so far down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest, I almost missed meals!! Joke… I never miss meals but it was definitely close.

I’m no interior designer, sadly, I just wanted to share a little of what I love in the hope that it sets the wheels of creativity in motion for others too.

A minimalist Scandinavian style is always at the forefront of my mind whenever I’m doing a bit of interior dreaming. Those big white, airy spaces full of natural light make a great starting point and are just a joy to be in and around, definitely conducive to both creativity and productivity. Those Scandi’s also have a handle on cosy chic, I guess harsh winters with 6 or less hours of daylight per day took care of that. Think lots of textures and fabric of the fur and wool variety, perfect to hunker down in with a good book and a glass of red…

So, true to form, for the back drop to today’s interior inspiration think super high ceilings, painted white brick walls and whitewashed wooden floorboards. I absolutely love a good industrial kitchen and they are nowhere better suited than big loft style warehouse conversions, think brushed chrome fixtures, fittings and surfaces and a huge restaurant style oven, ready to produce absolute feasts. The final piece of the puzzle… furniture and accessories. Turning a home into a viable live / work space will not be cheap and so deciding to go with a more retro / vintage style of furniture will not only help to ensure that your space has a quirky, interesting feel to it but you will also (hopefully) save some dollar! Hit up your local flea markets and vintage shops to find cool items that look like they have a story to tell, don’t forget to barter! Also have a look online, there are a few few ‘free household items’ sites and gumtree, eBay etc often have some absolute gems. My final thought would be, don’t be afraid to get down and dirty with your new items of furniture! Seriously, get the sander out, buy a pot of stain / gloss / whatever… go wild!

Most of all, in your new space, always remember to…

Whilst I wouldn’t choose everything that is featured in the space below (for example… decorative twigs? No thanks!), I do love it. The sofa would also need to be twice as big, most probably an absolutely monolithic corner style.

I might swap out the lamp for a big industrial tripod style lamp…

Next up, the perfect area for eating or brainstorming with clients on big projects.

It would lead through to the kitchen that would look something like this… Only with the continuance of white walls and floors… obvs!

All that brushed copper… be still my beating heart! That speckled counter top would be swapped out for some massive hunk of reclaimed wood.

The perfect bathroom for you and any visiting client…

Sharing a bathroom with colleagues gives you the best excuse to always make sure you have great quality, matching products adorning the walls and surfaces. Think Aesop or Terrible Twins (featured below)… There is no room here for some manky old sponge and a half empty bottle of head & shoulders. Simple, understated luxury all the way.

Oh well, needs must and all that…

Oh hello handsome… Bar cart of my dreams coming up…

Perfectly placed and definitely necessary so that when you switch from work to chill mode you can put your feet up in your beautiful space and toast to all that you’ve accomplished that day!

Seeing as this post is already stretching on, (if you’re still awake… well done!) I will leave the bedroom inspo for a later date! Plus I don’t think I can handle anymore images of beautiful homes that I don’t yet live in.

Now, where did I leave that winning lottery ticket…