Anyone out there who is self-employed and works from home can tell you, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it can be one of the biggest challenges a freelancer faces. As well equipped and ideal as my apartment is to run my business out of, I still go a bit stir crazy and often feel an overwhelming need to get the heck out of here. So when I see places like Urban Station in Buenos Aires, it gets me excited to know that there are design groups out there that are finding solutions for the increasing number of freelancers.

Taking into account the various needs of the nomadic worker, Argentinean design studio Total Tool has created a combined cafe and office for workers in need of desk space. With plenty of power outlets, a help desk for all enquiries, and private meeting rooms, Urban Station is freelance heaven! I especially love the cozy seating options and the little nooks that are conducive to conversations with other freelancers. Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with creative strangers.

As the internet is providing more and more of us the opportunity to work from home, I sincerely hope that more of these types of spaces start popping up. If creativity breeds creativity, we’re going to need a lot more breeding grounds.

*via Dezeen

Every time a friend asks me where they should go on vacation or for their honeymoon, I always say Buenos Aires! I love Buenos Aires. The city is beautiful, the food is fantastic, and the people are lovely in every way possible. I vow to purchase a flat there someday! Until then, I’ll just have to admire their stunning spaces from afar. The flat below is owned by Veronica de Miero, owner and creator of Argentina’s Seco Rainwear. She and her husband (architect Jorge Mazzinghi), have created a gorgeous space that combines several of it’s original 1920′s elements, with a mixture of vintage and modern pieces. My favorite design element of this apartment is the brilliant combinations of color and pattern. I am always trying to convince others that florals and plaids and stripes really can co-exist in the same home. This incredible flat is a prime example how that is possible.

Be sure to check out additional photos here.

Andrea Posada is a multitalented Colombian artist who’s incredible technique can be seen in her illustrative work as well as her photography. Initially I was drawn to Andrea’s bright and imaginative illustration’s, but upon discovering her photography, I can’t decide which I love more! I don’t normally do this, but I absolutely have to post on both. First up is Andrea’s inspired photography shot across Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. The colors and layouts of her shots are simply breathtaking.

One of my favorite things about Argentina was the abundance of fantastic old furniture at the local flea markets and beyond. It seemed like just about every space I entered had incredible old furniture that I wanted to grab and somehow shove in my suitcase. The home of decorator and furniture vendor Marce is a gorgeous example of the type of vintage feel that is omnipresent throughout Buenos Aires. Her usage of a serene yet bold color palette against a variety of prints and patterns is incredibly well done. I just love everything about this happy home.

*via casa chaucha*

Casa Chaucha is a very cool home decor blog that features the homes of some of Argentina’s most creative designers, artists, photographers, and other young professionals. It’s a great place to get a glimpse into the unique homes of creative folks living in another part of the world. Scrolling through post after post, I noticed just how popular it is for Argentinean designers to use, what I like to call fiesta flags, to decorate their homes. I’m loving the way cotton fiesta flags add a punch of color and pattern to the homes below. What a fun, simple, and inexpensive way to decorate!

Want to try out this fun look in your happy home? Check out the selection of Fiesta Flags available over at LAMA.

*all images taken from Casa Chaucha

Indie Fixx author Jen Wallace decided to take a little vacation from her computer and honored me with an invitation to be a guest blogger for her. Cool! Naturally I decided to combine two of my favorite things, South America and interior design, for today’s guest post. Head over to Indie Fixx to check out my post “From Argentina with Color,” which features a collection of colorful photos from the homes of Argentina’s coolest independent designers.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow (oops, by tomorrow I meant Wednesday) when I share more of my favorite photos from Casa Chaucha. Thanks again Jen! I had a great time blogging on Indie Fixx!

I’ve been admiring the work of Argentinean textile artist Silvina Romero for quite some time. Most of Silvina’s extraordinary work is created from recycled pieces of fabric and thread. While many designers have chosen to work with recycled materials for environmental reasons, Silvina took this approach out of necessity during the height of the economic crisis in Argentina back in 2001. It was a way for her to continue producing beautiful work during a difficult time. I find both her personal story and her work completely inspirational!

To check out more of Silvina’s work, check out her flickr page or her website. Preciosa Silvina!! Tu trabajo es hermoso e inspirante!

I’m about to retire to my sofa for the rest of the day (I have officially decided to take a sick day). I just couldn’t leave my computer, however, without expressing my excitement over this year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar award going to Argentina for “El Secreto de Sus Ojos.” (The secret in Their Eyes). Congratulations to director Juan José Campanella for this incredible film! It’s always so thrilling for me when Latin American countries are recognized in such a big way for their artistry.

I don’t know if everyone managed to catch his message at the end (it was in Spanish with the “wrap it up” music playing over it) but director Juan José Campanella made sure to send his love and well wishes to his fellow Latinos in Chile. I was so overcome with emotion. What a great Oscar night for Argentina! Congratulations!

*photos from Peru.com

If you happen to be fortunate enough to be in Buenos Aires this weekend, I highly recommend checking out the Sustentable Diseño y Ecología Festival 09.

Here’s a brief description about this very cool event: Sustainable Design is an organization that seeks to work in activities and initiatives that cross the activity of design with environmental awareness. The group stems from the interest of its founders on issues related to ecology and responsible lifestyle with environmental issues they believe will become the most important trend of consumption and lifestyle in the coming years.

Located in the stunning Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays, this event, which is free and open to the public, “aims to disseminate sustainable sustainable design strategies implemented by designers and organizations, and in turn link to designers, marketers and producers to promote the development and discussion of responsible practices in the design.” I’m personally excited that this event will feature LAMA designers Vacavaliente and Violraviol. How I wish I could trade in my Fall Oakland weekend for a Summer weekend in Buenos Aires filled with amazing designers and the coolest sustainable products in Argentina. Maybe next year. In the meantime, I’ll just admire these photos from last year’s event:

I just want to give a special thank you to the very kind and talented Lizette Greco who was sweet enough to contact me and let me know about this event. Thank you Lizette!

Surfing the web last night, I came across the work of Bu, a talented illustrator and Fashion designer from Argentina. It didn’t take long for me to become a fan. Simply stunning! Enjoy…

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend.