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.

As this year is starting to come to an end, my mind has been racing with excitement over everything I’m hoping will come in the new year. High on my list of things I’m hoping will happen is another shopping trip to Buenos Aires. It seems that so much has happened down there since my last trip in 2008 and I’m dying to catch up! I’ll definitely be stopping by Bartolomea, an adorable little store located in Palermo, BA.

Bartolomea is a gorgeous little boutique shop stock full of colorful and eclectic items for your home. They carry both new and vintage merchandise from flea markets, local designers, and beyond. I think I want ten of everything!

If you’re in or heading to Buenos Aires, be sure and check out Bartolomea. Then send me an email and brag all about it! I promise I won’t hate you.

I was blown away when I discovered the work of graphic design student Valeria Montero. Based in Buenos Aires, this multitalented artist works in several mediums but I am particularly drawn to her illustration and collage work. This young student certainly has a bright future ahead of her. If only she made prints of her work, I’d buy them all!

I highly recommend checking out the rest of work.

*via*

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*

I’m slightly late on my post today due to the blissful state I’m in at the moment (but more on that tomorrow). Today I’m admiring the work of Buenos Aires based artist Lino Divas. Simple and colorful with a touch of humor, this charming work is right up my alley.

*via*

I know I just returned from one, but I can’t seem to get vacation off my mind. One of my favorite places to visually vacation in is the Hotel Home located in Buenos Aires. I love the mix of ethnic elements with modern design pieces. It’s truly an interior design gem with room after room of inspiring spaces.

I’m completely smitten with the work of Buenos Aires based illustrator Sol Linero. A girl after my own heart, two of her favorite subjects are her pets and tea! How could I not be in love? Believe me, if I could draw, you would see a whole bunch of adorable illustrations of teacups, and Miles, and Miles sitting in teacups… Maybe it’s best that I can’t draw more than a stick figure. Anyhow, check out a few of my favorite illustrations by Sol.

To view more of Sol’s work, check out her flickr page, website, and etsy shop!

It’s been a pretty gray week here in the Bay Area, so I’m really loving the bright and beautiful colors in this abstract collage art by Silvana Mosquera of Buenos Aires based Al Borde Llama. I would love to have one of these pieces in my office!

Click here to check out more work by Al Borde Llama.

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!