Nuria Quero

There are a few things I really like having around.

First, one of my latest acquisitions, the Ikea Skådis board that every designers seems to have. It allows me to keep my desk empty but having things I use every day (like headphones, notebooks, etc) at an arm’s reach. And it’s quite aesthetic.

In terms of product, I’m quite obsessed with anything that Muji does. I find a lot of calm in writing down on paper or sketching, and having a pen and notebook that I know I enjoy, feels silly but helps a lot. And I also love the Karlsson Flip Clock that I have on my shelf. It was a gift from a friend and it’s a beautiful piece to have on display.

In general, I don’t like to get distracted by unnecessary things. So everything I have around is either something I use everyday or something that looks nice.

My secret is long walks. I use my dog Mona to just get out and walk for an hour or longer every day. I’m very fortunate to live in an area in Barcelona, very near to the Collserola mountain range, which is perfect to walk, away from the city bustle.

Lately I’ve been taking part in activities that require creativity but not necessarily looking at a screen: things like tufting rugs, pottery or embroidery are different ways to be creative and try out new things that I can bring into my work.

How embroidery helps designing for augmented reality, you ask? No idea. But I swear it does something.

Books are also a great source of inspiration and in particular, the Counterprint website, and everything they share and publish.

The hardest challenge of working from home and being a freelance: disconnecting from work. It is definitely something I’ve got better at, but it is a hard one.

If I’m working on a project that runs 9 to 5, it’s an easy one. I close the door to my office and turn off my laptop at the end of the day. But that’s not most days.

If I’m not working on anything specific or I’m just in between projects, I still try to keep the 9 to 5 mindset, and do some things to help me separate work and personal life, like meeting friends after work or doing activities that require me to get of the flat.