{ Design Loving Collection #1 }

Moonlight Meander is the title of the first collection for Design Loving’s new feature. It was inspired by a photo taken in Wijngaard street in Antwerp, Belgium. I’d like to share some more photo inspired shopping round-ups in the future, so if you like it, I’ll keep them coming!

One: Love Chloé Eau De Parfum Spray from Zappos
Two: Spot Chocolate Dress from ModCloth
Three: Lomo Diana F+ Camera Starter Kit from Amazon.co.uk*
Four:  Butter London Nail Polish from Zappos
Five: Cutout Cookie Wedge from ModCloth
Six: Kate Spade NY Treasure Chest Ring from Zappos
Seven: Fossil Convertible Tote from Zappos

*DL is an Amazon.co.uk associate

{ My Favourite Colour }

My favourite colour is the brand spanking new label by South African fine artist Frances White. Her surface design label was launched at this year’s Design Indaba, showcasing a vibrant range of cushions inspired by South African flora and birdlife. Frances has some exciting products in the pipeline from fabric by the metre to tablecloths, placemats and tea towels, so be sure to bookmark her page or follow her on facebook.

{ My name written all over it }

You can imagine my excitement when firstly; I discovered a bag called the ‘Linnet’ featured at number 2 and secondly, when I discovered how gorgeous the whole Esther Porter bag range is. Let’s just say it triggered an instant gchat conversation with my husband, whether he was interested or not!

Esther Porter bags are designed and handmade in England. You can find them here or at Independent Boutique.

1. Tansy - Medium-sized satchel
2. Linnet - Small cross-body bag
3. Lark - Medium-sized satchel
4. Campion - Very large roomy zipped tote
5. Grebe - Large roomy tote bag

So we already know which bag is my favourite! Which bag do you adore?

Photos by Rita Platts

{ Made me smile }

These super cute tea light holders can be found on the Norwegian online shop Hviit. They have tons of cool design, interior and lifestyle products so click on over!

{ The Faceture Project }

FACETURE from Phil Cuttance on Vimeo.

I am totally in awe of this series by Phil Cuttance, which consists of vases, light-shades and tables. Each FACETURE product is made by casting a water-based resin into unique handmade molds, assuring each object is one of a kind. I love the dramatic triangular facets contrasted with the pastel colour palette and how artistic and authentic the process is, beautifully captured in the video by Petr Krejci.

The FACETURE project was created with the support of Creative New Zealand.

Image and video credits: Petr Krejci

{ The Versalette }

Kristin and Shannon are two incredible ladies that met while travelling and soon discovered that they shared a love for adventure, fashion and sustainability. This shared passion lead to their collaboration that is now {r}evolution apparel. Through careful consideration, sourcing and design, they not only want to revolutionise the way clothing is designed and made but also the way it is consumed, challenging us as consumers to be smart about our fashion choices and through this create a more sustainable clothing industry.

This revolution begins with one piece - the versalette that can be worn over 15 different ways. It is minimalist clothing for the female adventurer that wants to look good but at the same time make a positive impact on the environment.

The versalette is smart and beautiful and definitely challenges the way we look at our wardobe. Less really is more! To see more ways to wear the versalette or to pre-order yours visit the website and blog.

{ Chairs to Cherish }

These overdyed chairs by Anthropologie definitely speak for themselves! All I'm going to say is that they're AWESOME and I want one in each colour!

{ RAW perfection }

The RAW collection designed by Jens Fager consists of the lounge chair, side table and candelabra and is available through Muuto. My heart is aching to have one of those candelabras. Isn’t it just perfect? To see more fabulous Muuto products see this post.

{ Home Sweet Home }

Caroline, Mikael and their son Elton share this beautiful home in the Swedish countryside. Their home story was featured on live from IKEA FAMILY and is a beautiful marriage between modern aesthetics and cosy charm. I love all the white breathing space and high ceiling combined with earthy textures.

To get this look there are some great IKEA products to get you started:
1. Quilt cover in chequered blue
2. Sofa bed in white
3. Pendant lamp shade
4. Plaid throw
5. Aluminium pendant lamp
6. Grey sheepskin
7. Norden dining table
8. Erland chair

{ The fine art of printing }

In 1555 Christoffel Plantin opened a printing establishment in Antwerp, Belgium called the Gilded Compass. 21 years later he moved into a building that now houses the Plantin Moretus Museum.

It is here that Plantin created one of the world’s leading printing and publishing houses and the reason why he became known as the most important printer of his era.

After Plantin’s death his son-in-law Jan Moretus took over the firm and today the museum houses the printing offices, workshop, library and printing room, all of which have been preserved in their original state.

This museum is a must see for all lovers of typography and printing. The museum houses an original Gütenberg Bible, the world’s two oldest printing presses, original typographical matrices by Garamond and the first printed Atlas. If this doesn’t get you weak at the knees – which it should, there are over 30 rooms filled with beautiful printing archives, artworks and printing equipment.

The museum also organises workshops on printing techniques and typography and seems to be very child friendly.

Photos by Design Loving and Iwona Marczak

{ DL Loves }

I’m back from a very spur of the moment week of travelling and it was fabulous! There is nothing better than spending time with fabulous friends and discovering amazing places together. This week it’s back to blogging and I’ve got some cool things I’d like to share with you, so watch this space!

Photos by Design Loving