{ Hello Melbourne }

My husband and I have moved once again, this time to beautiful Melbourne, Australia! We spent two wonderful years in Europe and we will forever treasure the amazing friendships made and adventures we had. Now, a new chapter in our lives start in Australia and we are just as excited for what this journey will hold.

Photos by Design Loving

{ The place I call home }

It feels like forever since my last post, I’ve been MIA on the blogosphere for two reasons…

Firstly, I went home to South Africa for a long overdue visit. It was amazing not only to see my family and friends again, but also because it made me remember why I love South Africa so much! The beautiful scenery made me feel so at home. Africa really does run in my veins and it’s nice to be reminded about it when living so far away.

The second reason is that I’m busy preparing for another big move; my husband and I are relocating to another country, across continents…AGAIN. We are both excited about our move but also a bit nervous, it’s a fun new adventure but with it inevitably comes a few challenges.

Later this week I’ll let you know which country we will be moving to, so watch this space!

Photos by Design Loving

{ My Marimekko Picks }

I frequently visit Moose in the city in Antwerp just to see all the marvellous Marimekko products – These pieces are definitely at the top of my ‘dream home’ wish list:
1. Unikko teapot
2. Siirtolapuutarha teacup
3. Siirtolapuutarha plate
4. Siirtolapuutarha coffee cup
5. Oiva Pörkki serving pot
6. Siirtolapuutarha mug
7. Kurpitsa cushion cover
8. Unikko teacup

{ Design Loving Collection # 2 }

Shop these lovelies here:
One: Colourfield Collage Cushion from Anthropologie.eu
Two: Rainbow Bunting Cake Flags from Poketo
Three: Laguiole Cheese Knife Set from Anthropologie.eu
Four: Graphic Diner Apron from ModCloth
Five: Le Creuset Demi Kettle from Zappos.com
Six: Kitchen & Co. from Anthropologie.eu
Seven: Oenophilia Recycled Wine Bottle Tumblers from Zappos.com
Eight: Porcelain Chemistery Flask Small & Large from Ferm Living

Inspiration Photo by Design Loving

{ Zsolt Vidak : Greetings from Budapest }

On our recent trip to Budapest we were looking for shelter from the rain and stumbled upon this awesome art & design shop called Rododendron. Here I discovered the work of Hungarian illustrator Zsolt Vidak and I instantly fell in love with his amazing colour palette and illustration style. I bought the top print called “Greetings from Budapest” and I can’t wait to hang it on my wall. If you are interested in seeing more of his great work visit his website or shop for a print here or here.

{ A Fascinating City Escape }

I’ve just come back from a short city trip to Budapest, Hungary and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t quite know what to expect but I was blown away by this city that is rich in history and coloured with breath-taking views in shades of amber, burgundy and teal. With great food, friendly locals, interesting sights and reasonable prices I would definitely recommend Budapest for a city getaway.

Photos by Design Loving

{ Beautiful objects by Seung-Yong Song }

Seeing beautiful and cleverly designed products always puts a smile on my face and these gorgeous objects by Seoul based designer Seung-Yong Song have done just that. I love his clever use of scale, materials and play between light and heavy, delicate and bold. The top image features his Rong portable lights and the bottom his V4 vases. Check out more of Song's work here.

{ Sylvia Pichler's SS12 Collection }

Sylvia Pichler, the designer behind the Italian label Zilla has once again created a beautiful bag collection for this season. The SS12 collection showcases her trademark organic textures from knitted linen to jute yarn and leather. I previously blogged about her amazing sponge and cork bags if you would like to have a peek here.

{ The Trashcam Project }

Every now and then a project comes along that totally blows my mind, and this one does just that! The Trashcam Project sees Hamburg’s garbagemen using their garbage containers as giant pinhole cameras to capture their favourite spots in the city they love and work hard to keep clean. Not only is the process remarkable - with exposure time ranging from a few minutes to over an hour and no viewfinder to help with composition, the results are astonishing. The images are crisp, beautifully atmospheric with amazing tonal variation. You can visit The Trashcam Project flickr page to see more of their amazing work. I certainly can’t wait to see more!

Credits: The Trashcam Project was developed by Christoph Blaschke, Mirko Derpmann, Scholz & Friends Berlin and the Hamburg Sanitation Department with the help from Hamburg based photographer Matthias Hewing.

{ Hanging Chair by MUT }

The Nautica Chair designed by MUT forms part of their 2012 product range, which was recently showcased at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. Inspired by light reflecting on the ocean, this chair looks like the perfect way to sit back, relax and at least pretend like you’re on a beach holiday.

For more on MUT visit their website or read about their amazing Leaf Swing and Roots Planters here.

{ Serious Drawings }

Some seriously awesome drawings by Marc Johns to brighten up your day! Go here for more of his great work and here to buy an original.

{ Plate Up }

Here are some fun & fabulous plates to make your next table setting a sure talking point.

One: Good Evening Dinner Plate from Anthropologie.eu
Two: Fox Plate from Donna Wilson coming soon
Three: Beardy Man Plate from Donna Wilson
Four: Sacaton Dinner Plate from Anthropologie.eu
Five: Sacaton Dinner Plate from Anthropologie.eu
Six: Watercolour Petals Dinner Plate from Anthropologie.eu
Seven: Flame Leaf Salad Plate from Anthropologie.eu
Eight: Birds Nest Plate from Donna Wilson
Be Merry Postcards from Keep Calm Gallery
Eat Your Greens Postcards from Keep Calm Gallery

{ Have you met Miss Jones }

Have you met Miss Jones is a lifestyle and home décor company founded by Jennifer Jones. This Australian based online shop boasts a wide range of contemporary bone china and clay pottery. Visit their website to see more great pieces.

{ In Bruges }

I took these photos in Bruges a week ago, it’s my go-to place whenever guests come to visit in Belgium. It’s probably one of my favourite cities – It’s picture perfect! Have you ever been to Bruges? I would suggest visiting it in Autumn, it is absolutely gorgeous when all the leaves start changing colour.

Photos by Design Loving

{ Skinny laMinx: Wild Flowers }

I’m always excited to see what gorgeous new designs Heather Moore creates for her label Skinny laMinx, so I was thrilled to see the lovely animation she created to promote her new collection ‘Flower Dreams’. The centerpiece of this collection is ‘Wild Flowers’ which is a large-scale two colour screenprinted design available in four colourways: Strawberry Humbug, Lemon Humbug, Strawberry Plum and Lemon Plum. For more Skinny laMinx loving you can visit the blog, shop on etsy or read a previous post here.

{ The Most Beautiful Bookstore }

Maastricht, the Netherlands is home to the Selexyz Dominicanen Bookstore. This breathtaking bookstore is housed in a renovated Dominican church dating back to 1294. The infusion of old and new was brilliantly executed by architectural firm Merkx + Girod who managed to highlight the grandeur of the original church and preserve it’s majestic atmosphere by positioning a colossal walk-in steel bookcase asymmetrically in the church. The upper level of the bookcase allows one to experience the church from a new perspective and have a close-up view of the historical murals. A treasure worth uncovering if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands. Plus, how awesome is that door!?

Photos by Design Loving

{ Beyond the Letter }

The work of London based artist Mark Powell has me captivated. With vintage envelopes as his canvas and biro (ballpoint) pen as his medium he has created a moving collection of illustrations. Not only do I love his sensitive line-work but also the remarkable play between his characters and envelopes.

The originals are available for purchase on Powell’s website and prints are available at Society6.

{ 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