♥ I Heart... Design Projects ♥

One of my favourite things to do is look for things that inspire me. Every year, around this time, I love searching for projects from student degree shows. The future designers and architects of the world - they are the ones to watch! Today I found myself looking through their work - oh how I miss university! I remember my degree show like it was yesterday... very proud that I had my own, beautiful exhibition stand, all dressed up to meet fellow designers and critics, with a bottle of champers to celebrate with my class mates - what a day! So here I am, sat with a brand new sketchbook and pens in front of me, AutoCAD open on my screen and a head full of ideas. I'm about to start something I should have done a long time ago...

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... 100% Design ♥

I've just received my 'be 100% design' pack in the post! This years exhibition will be held in Earls Court, London on the 22nd-25th September. I've just booked my ticket and I am beyond excited.

100% design is all about rediscovering classics and uncovering new British design. You can explore hundreds of exhibitors and source cutting-edge products for your next project. Pop over to 100% design now and register to get your ticket...

These are a few of the shows highlights for this year.

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... Photo of the Day ♥

How gorgeous is this image from squeakypeach4 on Flickr? it's called 'Above Us Only Sky'... I love it!

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... Garden Parties ♥

It's that time of year again when we get our barbecues out of hibernation, dust off the deck chairs and enjoy the sun out in our gardens. With the spells of sunshine we've been having, why not throw a little garden party? Cute jam jars filled with fresh lemonade, bunting and lanterns hung, flowers in glass bottles dotted along your table and buffet food galore! Have a look at these lovelies to inspire you...

Jane ♥

Sources: Style Me Pretty, Jose Villa, Country Living

♥ I Heart... Romantic Bohemian ♥

I couldn't resist another post about H&M's homeware range, seriously in love with them! Another trend set for A/W 2011 is a collection of purple tones, mixed with plush fabrics and vintage prints for a gorgeous boho look. This one is my favourite - imagine yourself cosying up with these 'Romantic Bohemian' beauties around you...

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... Industrial Modern ♥

After looking at different design trends for Autumn/Winter 2011, I have found a gorgeous 'industrial' inspired homeware range from H&M. They actually have some really nice bits and pieces for your home... I'm smitten! This one is called 'Industrial Modern' and it's all about raw materials mixed with soft furnishings. Pop over to H&M Home and have a nosy.

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... Photo of the Day ♥

Today's photo of the day is the 'Bilbao Guggenheim Museum' by one of my favourite architects Frank Gehry.

Jane ♥

'Bilbao Guggenheim Museum' by Wojtek Gurak

♥ I Heart... Industrial Design ♥

Today I am all about industrial design! I've been researching different design trends for Autumn/Winter 2011 and 'Industrial Modern' keeps working its way back onto my screen. One of my favourite pieces of industrial architecture is the 'Chicken Point Cabin' by Olsen Kundig Architects.

'The idea for the cabin is that of a lakeside shelter in the woods - a little box with a big window that opens to the surrounding landscape. The cabin’s big window-wall opens the entire living space to the forest and lake. Materials are low maintenance - concrete block, steel, concrete floors and plywood - in keeping with the notion of a cabin, and left unfinished to naturally age and acquire a patina that fits in with the natural setting. The use of color and texture are important in the interior of this casual family cabin. Strong blocks of colour help to define space and direct the eye. Texture in furnishings provides a soft but strong counterpoint to the hard, raw material palette.' Olsen Kundig Architects

Jane ♥

Sources: Olsen Kundig Architects

♥ I Heart... Paris ♥

Let me set the scene – after checking in at a luxury hotel, you wander the streets of Paris, taking in the sights of all the stunning architecture, smelling fresh French coffee and pastry, window shopping at Chanel… ahh the fashion! After a long day sightseeing, you find a seat in a gorgeous little restaurant that overlooks the whole of Paris, the sound of a jazz band in the background, whilst eating chocolate covered strawberries and sipping champagne. Ok, so it’s not the normal everyday scene we would find ourselves in, but oh my, it’s one we can dream about! Paris is the most amazing city I have ever visited and every now and again I find myself in a day dream about it - I've obviously been watching way too many romcoms! Today was one of those days and I found myself pouring over Paris pictures to put together a little inspiration mood board… c’est l’amour!

Jane ♥

♥ I Heart... Photography Apps ♥

My most prized possession at the moment has to be my iPhone, I actually use it for everything. I don’t know where I would be without it – sad I know. One of my favourite things about it is that I can take some fun photos with it and edit them all at the same time! A lot of people ask me what apps I use to edit my photos, so I thought I’d share with you! These are my top five apps I love to use for editing my photos. Filters, tilt shifts, light trails and retro pics galore… get downloading!

Jane ♥