If there is one thing I am loving about going part time (and honestly, there are SO MANY THINGS) it’s having the opportunity to get out and about and actually do things! One of those very fun things I got to do recently was meet the very lovely blogger, interior designer and man-about-town Ashley Sutcliffe who owns and operates a very cool little shop in gorgeous Colne called Live Like the Boy, about an hour’s drive north of me.
I think it’s natural that people assume that all the coolest shops and the people who actually know and love design are all in London. In fact, I think there are quite a lot of people who forget about ‘The North’ completely when it comes to interior design. Which is a shame and frustrates me because there is a lot of talent up here dammit! And I’m gonna prove it today.
Meet Ash and his amazingly sweet pup, Stanley.
I mean, when the first story someone tells you is how they had a “wardrobe malfunction” in their local Sainsbury’s and how they had to hide their “not even very trendy blue underpants” from curious onlookers whilst pushing a shopping trolley, that’s pretty much all it takes for me. Ya know when you meet someone and immediately think, ‘Yep, I’m gonna like you…’? THAT.
Ashley’s shop is filled to the brim with absolute magic. There is just so much to see, especially for a magpie like myself. Quirky, retro, vintage, industrial – he’s got it all.
There’s an amazing selection of NLXL wallpaper – faux finishes that look like tin are my favourites although I’m quite partial to the L’afrique archives wallpaper as well. Honestly, you would be hard pressed to not find something you didn’t love.
From cushions to wallpaper to vintage finds to the most curious ephemera, you will find a wealth of hidden gems inside his store.
If you get the chance to come ‘oop North’, do give Colne (a lovely town in itself) and Ashley and Stanley a visit and tell them I sent you! (You might even get tea and biscuits like I did – BOOM.)
I read your blog in an RSS reader and it seems you recently turned off your site feed? I understand bloggers worry about people stealing their content, but you lose readers that way, too. =*(
I haven't turned it off but I have made some changes. I need to check and see why it's not working for you – what RSS feed are you using? x
I saw a handful of things I want. Why don't I live in 'The North'?!
Oh we would have so much fun if you did! COME! xxx
It looks delightful, and certainly eclectic. Sounds like Ashley is the host with the most too- tea AND biscuits! xxx
'big up' to the North! Shop looks amazing and love both of your blogs! I need to get myself to Colne!
Stanley is adorable! Need that "piss off" sign!!! The wallpaper is so good too.<br />(And I have to ask, are you sharing your kitties with my readers soon? I know I'm a pain in the ass or you can just give me the "piss off" sign :)<br />
I've got a week off in November, I think I now where one of my days will be spent, lol xxx
What an absolute treasure trove! Ashley has an amazing eye. If ever I'm up in Colne, I'll definitely pop by! In the meantime, off to check his website :)