Blog Crush: James Snowden and the New Victorian Ruralist

I've often been inspired by the glorious images from the blog The New Victorian Ruralist by James Snowden who runs what appears to be a truly amazing boutique and design studio called 'Finders Keeper Market' with his partner, Randy in Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Some recent photos of their shop show just why I think this man has exceptional taste.

He's finally given us a sneak peek of his own living space and it certainly didn't disappoint.

This is what James had to say about their fantastic home:

Everyone is always asking about my own living space.  Well, here is a little peek into our bedroom.

An ebonized Mandarin sofa sits at the foot of our iron bed. A pair of reclaimed wood cocktail tables hold whatever we're reading at the moment. Beneath it all, a houndstooth-patterned sisal rug sits on Saddle Leather painted floors. The bedding is Belgian Linen from Restoration Hardware, and the Ikat window panels are from West Elm.

Our den is all about simplicity and comfort. I love the unexpected details like the vintage boat anchor resting on the reclaimed wood table.

On the mantle we have displayed a collection of vintage shoe forms — and antique ship blueprints hang over the linen tufted sofa. The wooden balustrade lamps are from Arteriors.  The wall color in both spaces is Raccoon Hollow by Benjamin Moore.

The soft colour palette, the objet de curiosité, the eclectic mix of old and new somehow come together to create a strong yet glamorous space.

Have a look at James' blog for more fantastic images.  In the meantime, I'm gonna have to figure out how to blag a ticket to Kentucky...

Take Me Away: Graham & Greene Go to Goa

Baby it's cold outside!  Fancy a week away in idyllic surroundings?

Check out Casa Tota being being hired out by Graham & Greene in Goa, a 150 year old traditional Portugese house in Assagao, complete with a housekeeper and 2 pups.

For around £428 per week in high season, it's a perfect winter getaway.  And surrounded by all things Graham & Greene?  Sounds like my idea of heaven.

For more information, click here for the full brochure.

Perfect Eclecticism

I have to say thanks to John & Sherry, those wonderful cutsie bloggers of Young House Love for providing such amazing inspiration today...  I mean, they provide inspiration nearly every day but today they just pulled out all the stops to the absolute joy of my curious little voyeuristic heart.

I always love their house-crashing posts but I simply could not resist sharing today's featured House Crash with you.  Jordon and Landon have the most fantastic, eclectic, warm and bright house.

Oh my god and they are cute as well.  
I would hate them if I wasn't secretly hoping they would adopt me.

There's just so much inspiration here that my heart is actually beating slightly faster as I go through the images another 10 times.  And the best part?  There is just so much here that they picked up second hand or created with their own two (four) hands, so it's not as though you can't recreate their lovely style in your own home.

The brick wall and the mirror just add so much charm.

Are those chairs not absolute perfection?  
They purchased them for $40 and recovered them 
with contemporary fabric.  I'm in love.

I just love that this room is both comfortable and beautiful.

How fabulous are the bright pops of orange against the grey?

There are more pictures at Young House Love so do stop by and bask in the wonder of this fabulous house.  In the meantime, I'm going to see if Landon and Jordon are looking for a lodger.

Image credits:  All images courtesy of Young House Love.

Art or Book? You decide...

How cool are these prints from Spineless Publishing?

Now whether you want to want to dig into your favourite classic without having to turn a page, impress your friends with your studiousness are or just enjoy the monochromatic artistry of typography, you can!

And yes, believe it or not, it's the text of the entire book and at a font size of 4 points, it's legible.

Don't like the choices here?  Rather have Russell Brand's Booky Wooky?  Or The Divinci Code? Well you are in luck.  If your favourite book isn't one of their featured designs, you can actually request a custom print.

I came across their site via Domestic Sluttery but it appears that this wonderful and unique design is gaining momentum in the blog world so get yours quick before they become the next 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster and everyone has 'em.  At prices starting around £60, you are sure to find one that will beat hands down that dog-eared copy you keep on your shelf.