It’s rare to find an interiors shop that isn’t all ‘minimalist chic’ or cookie cutter design, least of all in an old cotton town in Lancashire. Live Like the Boy, however, is a veritable treasure trove of seventies style, industrial accessories and contemporary quirks.

The first thing that strikes you as you enter the shop is the rainbow of colour practically radiating onto the street. There’s an immediate feeling of warmth and happiness, owing in no small part to Ashley, the shop’s owner who’s always ready with a cheery ‘hello’ along with his adorable dachshund, Stanley.

Ashley sources and curates every piece himself, from vases to chairs, and is the perfect person to ask if you aren’t sure how something could work in your home. From Magpie cushions adorned with Britain’s best loved birds and vintage chairs upholstered in vibrant fabrics, to eclectic cards and Mini Moderns wallpaper, there is something to suit every style and desire. I guarantee you won’t be able to leave empty handed!

It’s hard to believe that, little over a year ago, Colne was seen as just another industrial relic that had passed its best. Live Like the Boy has proven the naysayers wrong; a diamond in the rough responsible for bringing trendy new shops, tearooms and eateries to this forgotten town, and the perfect place to escape to come rain or shine.

Images by Charlotte Varela