If you have time, please take a moment to look at their inspirational slideshow that captures the true spirit and magic of India and some of the beautiful people who live there.

Here is their store and web shop locator. (images: bungalow)

So tactile, and very grandma’s house gets a mega modern makeover! And you know what I learned about crochet today that I never once thought about? This.

“Crochet is one of the few crafts that cannot be replicated by machine. The unique quality of each handmade item produced becomes the most essential part of its luxury.”

Is that not the coolest factoid ever? I think yes. I mean, it’s like crochet is untouchable, it’s the ultimate handmade product. I really like the simple, modern styles of Moonbasket. What do you think?

(images: moonbasket)

Okay so let’s look at some inspiring rooms for a moment, shall we? I thought we’d step into the world of Warren Heath. I found out about him because my friend Tine sent me this great bedroom photo and I asked her to tell me where it came from and she said she thought it was someone named Warren Heath. I googled him and found his website and there was the photo. Stunning! Then I noticed in google that my friend Emma wrote about Warren recently too after she found him in a copy of a design mag she was flipping through. Emma pretty much shared his entire portfolio here so I steal her thunder, but I will share a few of my personal favorites from his portfolio that really speak to me.

Warren Heath is represented by South African agency Frank Features and his work has appeared in top design magazines such as Elle Decoration. Definitely a photographer whom I’d love to observe in action, I imagine on his shoots he really takes a lot of patience as it’s obvious from the natural lighting that he really waits for the right moment to capture it in order to convey the mood he’s setting… And these locations, wow — I look at them and wonder why I’m not living in Australia, Cape Town or L.A. as this entire coastal aesthetic really speaks to me and I like all of the clean, modern lines. And by the way, how cute is that Blythe portrait? (images: warren heath)

In her shop, Empire Vintage, her finds are lovingly curated and artfully displayed in a way that inspires creative ideas. Just to walk through is an experience whether you actually purchase something or not. Shopping at Empire Vintage seems to be quite an  experience and to me, that is what a store should do — transport, inspire and if those things are successful then sales are part of the deal because then one wants to bring home a treasure to remind them of that special experience. From early rustic to French country and vintage industrial, this gem has a little something for everyone.

As you look through these images, shot by the talented Jillian Leiboff of Jillian Leiboff Photography, try to be in the moment and imagine walking through this shop — what would you touch? How do you imagine this shop smelling? Like patchouli or lavender or perhaps vanilla and honey? Or perhaps you can smell orange blossoms? Imagine the music that you hear… is it French pop? A favorite soundtrack? Classical? I think that it’s good to pause as you are reading your favorite blogs to take in the images that you see, study them, and even put yourself into those images in order to fully experience them.

It’s nice to slip out of your “zone” for a moment to enjoy some time for yourself to meditate, reflect and relax and that is exactly what a beautiful retail experience can do — take you away to faraway places without the jet lag! Ah, escapism.

What do you see that you like? :) I love the vintage English eiderdowns, the bunting, linen pillows, antique books, white bone china and the colorful bracelets – I would like the blue and yellow ones, please!

Shop address: 63 Cardigan Place Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.

(photos: Jillian Leiboff of Jillian Leiboff Photography)

Nicole — you are one seriously talented lady! What an inspiration. I could flip through your portfolio all day… Wait. I sorta did.

(images: nicole hill gerulat)

I bet you will think twice the next time you spot some shabby bookends at the thrift store. If they have a great silhouette just paint those bad boys and rock ‘em!

And a big P.S. — Are you not absolutely green over her massive Penguin classic book collection? I am!

(images: nicole hill gerulat)

These white dachshund darlings were designed by Jonathan Adler for Barnes & Noble and you can buy them online (they ship to Europe, too). I ordered them in October and they arrived around the holidays but I was so busy that I forgot to tell you how cute they are! I’m not in love with the lumpy bumpy wallpaper in the flat we are renting right now but it’s not bad either…. you have to appreciate and work with what you’ve been given sometimes, right? And so I have learned to live with the lumps. :)

And these are just snapshots from my day today, but above I’ve shown some loot from my weekly farmers’ market visit this morning. Not styled to perfection, just informal snaps — but this is my life and my typical days are casual and relaxed just like the flowers shown on my coffee table. In addition to tulips I found some yellow flowering branches (though it will be a surprise to see what will blossom as I have no clue what the flower lady called them in German), a little wooden doll for a euro and a pretty bread basket with ceramic blue and white handles for a few euros that I will now use for my mail.

Here are the flowers now that I’ve arranged them. Again, no frills — they are wrapped with green floral tape to keep them together as tulips can sag and I’ve placed them in a white ceramic canister from IKEA. But the over all look is warm and welcoming just how I like it — I believe that real beauty doesn’t need to be put on, are you with me on that? Style should be effortless because that’s when you know it’s authentic, and uniquely you.

How is your day? Did spring visit your part of the world today as it has for me?

(images: holly becker for decor8)

Dear Colleen has bright and cheery stationery for spring. Gotta love the wisdom in this print, “When life hands you lemons make a gin and tonic.” A woman after my own heart.

Bella Drummer art, gift tags, and other pretty things…

One Canoe Two has loads of letterpress goodness but this amazing DIY town blew me away when I read about it on Handmade Charlotte today.

Wicked Mint in Brooklyn has some wicked awesome pillows.

Gingiber prints are quirky and colorful and well, they just make me smile.

Spot any insta-faves? (images: linked to their source above)

I was excited to hear about and share this vintage party because Karrie went beyond the basics and had each girl in attendance make a pillow out of recycled fabric and vintage buttons. They also made their own book out of vintage prints from the 40’s. All of the fabrics used to decorate are vintage and the sweets were all handmade. Charming, right? Have a look at these beautiful photos as they may inspire a party of your own in the future, the palette for a piece of art you plan to begin, your wedding palette, or even how you imagine decorating your craft room.

Thank you so much Jerry for contacting me and sharing this party with decor8 readers. I think it’s just adorable and super inspiring — you really captured the moment so perfectly with your gorgeous photographs! And readers don’t miss Jeremy’s portfolio — it will make your day!

Doesn’t this party bring out the little girl in us all?

Psst: Jeremy has a beautiful blog, too.

(images: jeremy harwell)