When Rachel Ashwell’s book “The Shabby Chic Home” debuted in 2000, she was already renowned for her blend of new and vintage decor at her boutique in Santa Monica, California. Over the years, the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture brand has expanded, with stores popping up nationwide, including a flagship store in Round Top, Texas, and a charming bed-and-breakfast called The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell.
Embracing the essence of imperfection, Ashwell finds allure in timeworn and antique pieces. She shares that her upbringing, surrounded by items with character and charm, influences her design philosophy. Flea markets were a familiar setting for her family outings, with her mother crafting antique dolls’ clothes using frayed fabrics, and her father dealing in antique books. These experiences instilled in Ashwell a love for the unique stories and history behind each piece.
When scouring flea markets for treasures, Ashwell advises having a clear vision of what is needed for specific rooms. She gravitates towards items with authentic paint in soft hues like pale green and ivory, as well as bleached woods. The value of an item to her plays a crucial role in her purchasing decisions, allowing her to assess its worth before hearing the price. Not limiting herself to large furniture pieces, she finds joy in discovering small details like vintage ribbons or tin containers that add a touch of nostalgia to gift wrapping.
Reflecting on her favorite Simply Shabby Chic pieces, Ashwell praises the timeless elegance of balloon shades and the enchanting Rose Wreath bath collection. She enjoys mixing Target pieces with other finds to create unexpected and eclectic looks that capture the essence of blending flea-market treasures with a touch of magic from the past.
Shabby chic decor, with its blend of vintage charm and modern elegance, continues to captivate design enthusiasts seeking a cozy and inviting aesthetic. Rachel Ashwell’s journey from flea market expeditions with her parents to curating her signature style has left an indelible mark on the interior design landscape, inspiring a new wave of decorators to embrace imperfection and celebrate the beauty of timeworn treasures.
As the allure of shabby chic design endures, Ashwell’s insights into the art of creating inviting spaces with character and charm serve as a beacon for those looking to infuse their homes with a nostalgic yet contemporary flair. The fusion of old and new, rustic and refined, exemplifies the enduring appeal of shabby chic decor in a world that craves authenticity and individuality in design.
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