When I consider the loveliest shabby chic decor inspiration, my thoughts immediately turn to Rachel Ashwell whose signature white slipcovered sofas, vintage style floral fabrics, and mostly pastel painted furniture mix with vintage treasures from the flea market and fresh flowers from the garden.
Rachel has always favored the use of white in decor, and if you have ever wondered which white paint she most often turns to, then you’ll be happy to learn:
“There are so many great paints, but lately I have kept it simple. Glidden Paint, Bright White. This is the base white that tints are added to if other tones are desired, but I like the purity of the base. On walls I use eggshell for a slight sheen and then gloss on all trim.” ~Rachel Ashwell
For even more discussion about choosing the best white paint for your walls, do visit this story. (Affiliate links follow and won’t cost you extra, yet I’ll earn a small commission if you use them for purchases.)
Rachel’s latest book A Floral Affair (with photography by Amy Neunsinger) celebrates her passion for flowers, and just look at this beautifully imperfect cake (by Claire Ptak of Violet Cakes in East London) which appears in the book and which she recently shared on her blog:
The new book:
Let’s explore photos of shabby chic decor inspiration first from Rachel Ashwell and then from a few other lovely sources. Meet me at the finish line with any favorites or thoughts about what makes this style of decor so pleasing.
Shabby Chic Decor Photos & Romantic Decor:
Rachel Ashwell
Shabby Chic Bedroom Decor & Romantic Decor Inspiration (via Rachel Ashwell)
Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic store online has more than simply furniture, and I discovered these beautifully handmade in France, silk floral crowns by Tania Bourea to be highly inspiring:
Of course, I had to know more about the artist behind the artful pieces, and Tania Bourea has a blog called Grange de Charme (Charming Barn) with lovely photos of her property:
Violet Cakes is definitely having a pastry moment since it was just announced they were chosen to make Meghan and Harry’s wedding cake! Congratulations, Violet Cakes!
I am a huge fan of Rachel Ashwell’s books, shops, and blog, and I was even lucky enough to interview her several times about her creative process and various projects including The Prairie.
I hope you found pretty inspiration to soothe your soul.
I am writing this in real time from Arizona where I am spending a few days with friends and family. We visited the Grand Canyon yesterday (breathtaking and humbling) and the day before that, Colorado charmed our pants off. Tomorrow’s wonder? I’ll let you know tomorrow!
Lovely Home Decor!
For you shabby chic fans, you will likely be a fan of this inspiring post and this one.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Rachel Ashwell has THE most endearing style. For me the mix of a little shabby with a little fancy/sparkle hits all the high notes. She style is one I shan’t tire of easily. Thank you for the lovely lovely post today!
I could be wrong, but I believe she inspired many of the DIYers today into the ‘shabby, distressed’ mode. However, if one looks closely at Rachel’s version of shabby, it isn’t nearly as distressed as many DIYers do. 😉 Yes, some of her pieces are quite distressed but often they’re distressed naturally and not quite to the point some do with ‘artificial distressing’.
What makes her style so wonderful? She sees beauty in things ‘as they are’ which means just the right amount of distressing and of course those gorgeously soft linens with only hints of subdued color in the patterns and designs.
Has Rachel inspired me? Why yes! 😉 I have a guest room with her linens on the bed, a soft-pink side table, little white dresser, a lovely barely -there pale turquoise paint on the walls called “Evening Mist”, and of course a lovely chandelier, all enhanced with some subtle pink flowers in a simple white ironstone vase and an old tea pot enhanced with a floral design (We use faux flowers until summer comes when real ones are used for guests). It’s a room our granddaughter delights in when they come to stay.
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Connie, you are spot on. Rachel has been doing her thang for so many years, and in my opinion she does not receive the credit she richly deserves. Your guest room sounds fabulous. Can I come? I can picture the pale turquoise in a room your granddaughter surely treasures. You have planted a seed in my heart…won’t it be wonderful to someday have a guest room designed for grandchildren!?! 🙂