Rachel Ashwell: Pretty Blue Shabby Chic Vintage Style Inspiration

Pretty Blue Shabby Chic Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell revisits a romantic, tattered, vintage, timeworn design inspiration journey traveled here for a dozen years. (We explored shabby pinks HERE). If you admire Rachel Ashwell’s unfussy vintage style, romantic wonder, chippy-peely beautiful flea market chic, and feminine English country with a California twist goodness, you’ll be drawn to sweet moments below. It was way back in 1989 when Shabby Chic officially sparked our love for faded teals, aqua, chambray, and pale sky on pillows, bedding, wallpaper and more. If blue is your favorite color, ooh la la, you’re in the right place too.

Pipi vanity chair in aqua floral at a vintage vanity - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #vanitychairs #shabbychicdecor #romanticflorals #dressingrooms

Beautiful Blue Shabby Chic Imagined by Rachel Ashwell

Have a Pinterest board reserved for the prettiest shabby chic decor inspiration? Pin away today from here or create one today with these moments. I’d love for you to click here to visit my own shabby chic board and re-pin away!

Oh that Pipi vanity chair! I can’t stop staring!

English Country Cottage Magic

The “blue” may be a pale grey door to a cottage blossoming with pink roses clinging to its cozy beauty, but isn’t it just so Rachel Ashwell?

Beautiful light grey door on an English country cottage with climbing pink roses - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #englishcountryhouse
Photo: Rachel Ashwell/Shabby Chic

Reminds me of all of the gorgeous art from Laurence Amelie offered at Rachel’s shops over the years:

Beautiful pale pink floral oil painting by Laurence Amelie in Shabby Chic (Rachel Ashwell). #laurenceamelie #roseoilpainting
Painting: Laurence Amelie
Spring quote of encouragement on Hello Lovely Studio
Rachel Ashwell Official Shabby Chic - blue cushion on a chippy white vintage desk chair. #officialshabbychic

Pretty Blue Bedroom Inspiration

If it has been awhile since you have caught up with Shabby Chic and its multiple brands, you should visit them HERE.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom
Watermark Bedding, Shabby Chic

The timeless florals and sumptuous bedding options are collected the world over for good reason. They will never fall from favor!

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom

And imagine the ease of decorating a room from scratch when you start with a fabric print this lovely and the color story blossoms from its beauty.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom

I know the hearts of vintage style lovers are already racing about now at the sight of these bedroom pieces so imperfectly perfect.

Paradise Floral bedding from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture.
Paradise Floral bedding, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Blue Shabby Chic Decorating: Photos of Interiors with Shabby Chic Style As Well As Shopping Resources to Get the Look.

It is a testament to Rachel Ashwell’s timeless aesthetic that the pieces she began collecting back in the 1980s for herself and clients still look fresh and relevant and luxuriously livable today.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom

It’s that sensibility that I adore because it honors the earth, and there’s a deep humility embedded in the philosophy and practice of shabby chic design.

Tender wish of encouragement on Hello Lovely Studio.

And it’s never one note! Notice the simplicity and minimal wonder of this bedroom with its pale blue “painted paneling.”

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom

Does it get any more fresh, pure, and lovely when only the necessary is included?

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicbedroom

What if Floral Prints Aren’t Your Thing?

Working with floral patterns can be a challenge when you want the look to have longevity. Let’s face it. Many of tire of little fussy prints and pattern. But when the floral is designed thoughtfully, when the colors are chosen mindfully and carefully, well then…you are bound to find the one that speaks your language and for which you will gladly build a room around!

Inspirational quote to encourage, uplift, and inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationaquotes #quotes #encouragement #personalgrowth #courage #kindness

Rachel’s California Infused English Country

What seems to distinguish official shabby chic design elements from what others loosely term “shabby and chic” is a rootedness to the English countryside.

Vintage American Beauties pillow on a porch swing with a sumptuous cushion - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #porchswings #vintagepillows

There’s a rich history from which Rachel draws from her heritage. Antiques and objects in the home are meant to be used and loved and not to fill space.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

Cool, California breezy vibes lighten up the look with liberal doses of white and beachy influences.

Shabby Chic floral wallpaper options at Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic.

Bringing the outside in with fresh flowers, arranged simply and casually?

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

Such a common denominator for the two harmonious styles.

Beauty quote by Alice Walker on Hello Lovely Studio. #beautyquotes #soulfulquotes #alicewalker

Unfussy, Effortless Livable Lovely Interiors

My favorite aspect of shabby chic homes is their relaxed approach to decorating and lifestyle.

Soho Slipcover Bed by Shabby Chic Couture (Rachel Ashwell).
Soho Slipcover Bed, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Modern life is fussy and complicated enough. Home should feel like a precious sanctuary where you are free to BE.

White Cluny bedskirt. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
White Cluny Bedskirt, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Light Blue & White Shabby Chic Decorating Inspiration With Decidedly Timeless and Tranquil Ideas for Home. Photos of lovely interiors with blue and white accents as well as shopping resources for home decor, gifts, and shabby chic finds.

And in her books, television series, and messaging in social media, Rachel models this relaxed approach to daily living.

Beautiful blue grey painted trim and door on a white painted brick English country house - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #englishcountrygarden #englishcountryhouse

How refreshing is it to see the consistency and everlasting charm of the ideas she put into practice for her own purposes back in the 1980s?

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

While so many other brands and celebrities continue to reinvent themselves every year or season, we can count on a steady, timeless, comforting beauty from a brand that celebrates age and patina.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor
Inspirational quote about courage on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #quotes #couragequotes #encouragementquote

Honoring the Flea Market

It is clear that this designer still has a passion for hunting down vintage treasures, and I often think of her advice when I am shopping at the market.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

She has always emphasized getting there early!

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

And while it’s tempting to look at all of the treasures displayed at eye level, Rachel told me (yes, I have interviewed her a few times!) to glance down or in another direction.

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicchair

You never know what you will spy!

Beautiful pastel blue Shabby Chic decor, bedding and accents from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #rachelashwellshabbychic #shabbychicdecor

My own love for collecting ballet slippers and pointe shoes goes back to my childhood, but I have learned so much about styling from watching Rachel casually set a mood.

Inspiring Linen Fabric With Quiet Blue

Inspired by the vintage fabric she finds at the market, she creates new patterns for us! Here’s one of my favorites:

Shabby Chic Couture fabric Blossom Teal on Grain by Rachel Ashwell.
Blossom Teal on Grain fabric, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Light Blue & White Shabby Chic Decorating Inspiration With Decidedly Timeless and Tranquil Ideas for Home. Photos of lovely interiors with blue and white accents as well as shopping resources for home decor, gifts, and shabby chic finds.

Ahhhh, the quiet grandeur in that pattern!

It’s an investment for sure, but I’m not sure any other furniture company has come up with a comparable product to top this one! You know what they say about buying the best sofa you can find: buy once, cry once.

White sectional sofa. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
Design: Rachel Ashwell. White Squishy sectional sofa, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Light Blue & White Shabby Chic Decorating Inspiration With Decidedly Timeless and Tranquil Ideas for Home. Photos of lovely interiors with blue and white accents as well as shopping resources for home decor, gifts, and shabby chic finds.

A Love for White Decor!

Even if you’re not a flowery type of person, there’s so much to gain from studying these looks with liberal white and neutral color stories.

Shabby chic living room designed by Rachel Ashwell.
Design: Rachel Ashwell

And don’t get me started on the romantic chandeliers Rachel has always used in her designs so exquisitely!

Rustic farm table and dining chairs by Shabby Chic Couture by Rachel Ashwell.

Modern farmhouse is wonderful as a style, but farmhouse farmhouse (or what we all just used to call country decorating) will always belong.

Ethereal and poetic painting (Subtle Blues) by Jorunn Mulen of Norway for Shabby Chic Couture (Rachel Ashwell).
Jorunn Mulen “Subtle Blues” painting, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Rachel loves the work of Norwegian artist Jorunn Mullen, and the modern slightly edgy pieces work so well with more old fashioned furniture and decor.

Ethereal and poetic painting (Contradiction 2) by Jorunn Mulen of Norway for Shabby Chic Couture (Rachel Ashwell).
Jorunn Mulen “Contradiction 2” painting, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Light Blue & White Shabby Chic Decorating Inspiration With Decidedly Timeless and Tranquil Ideas for Home. Photos of lovely interiors with blue and white accents as well as shopping resources for home decor, gifts, and shabby chic finds.

The colors in these works are often quiet, muddied, and pastel.

Ethereal and poetic painting by Jorunn Mulen of Norway for Shabby Chic Couture (Rachel Ashwell).
Jorunn Mulen painting, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

There’s also a lightness about them in that they aren’t taking themselves overly serious.

Ethereal and poetic painting by Jorunn Mulen of Norway for Shabby Chic Couture (Rachel Ashwell).
Jorunn Mulen “Indigo of Water” painting, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Faith Behind the Scenes

Rachel is known for her faith, and symbols of it show up in pieces she collects and displays in her shops and homes.

Large wood rosary. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
Prayer Beads, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture.

If you haven’t peeked inside books by Rachel lately, go find them and discover them anew!

Forever Florals. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
Forever Florals, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

These are uncertain, confusing, revolutionary times we are living through, and taking a meditative moment to absorb beauty is not a small thing.

Forever florals. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
Forever florals, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

I personally plan to enjoy this summer as if it’s 1992…or some year pre-smart phone and pre-me-using-the-internet and pre-technological cray cray surge.

White ceramic vases. Shabby Chic Couture Design Inspiration from Rachel Ashwell!
White ceramic vases, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Peek Inside One of Rachel’s Stunning Books:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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9 Comments

  1. Carol
    June 14, 2019 / 7:25 am

    I thought shabby chic was out? People are looking for a more minimalist modern look. At least thats what I’m seeing. Its pretty though.

    • Michele
      Author
      June 14, 2019 / 11:29 am

      It doesn’t interest me to hear something is out or in since Hello Lovely is not about trends. Rachel Ashwell stays true to the look which is worth investing in because it is also not concerned about popularity. I’m in the business of timeless and tranquil – which transcend what is coming down the runway or being hyped in social media. 🙂

      • meg bush
        May 27, 2023 / 5:03 am

        good for you! I found this to be a refreshing break! Thank you

        • Michele
          Author
          May 27, 2023 / 10:36 am

          thanks for visiting. 🙂

  2. June 15, 2019 / 7:40 am

    What is it about Shabby Chic that I still love it? It must be timeless, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!
    xo
    Holly

    • Michele
      Author
      June 15, 2019 / 11:25 am

      Truly it’s timeless. Plus Rachel Ashwell’s interpretation is full of such integrity, unwavering devotion, and humility. A design style tolerant of chippy, peely, cracked, tarnished and shabby finishes has no time for stuffy pretension. I could go on…. Thanks for reading, lovely one!

  3. Charlotte
    June 1, 2023 / 7:30 pm

    I totally agree with your comment about timeless and tranquil. I could care less what other people think about my decor tastes and I am not going to follow what social media, magazines, the runway, etc. say is popular. We must be ourselves and not what someone else says we should be. Great comment Michele!

    • Michele
      Author
      June 1, 2023 / 7:33 pm

      That’s the spirit! I’m too lazy anyway to be reinventing rooms and wardrobes every season – who has the extra energy? 🙂

  4. Charlotte
    June 3, 2023 / 7:39 pm

    Great point!

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing