At Home with Rachel Ashwell: London

If you are a fan of ruffles, crystal chandeliers, vintage slipcovers... if you love to collect mismatched teacups, lacy linens, soft floral fabrics... if pretty pastels, ivories, purest of whites and textures tickle your fancy... then you are sure to love the popular Shabby Chic style founded by Rachel Ashwell.

"Shabby Chic is a look that's easy to live with and remarkably versatile. It's a study in contrasts between casual and elegant; fresh and traditional; simple and ornate; plain and patterned; rumpled and tidy. And it is a style that easily marries a variety of objects into one harmonious whole through the liberal use of white and pastels."

Sounds beautiful, doesn't it? What's more, the best thing about shabby chic is that trying to recreate the feel in your own home is actually achievable and relatively easy.

For those on a limited budget wanting to decorate shabby chic style, Rachel recommends:

1. Less is more. Keep whatever you have simple.
2. Choose select items -- a table, rug, chandalier as the centrepieces of your room.
3. Fresh flowers in separate bud vases add luxury and beauty.

4. Incorporate scented candles into the room - fragrance is important!
5. Mix and match white fabrics with different textures
6. Go flea market shopping and raid thrift stores to find inexpensive yet perfect accents for your home

Adding character to antique, distressed furniture embodies Rachel's signature style. The images shown here are all from her home... thank you Rachel for inviting us in for a peek at your haven.

With a dislike for underground and expensive taxis, Rachel rented a flat within walking distance of her London shop. The flat largely came furnished, including a couch that the landlord described as 'terribly uncomfortable'. Instead of purchasing a new one, Rachel simply applied her style by lining its cushions and back with 12 Marseille quilt pillows, instantly transforming the couch into a shabby chic sofa! How fabulous is that.

Her bedroom came furnished with a bed, two armoires and a white chest of drawers which became the deciding factors of the room. I especially love the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden outside and the clean, crisp white furniture. Tells such a beautiful story.

Finally, Rachel advises...

Romance is very important in my signature style - lighting and flowers demonstrate that. Dimmer switches allow lights to go from practical to moody.

Less is more. Leave room for everything to breathe. I do like an abundance of things such as towels, pillows, flowers or layering rugs - but I do not like cluitter.

If you don't use it, lose it. I like to have pretty things in my kitchen ready for use, but I also like an openness to my shelves. Things in my life don't have time to gather dust. If they do, that means they're not useful.

Respect the unsung hero. Make use of spaces that aren't the focal points of the house. Line drawers and cupboards with lovely vintage wallpaper, pop a vase of flowers in a nook or hallway.

Stay within the rules of beauty, comfort and function. These will always create an end result you'll love.

images via lonny

Well, I hope you have enjoyed pouring over today's feature.. it was certainly a blast for me to put together. May you all have a happy day and be inspired in one way or another to create something utterly and uniquely charming for your own homes!