Interior Designer Rachel Ashwell
British-born interior designer and founder of Shabby Chic, Rachel Ashwell, has a soft spot for Blighty’s quirky ways and dapper designs.
Having spent the last 20 years building her ever-expanding brand of fresh yet homely interiors in the US, including a string of stores, six bestselling books and a hit TV show, she’s come to London.
Her personal mix of laid-back Malibu beach life with British individuality and charm reflects everything she does, so it seems fitting that London’s style outpost and antiques epicentre was where Shabby Chic migrated – Notting Hill.
What made you decide to bring Shabby Chic here?
‘A lovely little jewel of a store in Notting Hill became available so the timing seemed to be perfect.’
How are you finding living and working in Notting Hill?
‘I love, love, love living in Notting Hill. The mixture of the neighbourhood feelings and the hustle and bustle of Portobello Road antiques market satisfy my many interests.’
Do you ever peek into people’s windows to see how they’ve fixed up the place?
‘I’m not really a peeker into other people’s homes. But I do love to see curtain treatments and shutters and imagine lots of happy families.’
Where are the best places to find inspiration and treasures?
‘Flea markets, movies and magazines are my places of inspiration. But it’s also to do with how I am open to seeing, editing and experiencing what I see.’
What makes a home stylish?
‘A stylish home to me has an authentic point of view. I like iconic pieces and personal pieces, in my case inspirational art with words, religious or royal themes.’
How personal is your work?
‘My stores and designs are a soulful, authentic, truthful reflection of me and my lifestyle and values.’
What makes a house a home?
‘Having something inviting and welcoming at every corner – and that doesn’t necessarily take years of gathering and personal clutter. Personal photos, fresh flowers to show recent living, soft music and the smell of home cooking are all things to me that create “home”.’
Which is your favourite room at home?
‘My favourite room is my bedroom. It’s rather minimal but luxurious. There are always fresh flowers, even if it’s just a fresh rosebud. And abundantly lovely bedding makes it a perfect place to begin and end my day.’
Which pieces of furniture are most worth investing in?
‘A sofa and lighting to me are anchors of furnishing that are worth investing the most. In time they should become heirlooms so quality and classic shapes should be considered. Over time, fabrics and lampshades can be tweaked or changed creating different flavours.’
What makes something catch your eye in a flea market or antique shop?
‘I’m always on the lookout for my palette of pastels, ivory, white, or smoky shades of grey in wonderful authentic paint. Unless I’m looking for a specific piece or purpose, it’s the paint that catches my eye.’
Are you a hoarder?
‘The only thing I hoard is tat – I’m just like my mum! Tat to me is scruffy laces, scraps old velvet and fabrics rumpled into a few drawers.’
Who inspires you?
‘I get inspired by the unsung heroes – people who I meet at flea markets who put their heart and soul into their products and their presentation. They’re always unique and heartfelt.’
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Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.