Rachel Ashwell talks Shabby Chic

Rachel Ashwell was one of the key players in making vintage style in the home fashionable. She founded the iconic brand known as Shabby Chic in 1989, causing people to look anew at their homes and the way they lived. She has a relaxed approach to design, where comfort is key. Hitting a chord with her followers post credit crunch, shabby chic style has never been more popular.

The Good Web Guide caught up with the doyenne of shabby chic at Selfridges, during the launch of her latest book, Shabby Chic Interiors.

Five words that best describe you?

Sensitive, authentic, quiet, appreciative and nostalgic.

When did design begin to feature in your life? Was it a defining moment? How old were you?

Initially my interest grew due to my parents and their passion for flea markets and antiques.  As an adult I put all the pieces together when I had my 2 children.  I wanted to be able to do something from home whilst looking after the children.

What started your interest in vintage?

Just an appreciation for time-worn elegance or ‘tattered elegance'.

Is shabby chic style different in the US to its interpretation in the UK?

No.  Shabby Chic's philosophy is beauty, comfort and function - something I believe is universal.

It feels as though the sun shines most of the time in the US. What can we do in our homes in the UK to bring some of that sunshine inside when we are feeling sun starved.

Fresh Flowers, fresh flowers, fresh flowers! Lighter colours, lighting and clean linen - can be crumpled but clean and casual! It mustn't be uninviting or stark.

What is the best piece of design advice you can give, whatever style you choose?

Less is more!

Shabby chic can be a difficult style to pull off successfully. What is the best advice you can give someone contemplating a room that embraces vintage?

Don't make anything too frilly - try and keep it uncluttered and uncontrived.

What was your first big break in the world of design and interiors?

Shabby Chic machine washable slipcovers for chairs and sofas.

What has been the best design project you've worked on so far?

The re-opening of my 2 stores in America, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture - a culmination of the best of the best from the last 20 years with new additions which I never got round to doing in my previous stores.

What's your ideal work project?

Fabric designs.

Where are your favourite hunting grounds for vintage finds - in the US and in the UK?

Kempton Park and Portabello Road (selectively) and Broomfield in Massachusettes and Round Top in Texas.

Do you follow a particular method when shopping for vintage or is it down to practice and instinct?

Organising your thoughts for what you're looking for, editing well and educating yourself with good places to go to!

Seeing the fabulous photographs in your book, you look as if you have a tidy home. Is this the case?

No clutter - I see it as ‘organised chaos' - but in every room there is one ‘junk' drawer

What's your ideal home and where would it be?

The English countryside with lots of rain.

What are your home comforts?

My bed - a big , floppy, Shabby Chic bed and beautiful lighting.

Your most treasured belonging?

Letters from family and friends.

What would you save if your house was on fire?

Letters and photographs.

Who or what do you admire and why?

Marie Antoinette has inspired me but I admire people that prioritise by making a difference or people who make an impact on other peoples lives.

Who is your favourite designer, from the past or present?

I love the essence of Liberty but I really get excited about young fresh and unknown talent.

What's your favourite book?

Pictures by Tim Walker.

You've a list of some of your favourite music in your book. Is there one piece of music that really does it for you?

Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma.

Your all time favourite shop

One of my favourite places to visit is the Hammersmith Vintage Textile Show.

Do you shop online? If so, what is your favourite online shop?

I do sometimes shop on Ebay.

To sum up shabby chic, Rachel says:

'The big picture establishes the initial impression but I find it's the little unique details that resonate and evoke a deeper experience of a home .... The search and the stories passed on from owner to owner all add to the quality and honour of a home.'

Rachel has two stores in the US, one in Santa Monica and the other in New York whilst a third is planned for London. Watch this space.

Photography by Amy Neunsinger.

Read our review of Rachel's latest book, Shabby Chic Interiors.

13 October 09