Bright Lights, Big City

On Saturday the 20th our new home for Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture
opened at 117 Mercer Street New York.

It was virtually 20 years to the day that I was unpacking boxes in the
original Soho location, just a couple blocks away on Green Street.

This new location is smaller and parred down from our previous location
but actually quite similar to the original.

I am proud to say all of our slipcovered furniture, tables and bedding
are made in the USA. All of our vintage pieces are recycled from another
era, and none of our bedding is packaged in plastic.



Having to pare down our selection forces me to edit and edit.

While I have always had an appreciation for all products sold in
Shabby Chic stores, editing in this way has caused me to just be
left with a few chosen items that are completely my world.

The combination of this edgy fresh extension table along with the relaxed
slips of the dining chairs is everything that makes for magic, to me.





Working with local artists allows me to create product without any
compromise of design.

Product development is easy when its a car drive away.

In the case of this table I wanted the base to really take on
an authentic old paint . Not as easy as it sounds, but achieved.

And we can make it in any size, that's a treat.



Another local artisan, who is also able to produce any size.

I always like the flexibility of an extension table, but some
people prefer a fixed version.



Slipcovered sofas and chairs have always been the core of my business,
and always will be. Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture is able to do
anything when it comes to slipcovers, cushions and custom sizes.

However I have spent hours and hours and hours, coming up with what I
think is the perfect of the perfect, in relation to comfort,
beauty and function.

Every slipcover is under the scrutiny of Denise, our production manager.

The subtle details of welts and the draping of fabric have all been
carefully decided upon, and so too has the mush of the cushions.
That's not to say we can't tighten the slipcovers, firm up the cushions
and change the details to specifications.

But, the results of the furniture on our show room floor is based on my
idea of perfection.



When I first started my company 20 years ago, white denim slip covers were the uniform in my house, as with sticky toddlers fingers, white denim is the most easily bleached fabric.

Now that my children have grown I now enjoy our grain linen slipcovers.

Still totally inviting and the more crumpled the better, like an old favorite suit.



Even though solid neutrals are the basis for most of our slipcovers,
sometimes we step outside, a stripe is often a friendly substitute.



Knowing that some surroundings need slightly more formal furniture,
the Portobello collection sits well here.







Even thought classic and traditional often evokes old fashioned, modern fits
into our array too, so long as it's classic, modern and comfy.



My original concept of design was always children friendly.

Oversized furniture always inviting for snuggle time for my children and I.

Many memories have been collected snuggled into cushions or feet dangling, ever concerned with upholstery getting grubby.



Talking of sleep....



For many years my stores have had a vast array of bedding contained in what we all called our "bedding wall"'

In my redesigning and editing of our collections I believe we still have all that is needed to create the perfectly imperfect Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture bed.






There could never be Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture without white and ruffles.



And not forgetting my roots, our union jack pillow is back,
with a new mix of fabrics.



I know you all miss viewing our products on our website.

I thought this would be some way to show you some of the loveliness
that are in the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic stores.

Of course there are many more designs of our machine washable slipcovered
furniture, lovely, lovely twinkly lighting, candles and accessories.
And then there are our one of a kind vintage treasures of tables, cabinets,
mirrors and art. Handpicked by me through the flea markets. If you can't make
it into our stores the lovely girls would be happy to take photos for you if
you call and and tell them what you would like to see.

P.S. Darcy and August chairs will be back next week.

I have started my book signings now and will be at my Santa Monica,
California store October 8th. look forward to meeting you there.

Thank you for all your lovely comments about my book. I am glad you are capturing the essence of my words.