
I design what I hope to be "keep forever things", it takes time to be inspired, to design, to source elements needed and eventually manufacturing. Sometimes for many reasons products take quite some time to find their way on to the shop floor. As I walked through the New York store this week I was reintroduced to some products that had become a long lost, but favourite friend.

Being inspired is the number one ingredient for me to keep evolving as a designer. Sometimes it takes time for an inspiration to find its home. I like to keep all inspirations in vision until I match the inspiration with design.


Layering of textures with a smokey palette create a visual tapestry.


While I was walking my way through my store, I found myself, re-inspired by the original source of inspiration.

Feminine pastel french and raw primitive smokey aesthetics share Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture floor space. So very different, but still they hold all the qualities that fall under my design umbrella, pretty, soft, authentic, subtle, unique, inviting, whimsical.......telling stories.

So while I was searching my thoughts for a subject to write, walking into my store, gave me all that I needed, right in front of my eyes....and that is rewarding.
The cycle of inspiration continues.
Find these and other beautiful inspirations at www.rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com
Loved seeing your vision board. And the store is very lovely with all the chandeliers.
ReplyDeleteInspiration for my soul Rachel.
ReplyDeleteNot only inspirational but also ethereal and so beautiful. Thank you for the dreamy visions...
ReplyDeleteThe table linens are so lovely and special. I would love to incorporate them into my design scheme for the holidays. What an inspiring post! I would love to visit the New York store one day. But in the meantime, I appreciate your giving us a tour! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful magic that brighten my day...thank you
ReplyDeleteAll the lovely eye candy shared has certainly inspired me... especially those well worn Magic Carpet style rugs... which perfectly match my Gypsy sensibilities. I fell in love with Velvet Pumpkins this year too and found several in my favorite color palette... I dressed them up with Vintage Bohemian Brooches and like them so much I may just keep them in vignettes all year! Glad you were able to move through the Bloggers Block, we enjoy your Posts and all the beauty you inspire us with.
ReplyDeleteDawn... The Bohemian
Sigh...
ReplyDeletePeaceful, simple beauty full of inspiration.
Thank you so much! You've helped me chase my dreams and continue to inspire me to dream bigger!
all of these are just beautiful!
ReplyDeletehttp://ddianakangg.blogspot.com/
I so love the look of Shabby Chic, but I have to say that the blue settee with silver is unbelievably pretty...ugh! THAT is too gorgeous for words...:))
ReplyDeleteMuch needed inspiration for my bedroom!!
ReplyDeleteI love those Russian Folk Beds! How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI wish Australia had a Rachel Ashwell store :-)
~ Clare x
So absolutely lovely...
ReplyDeleteYou have influenced many to create a home that is welcoming without pretenses, comfortable while yet beautiful and a restful retreat~home.
For those without a clue on how to create such a livable castle you have, by your example, taken the crown on mentoring. Thank you Rachel!
blessings
deborah
{thewhitechair}
Hi Rachel~ I love seeing your inspiration and hearing all about what inspires you and gets you excited as a designer. I adore your designs and there is always a bit of Shabby Chic and Rachel Ashwell mixed in to what I am designing. I wanted to thank you again for being so incredibly gracious and sweet to take the time to stand and take a photo with me at the ROTP show... I was the goofy girl,shaking with excitement, with my daughter and sister by my side... you really have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you again, so much, for being such an inspiration to me. :)
ReplyDeletewell I get a lot of inspiration from your blog. It's a beautiful yet calm place to visit,and I love your outlook on life.
ReplyDelete:O)
Sadie
LOVE the little blue couch with the silver trim. What a great idea! Does anyone have any thoughts what paint color that may be? Would love to try it out to see if I like it on a piece of furniture!
ReplyDeleteI Couldnt be more inspired... That Blue Sette, the carpets, the napkin (bling).. Love it all... Thanks for posting the pics.. they will help me trenmendously here in Ca..
ReplyDeleteKarryann
Hermosos!!! Como todo lo que he visto en tus programas de TV (que ya no está y lo extraño!!!) Eres muy creativa, Rachel y te felicito por tu estilo único e incomparable!!! Espero poder conocer alguna vez algunos de tus locales, personalmente.
ReplyDeleteyou were in the NYC store??....I wish I had known,...I need to visit myself. I've picked up a few more of your lovely vintage brown label items and I really want to show the staff =;o)....love how the store looks! it's lovely! Cheers, Bunny
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with your little book bag with your pink monogramm ! so lovely ... this is going to obessed me until I'm planning to go to your London store again ! already two times in six month !
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your New York store...It's one of my happy places...always full of inspiration. I was wondering if the episodes of your shabby chic television show are for sale anywhere? I searched the net and can't find a thing....
ReplyDelete............and now you know how I felt when I entered the NYC shop last December!! Fabulous place and I'm enjoying my 'crown' and 'fleur de lys' serviettes so much.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely have to get back to NYC soon..........and will also try to stop by the London shop when home next Spring!
Thanks as always Rachel for making life more beautiful.
Mary - A Breath of Fresh Air
So inspirational, and so romantic..love it!
ReplyDeleteKisses from spain!
Love your style, everything has a romantic and unique touch to it!
ReplyDeleteLove the velvet pumpkins Rachel
ReplyDeleteHugs
Mandy x
Exquisite textures, colors and patterns, as always. Every piece looks like it has come from a dreamy fairy tale. Love the look of that inspiration board as well. Thank you for sharing so much beauty! :) Paris in Pink
ReplyDeleteRachel, I love Shabby Chic style, and am so glad and grateful that you have used your talents to share the look and lifestyle with the world.Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteSilver and blue sofa...divine!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I love about you most? Is that after all these years, after all you and the rest of us have been through in these past few years, everyone still loves you! You have your own style, grace, and appreciation of everything beautiful and good heart!
ReplyDeleteTake care, Sue
Inspirations have a way of lingering as embers and suddenly spark a warm glow when the air picks up our spirit. I stopped by the store Nov 1st for a deep breath and there you were busy photographing. It was great to see you in action, your eye setting the scene while your hands focused on the magical details. Just a few brief moments gave me a rejuevenation, like your books but this time unexpectedly in person!
ReplyDeleteHere are photos of your inspiration board in action!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=398105853212%3A1375494174&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee
Going through your store in NYC is a highlight for me...always gives me inspiration and excitement to continue to create...thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is just the way I felt when I walked into your Santa Monica store recently. I went looking for inspiration, and the tranquility which comes from timeless pieces, and I found it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Finland and thank you for wonderful ideas. The shop was so beautiful, true wonderland :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....thank you...smiles.
ReplyDeleteI rarely post a comment but always check in to see a bit of loveliness! I share your love for vintage prom/party dresses. I thought you might enjoy seeing how I put one to good use under the Christmas tree. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://theatticgirls.blogspot.com/2010/11/were-making-progress.html
rachel, the inspiration book is so beautiful. just like everything shabby chic. don't have to look any further than my two-tone sage damask couch, matching coasters or amour/bonheur glasses that i use everyday to know that. love beauty in imperfection. i think you would appreciate our new children's book, baby jesus and the tabby cat. it's an inspiring story and the artwork is a collage of victorian ephemera, vintage catholic imagery and personal scrapbook. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Baby-Jesus-and-the-Tabby-Cat/Nancy-Stuart/e/2940011922251/?itm=1&USRI=baby+jesus+and+the+tabby+cat
ReplyDeleteIt's all so very lovely and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGood to read your blog. You have so many kindred spirits out here.
Are you a certified interior designer?
ReplyDeleteLOVE your stuff!
ReplyDeleteHow about Shabby Chic futon covers?????
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ReplyDeleteToday I fell in LOVE with the Shabby Chic "Comfy Sofa", it really is the most perfect sofa and cozy in EVERY way. It is perfection! Unfortunately, it is out of my league in the price department, Boo! I wanted to inquire about a possible "less expensive" line in the works?
ReplyDeleteThanks :o)
hooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeleteThank you, that was extremely valuable.
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
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