Sunday, October 4, 2009

Tres Chic

Recently, I found myself curious about the new Rachel Ashwell book, 'Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets'. Curious to the point of buying a copy! This bedroom draws me back time and time again when I need to contemplate a 'quiet place':


I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but the paleness and those creased curtains speak to me:


I like the robust rusticity of this unit:


And even though I can't afford one, chandeliers capture my attention every time:


I love this green:


This dining room is not too shabby:


And I wouldn't say no to this bathroom:


I can't explain the pull that these pale washed-out linens and chipped painted surfaces have for me except to say that about ten years ago when I was going through a rough patch, I used to go to a bookshop and surreptitiously peruse a copy of the original 'Shabby Chic'. Before I could afford to buy it, when I needed to go to a happy place I'd hide in the corner and drink in the images and immediately feel better. Fortunately, my life took a turn for the better but the images I used to return to time and time again to have been etched into my memory.

Images courtey of "Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets' by Rachel Ashwell

8 comments:

Chemin des Muguets said...

Hello Beth,

Thanks for this posting with the lovely quiet and reflective images of spaces-so perfect for retreating to in this busy and crazy world.

Marjorie

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

There is an overwhelming welcoming feeling about this style. Non pretencious and non-judgmental. You feel that your worn soul is enveloped by it's equally worn and creased edges.

red ticking said...

i think this is so pretty... and lived in...

Katherine Lee said...

i love that green dining table... gorgeous... hope you are well!

xo katherine aka. urbanflea
http://www.urbanfleadesign.net

beth said...

Dear Marjorie and Katherine,

Thanks for being such loyal followers, even though I'm so busy I can't devote any time to blogging.
I long for the day when blogging is part of my everyday life again.

Beth x

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I love the shabby chic look too. It is so soothing, and as you say calls out to something deep inside. I am re-doing my guest room in that style ... whites, an ethereal blue on the wall, pale blue ticking, etc. I usually use a little more colour (though in a subdued way) and it is tough being this pale ... I'm about half done and it is starting to come together ... though it keeps calling for more colour. Interesting isn't it? As much as I love that style, it doesn't come naturally to me.

eM said...

I agree - I love the shabby chic look, but pared down and uncluttered. pale , soothing, soft + inviting. I also used to pour over the book in stores because I couldn't afford it!

Jennifer said...

Looks like Rachel Ashwell has moved on to deeper colors, which I like. I hate the "shabby chic" look that most people aspire to today, all the flowery china and doilies everywhere, and way too much lace and pink. I don't think that was the intention when the term was first coined by Ashwell way back when - shabby chic has always been a minimal look, not overdone vintage grandma's house like so many call shabby chic today.

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