All Things Shabby Chic

One of the main reasons why I pursued interior design as a career is because of Rachel Ashwell, author, designer, and entrepreneur of Shabby Chic brand.  I still recall the very first time I watched her show on the Style network, thinking, "wow, she makes a home look like heaven!" I was only twelve-years-old at the time and I had already found my calling.  I wanted to design my future home with Shabby Chic aesthetic. Simple, cozy, and dainty.  I always found myself daydreaming by imagining that I wake up every morning to an all white-painted walls, in a warm, cotton fabric sheets. I'd then look outside my window and see a garden of beautiful roses, fruit trees, and rows of lavender fields.  I found this photo (below) that simply describes the picture in my head.  Even if the weather is cold outside, I wouldn't mind waking up to a pretty bedroom.
What I love about Ms. Ashwell's style is the tranquility and peace that she perfectly executes in every living space.  I think her pastel color palette mixed with floral patterns are a good combination for a lovely home.  I also adore her love for finding treasures at the flea market and restoring an old piece of twisted leg arcmchair into a dainty looking dining chair, by putting soft cushions to make her guests feel comfortable.

The combination of details in her chosen furniture, fabric, color, and houseware are what makes Shabby Chic so successful and classy.  If my home looked like this now, I would feel like I am living a princess-like lifestyle.  It's like re-living the past in a more updated style.  If you have seen the Marie Antoinette movie, starring Kirsten Dunst, Shabby Chic reminds me of the aesthetic in the movie, for its intricate details and pastel colors. The movie was set during the Rococo period, a movement in the 18th century, that reacted against the strict regulations of the Baroque period. The Rococo movement opted for a more graceful approach by using creamy, pastel-like colors, playful curves, and elegant and ornate furniture.

Not only this shabby style looks charming on the inside, but it also looks admirable on the exterior.  It is equally as lovely and attractive, whether you are hosting a simple get together with family and friends, a tea party for kids, or relaxing and sunbathing by the pool.

I am truly thankful for Ms. Ashwell for inspiring me to follow my dreams as an interior designer. If I had the opportunity to work for her, it would be the greatest honor for me. Even though my taste in aesthetic constantly changes, for the reasons of the latest interior design trends, I know that I will always be a Shabby Chic lady at heart.  Someday, I will post a photo of my dream into reality. Nothing is impossible, right? (: