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Design Influence: Rachel Ashwell

Thursday, February 3, 2011

For those of you who saw my post last week on Kaffe Fassett and how his style has influenced how I like to decorate our home, you might think I am a bit schizophrenic in being influenced by Rachel Ashwell, too.  But I can't help it.  I love her laid-back, light, airy, and lived-in style.

I own several of her books, and I have yet to tire of them.  I refer to them from time to time for inspiration.

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Here are the ways that Rachel's style has influenced me:

1.   Our Dining Room

Now before you say, "The set of Miami Vice called.  They want their dining table back," keep in mind that it is glass and it is very forgiving of all the spilled paint and other junk we have abused it with as so many projects have been completed on it.  Yes, it is from the mid Eighties, and yes, it has a brass base, but I love this table.

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When I saw Rachel's Darcy dining chairs, I had to have them.  The little skirted slipcovers remind me of debutantes dressing-up for their balls.  I was so excited when we finally bought them.  They also come in a pale, French-y gray, but I decided on the natural white.

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2.   Our Family Room

We saved our money for a long time because we wanted to buy one of Rachel's slipcovered sectional sofas.  We thought it would be a good idea to get it in white denim because we could wash (and Clorox) them.  We were trying to place the order when we received the horrible news that Rachel's company was in bankruptcy and we could not purchase the sofa. I was sad for us, but devastated for Rachel.  I am so happy that she is back!  But before she went back into business, we bought a natural cotton-duck slipcovered sectional from Macy's.

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Talk about bad timing, huh!  But it is still Rachel-like in its comfort and relaxed style.  I was able to order one of her cute Union Jack pillows for it!

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I think Rachel would approve of the pillow made from an antique Aubusson rug, don't you?

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3.   Candles

We love candles (especially my husband).  Rachel likes to use candles in her decorating, and she has some cute votives and candlesticks available on her website right now.  I have bought a few votives from her store.  This one is my very favorite:

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4.   Fresh Flowers

I can't live without them.  Have you ever seen a pretty magazine picture without fresh flowers?  I doubt it!  I like Rachel's informal flower arrangements.  They say "welcome home" to me!

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5.   White Walls

Every wall in our house (other than the dining room and girls' rooms) is painted white.  Our kitchen is Super White, and the rest is Mayonnaise.  Our dining room is painted Golden Straw.  All paint is by Benjamin Moore.  I painted every square inch of this house by myself, and I think Benjamin Moore paint is the best.

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I love Rachel's style.

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If you haven't visited Rachel's blog, please do so.  It is eye candy!

Who has influenced you in your home decor?

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

15 comments

  1. I love Rachel. She has influenced alot of my decor choices.
    Thanks for sharing all those photos of your home. Everything looks so perfect & so shabby chic!

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  2. Your place looks stunning!! I just love your style. I would not worry at all about that table, your chairs give it such an unexpected touch. I am not sure if it is the brass that you do not like....although brass and gold are back in style big time....but have you ever considered painting the brass? creamy white or gunmetal black? Just a thought.

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  3. You're so right about fresh flowers! Wish I could have them in my house all the time!

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  4. Hi there~ I adore Rachel's shabby cottage look too- as you know! :) I delve through her books over and over and over and so LOVE the darcy chairs!! Your home is beautiful and definitely reflects her influence on your style.
    Thanks for sharing! :)

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  5. I love your dining room chairs and slip covers!!! Beautiful post!

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  6. Picture perfect! The rug pillow! I love the soft colors against the white. Rachel is an inspiration because she makes everything look, comfortable, easy and romantic.

    Candylei

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  7. I love your photos ,especially the yello and dining room, I love Rachels design but I guess I really just like abit of everthing.
    Sharon

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  8. wauw, your house just looks great! and I read your blog now for a while and I think it is really you!

    greetings

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  9. I love shabby chic and cottage style..and I love your color scheme's,..my fav's:creamy white,khacki,chocolate,ebony,I just love all the neutrals,we can always add a pop of color with art.
    Thank you for visiting LazyonLoblolly.And your comment is so apprecaited.I am your newest follower.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  10. Hi Ricki Jill - Your dining set is lovely and I love your set of "Darcy" chairs. They are really worth keeping forever and ever. I'm a fan of Rachel Ashwell too, do you know she's changing her style a bit, and adding a bit of industrial look to her decor. Well, happy weekend my dear!
    -marie

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  11. I love your table with the Darcy chairs. And I'm so glad that sweet Rachel is "back" too! Your style is wonderful, just the kind of home I love, warm, inviting, with a personal, beautiful style all your own. xo Lidy

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  12. Bellissimo il cuscino con la Union Jack..l'hai realizzato tu???Bacio,Annalisa

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  13. Great photos!
    Your couch looks wonderful. And the pillow is very special. Your dining room looks great.
    We have lots of color on our walls, but I really like the wall colors that you've chosen. They are beautiful. Isn't it wonderful to paint them yourself? I've painted every wall in this house too, except I did get some help from Mister on a couple of the rooms....

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  14. Great looking dining room chairs. We used to have mostly white/cream walls, but used more color in our current home. I like it!

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  15. Beautiful!!!I love Rachel Ashwel and Shabby Chic!!
    xoxo...by Vicky

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I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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