Design Influence: Rachel Ashwell

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.



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.





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.





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.



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!



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



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:



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!





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.




I love Rachel's style.



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