Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is a popular interior design style where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their age or new items are distressed to look old. The early forms of shabby chic range from 18th century Swedish painted decoration, the French Chateau as well as the American Shakers where simplicity and plainness was essential. The term was coined by The World of Interiors magazine in the 1980s and has since been used as a name for a US company founded by Rachel Ashwell. Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic founded in 1989 in Santa Monica, CA, was a brand synonymous with her design sense and lifestyle. Rachel based the brand on the aesthetics of beauty, comfort and function. Born and raised in England, Rachel was a commercial and print stylist when the birth of her first child led her to the original design concept. “I needed a versatile home that could handle children and a busy lifestyle. The answer came to me in the form of slipcovers. They could be easily washed and gave a warm feel to the rooms.” Complementing her brand’s growth was the publication of Rachel’s first design book, Shabby Chic in 1996, with followed by four more books on home design, gift giving and parties. In 1999, Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell television series premiered on the E! Channel and Style Network. Today she has stores all over the world with locations in the US listed from A-Z!