I am also fortunate to be friends with some acclaimed artists, whose works grace the walls of museums and glamorous homes, but they all welcomed the opportunity to be part of this little treasure.Īnd so during those long dark, uncertain days, my Painted Stories became my beacon of light and I am very proud of her.

I have worked with Ben Peck-Whitson on many projects over the years and I knew he could capture the essence of all that I love. So during lockdown when I found myself being reflective on life, why and what is important, who and what inspires me and the delicacy of words, I decided now was the time to bring this project to life. I have always loved and been inspired by Beatrix Potter books and one day wanted to do an illustrated book where all that I love becomes my cast of character, joined together with little stories… I have done over 10 books over the past 30 years and while writing them has always been very personal to me, often my words get lost amongst the beautiful photography. I call this book a silver lining of lockdown. Your latest book ‘Painted Stories’ feels like a very personal project, and gives an intimate account of all the things you love, what led you to want to create this book and how did you go about it? We think that Shabby Chic style is even more current now than 30 years ago! We were thrilled to interview Rachel and know more about her work including her most personal book to date, ‘Painted Stories’, a must have for any shabby chic fiend, so read on: Everything in Rachel’s world - an abandoned tutu, an old chandelier, a wilted rose - is rescued and given its rightful place in her beautiful, magical world. Like with the aesthetics of Wabi Sabi, it celebrates life as it is, with its glorious beauty and its tattered edges, loving the imperfections of timeworn objects and discarded pieces. It is precisely the combination of the chic and the shabby that makes this style so iconic. It cannot be denied that any decor fan can find inspiration in her style. Rachel Ashwell’s ‘Shabby Chic’ is not just her own successful 32 year old brand but a decorative style that has become timeless.

In our Spring issue, we had the pleasure and the honour to interview Rachel Ashwell about her latest book “Painted Stories’, her over 30 year experience as owner of Shabby Chic, her inspiration and her aesthetics…here’s an extract:

Rachel ashwell home