Decoration: Catching the founder of Shabby Chic  -  What began there more than two decades with a small shop selling furniture covers and flea market in Santa Monica, California flourished in the popular Shabby Chic Style and brand. We caught up with founder Rachel Ashwell to hear how her style has evolved over the past 25 years, and get a look at his new company, a bed-and-breakfast called La Prairie.                                                                                                                    
                 Amy Neunsinger  
  of Shabby Chic style, basically, an irresistible combination of rustic and refined, comfort and polishing. Think cashmere sweaters with blue jeans and cowboy boots, bags or machine washable and crystal chandeliers. flea market furniture with peeling white paint, ruffles and floral prints were defining the details taken from the appearance. 
 
See lasting appeal of casual clothes
 
Photos by Amy Neunsinger
 See lasting appeal of casual clothes
Photos by Amy Neunsinger
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Amy Neunsinger  
   Welcome to La Prairie  
La Prairie, bed-and- breakfast Ashwell Texas, is a haven of Shabby Chic style is located on 46 acres; It has five bedrooms and a barn that serves as a common room.
 
long the Ashwell fans will recognize many of the same comfy-cozy elements that defined Shabby Chic early on, but may be pleasantly surprised by the richness and sophistication of the interiors that creates Ashwell today.
 La Prairie, bed-and- breakfast Ashwell Texas, is a haven of Shabby Chic style is located on 46 acres; It has five bedrooms and a barn that serves as a common room.
long the Ashwell fans will recognize many of the same comfy-cozy elements that defined Shabby Chic early on, but may be pleasantly surprised by the richness and sophistication of the interiors that creates Ashwell today.
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Amy Neunsinger  
  fresh flowers in pots jam, cooked breakfasts and home washing to dry outside speak of a romantic bygone era, but with these subtle luxury touches (great sheets, gilded mirrors) that are the signature of Ashwell. 
 
The furniture and accessories are a mixture of pieces and Shabby Chic Couture items hand-picked from frequent Antique Travel Ashwell. In other words, La Prairie is the playground for decoration Ashwell, where it is free to experiment with new decorating ideas.
 The furniture and accessories are a mixture of pieces and Shabby Chic Couture items hand-picked from frequent Antique Travel Ashwell. In other words, La Prairie is the playground for decoration Ashwell, where it is free to experiment with new decorating ideas.
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Amy Neunsinger  
  Each cottage has its own personality , Victorian rustic bohemian, but always with a bit of magic that makes the pure Shabby Chic. Weddings and events have a dedicated space in the Pearl Barn. 
   Amy Neunsinger  
   Q. What do you think it is about  on  Shabby Chic aesthetic or philosophy which is especially appealing to people now?  
 
A. Its timelessness! As I have never been to follow trends and always aim to remain part of my vision, to respond to what I love is what I want to create. Perhaps this is something that also resonates with my clients. Today, Shabby Chic, in my mind, is a lifestyle choice - to surround consideration, but especially comfortable, elements not only for on home, but for his welfare. My words of the creation of beauty, comfort and function are easily attainable on any budget, which has a timeless appeal.
 A. Its timelessness! As I have never been to follow trends and always aim to remain part of my vision, to respond to what I love is what I want to create. Perhaps this is something that also resonates with my clients. Today, Shabby Chic, in my mind, is a lifestyle choice - to surround consideration, but especially comfortable, elements not only for on home, but for his welfare. My words of the creation of beauty, comfort and function are easily attainable on any budget, which has a timeless appeal.
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Q. Shabby Chic style seems to have been rooted in your personal aesthetic. Can you share how your own style evolved  the  years?  
 
A. The evolutionary process is organic; I absorb and am influenced by life around me, my children, fashion, film, art, music, people, travel. The Shabby Chic soul lives on after 25 years, with few frills, and there will always be a moment of pink. But on design is constantly seen around modern lifestyles, while not compromising on what I believe are the timeless demands of life with beautiful rooms, comfortable and functional.
 A. The evolutionary process is organic; I absorb and am influenced by life around me, my children, fashion, film, art, music, people, travel. The Shabby Chic soul lives on after 25 years, with few frills, and there will always be a moment of pink. But on design is constantly seen around modern lifestyles, while not compromising on what I believe are the timeless demands of life with beautiful rooms, comfortable and functional.
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Q.  the   Prairie , your Texas B & B, is located near Round Top, one of  the  most beloved antique fairs  the  countries - obviously that was no accident. What about vintage and antique hunting that is so inspiring to you?  
 
A. The continued the journey and the opportunity to find unique pieces created by artisans, either for decoration or simple functionality, still fills me with enthusiasm for each trip.
 
Find out if your house style is 'vintage'
 A. The continued the journey and the opportunity to find unique pieces created by artisans, either for decoration or simple functionality, still fills me with enthusiasm for each trip.
Find out if your house style is 'vintage'
  Amy Neunsinger  
   Q. what do you envision for Shabby Chic in  the  months and years ahead?  
 
A. I personally work on simplification. Ensure that on "noise" does not take more than on magic. This year we celebrate 25 years, and I want to focus to stay on track towards new dreams.
 A. I personally work on simplification. Ensure that on "noise" does not take more than on magic. This year we celebrate 25 years, and I want to focus to stay on track towards new dreams.
  Amy Neunsinger  
  Rachel Ashwell relaxes on the porch. 
 
Are you a fan Shabby Chic? Share what you inspired style in the comments.
 Are you a fan Shabby Chic? Share what you inspired style in the comments.