Ode To Rachel Ashwell

I have always been a fan of decorating styles. My huge collection of decorator magazines and books can attest to that. But little did I know that a single woman from across the seas could have such an influence on my life and decorating style. It was sometime around the year 2000 when I first heard the name Rachel Ashwell. I found her first book, “Shabby Chic”, and it was love at first sight. I was lured in by the beautiful photos and instantly hooked on her style. I loved the chippy cupboards, the rose paintings, the chandeliers! At last I had found the style that I completely identified with…and an excuse to go to garage sales, flea markets, second hand stores, even eBay. Anywhere I could get my hands on that sweet shabby style. It was like a fever and I had it bad! As luck would have it, I soon discovered her television program on the Style Network. I taped every show and watched them to my heart’s content. So you can imagine my excitement and bliss when I learned a collection of the shows were being released on DVD! Yes, as of today you can purchase these sweet shows on three separate DVD’s. So, today, I salute you Rachel Ashwell! Thank you for changing my life by helping me define my sense of style. Thank you for giving me an outlet for my creativity (hurray for white spray paint!) and a renewed love for vintage furniture! Hmm…Now if only she would publish her own magazine…my decorating world would be complete!!