Home Updates, Accessories & Tours

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic

I first heard of shabby chic my senior year in high school. I was flipping through the channels one day and came across a show called “Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic“. What caught my attention was the beautifully time-worn objects and the appeal of the simple and practical living.

Rachel’s company was founded in 1989 and is now recognized not only as a brand name, but as a decorating style. Many Americans love the allure of “shabbiness” because of its beauty and comfort. I adore the look of shabby chic rooms. I appreciate things that are useful, well loved and comfortable. I love the appearance of slip covered furniture, peeled and tattered tables and chairs. Oh gosh, and the colors!

The seaform, mint, celadon greens, dusty roses, pale blues, ivories, creams and grays. When I got my first book of Rachel’s I was hooked. Then I went to Ebay and purchased some of her dvd’s. I love seeing her go and visit the many flea markets for her gorgeous finds. So take a look at the lavish photos below and let Rachel invite you inside the unique world of Shabby Chic.

My “Sitting Room” at home.
( I need a bigger rug and the search continues)

Closet Beauty

Last year we built our second home and I just love our new home. It has so much space and everything is new. This is my first walk-in closet and I just enjoy it so much. My mother- in- law found this chic little chandelier at Lowe’s. It fits perfectly in my closet. I will admit my closet isn’t as glamorous as the one’s I see on Pinterest but I enjoy it and consider it a wonderful blessing. Below are photos of my closet and other closets that I have on my Pinterest boards. They will inspire you as well. Enjoy!

Elegant Home Scents

Everyone is familiar with Bath and Body Works. I have been a fan since high school. A lot of my favorite scents are gone and that’s okay. I have found that my choice of fragrances isn’t the same as it was 15 years ago. But what I do like are their fragrance bulbs. They have also changed the bulb warmers. They are much more decorative and what my daughter would call “fancy”.

My favorite scent this year has been “Spring”. I absolutely love it. It’s a light floral scent and it’s so feminine and the prices are so affordable. I purchased 6 bulbs for $24 and the decorative warmers start at $6. So for about $60 you can have a great scent in your home with decorative “art” plugged in your wall. It’s so nice to walk in a woman’s home and smell something feminine. I know I love smelling them when I walk in from a long work day. So check out your local Bath and Body Works for your signature home scent!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Vanity Beauty

Having an area to place your danity treasures is a wonderful thing. But having those items organized is quite another. I saw a photo in the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine for spring. Darcy Miller, of course, had this wonderful idea of using a decorative tray, small glass vases and teacups, and saucers to use to hold your favorite items. China is durable and of course, looks elegant. Below is my interpretation of Darcy’s idea. I will have to get some teacups and a tray to add to my vanity. Enjoy…


(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

22 Tips for Creating a Grown Up Space

I have been reading the Simply Luxurious Life Blog for about a year. I love this blog. It has such great articles, tips, and fashion. It is just a great blog!! Here is an article that I have been carrying around in my bag for about 2 weeks.  It is an article that gives you 22 tips for creating a grown-up living space. It is great. Below is the link and a photo of my sitting room in my home. We are almost there!! I just need to get a bigger rug and a few more decorative pieces. Enjoy the blog!


http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/22-tips-creating-grown-ups-living-space/