CasaSugar

Are You Over Shabby Chic?

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:59 -0700

When Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic business filed for bankruptcy last January, it was a sign that the style she had single-handedly spawned 20 years ago was on its way out, if not already. But last month, the Shabby Chic name was bought of bankruptcy and she found herself stocking two new stores - one in Santa Monica and one in New York - so it seems that her signature ruffles, vintage florals, and crumply sofas still have fans out there. Are you over shabby chic or still an enthusiast?

Guess What's Missing?

CasaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:00:54 -0700

Rachel Ashwell, who created the shabby chic style, was quoted in O Magazine saying that there are a few items every home should have. According to Rachel, these coveted items include "Candles not too far burnt down, yummy flower arrangements, a ___________, and lovely china." Can you guess the missing word?

On the Market: Shabby-Chic Queen's Compound

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:54 -0700

Whether you love it or hate it shabby-chic style is here to stay, and you can thank (or berate) Rachel Ashwell for that fact. Ashwell, who created the style almost 20 years ago, went on to found the Shabby Chic home-furnishing store, as well as design slipcovered furniture, bedding, and fabric under the Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell label. If you can't get enough of Ashwell's style, then you'll be happy to hear that according to Big Time Listings you can now claim her Los Angeles home for your own, for $4.395 million. It's chock full of shabby chicness, though this seems like a situation you could remedy upon moving in and ponying up the many millions to own this 3,000 square-foot-plus property.

The listing reads:

Situated on 2 separate lots. Private extra-lg apx 20,000 sq ft lot. Feels like a country retreat in the heart of prime Brentwood. 4BD, 3BA totally remodeled Traditional, move right in. Bright & open floor plan w/good indoor & outdoor flow. Extra-large family room opens to lovely brick patio & backyard featuring paddle tennis court, sparkling pool & spa. Hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, custom tile work & more. Luxurious master & master bath, gourmet kitchen. Lush backyard and landscaping.

To see photos of this property, read more.

Ashwell bought the house four years ago for $3.17 million. The home features an open-floor plan, a family room, hardwood floors, custom tilework, a gourmet kitchen, three baths, a pool, spa, paddle tennis court, and brick patio. Most appealingly to me, it's situated on two lots, giving the buyer plenty of room to spread out. Ashwell also owns a 3,276-square-foot house in Brentwood and a 1,783-square-foot home in Malibu.

View 12 Photos ›

Source and Source

Rachel Ashwell

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:37:20 -0700

View Slideshow ›

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:30:25 -0700

Check out Laurel's fantastic rainbow bright home.
Then, continue the tour when you check out her studio.
Get some color palette decorating ideas with my Ask Casa post.
This stainless steel soap is one of my more unusual steals.
Halle Berry's moving up North, eh.
What does shabby chic queen Rachel Ashwell think is a home must have?
You could turn this before and after idea into a fun weekend project.
Try your hand at urban curation.

This Just In: Target Takes Manhattan With Bullseye Bodegas

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:15:10 -0700

Target has launched four limited-time-only stores, pegged Bullseye Bodegas, throughout Manhattan to celebrate its pioneering designer partnerships, during one of the biggest design bonanzas: New York Fashion Week. Today through Monday, Sept. 15, those of you in Midtown, SoHo, the East Village, or Union Square can shop fab deals on home items (as well as fashion, accessories and beauty) from Target's team of design partners. Notables include Thomas O'Brien, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Michael Graves, Christiane Lemieux, Rachel Ashwell, Victoria Hagan, John Derian, and Sean Conway. And, in the case of John Derian, whose new line of home accessories hits stores next week, you'll have the exclusive privilege of shopping JD before his full inventory hits the stores. My girl FabSugar has already stopped in, and since I can't make it to NY Fashion Week, I'll have to shop vicariously through you!