However, I did change the leather set of cushions for sage velvet so I still had elements of my mushy comfort. I have always loved dark brown leather Chesterfield sofas but never had the right home. But nonetheless, its presence gave the room the upper hand over its sister room where the television and the kitchen sit. This room could easily have been the forgotten space or the walk-through room at best, had it not been the recipient of a misplaced but much appreciated fireplace more suited to a drafty castle than my sunny Californian home. Cards made by my children share equal status with my bits and bobs and dates to remember, mainly already past. Behind my desk is a memo board that’s an ever-evolving work of art. Fortunately everything that pops in is usually so lovely in some form or another that process and mess always look beautiful. Other than a couple of pale blue painted harvest tables, a white leather chair, and breezy voile curtains hung on a set of French doors, everything else in the room evolves and changes as my projects command. Pots and pans and cleaning things are actually hidden away in unsqueaky drawers under the countertop, concealed by crudely constructed rough wood doors. Farmhouse sinks to me are a must for any home that can house one, and I love how they bring instant cottage or castle to the story. On top, a microwave and books rumble together in orderly chaos. A rough wood dresser houses a multitude of things, and baskets sit underneath, storing essentials. The countertops are of pure white Thasos marble honed to take off the shine and straight-edged- any bevel would have been too fancy.

I removed most of the cupboards and installed a couple of open shelves, my philosophy being that if you don’t use it, lose it, and if I can’t see it, I forget I have it, so all my new and vintage dinnerware and odd useful charming things end up for daily use, not always as originally intended, but used nonetheless. While I have affections for squeaky cupboards, wonky drawers, and dripping faucets, the reality is that every kitchen needs careful planning and to function well.

With flowers, music, candles, and beautiful, comfortable, and functional things, a home will be that much lovelier a place for our hearts to be.'Īuthentic is the way I would describe my kitchen. My philosophy is that wherever I am, I make my nest, even in a rented home or hotel. When I move into a home, I never quite know my length of stay but 'home is where the heart is' are the truest of words. 'Home truly is where we hang our hats, and I have hung my hats in a lot of different places.

Take a sneak peek into the home of Rachel Ashwell, founder of the Shabby Chic brand and discover her design and interior inspirations for creating a beautiful, comfortable and liveable home…

Rachel ashwell dishes