When I think of Shabby Chic light fixtures I think of tin, iron, and sparkling crystal tear drops. The types of lighting range from ornate crystal chandeliers with swags to iron and glass pendants, and flower covered fabric shades to delicate sconces. Sometimes the base is a detail looking like an urn or tea kettle with leaf ornamentation.
This style doesn't seem as valid as other styles throughout history. Shabby Chic was a happy accident, not in response to a social or economic climate. I know that Shabby Chic was popular during the 1990s, but that's about it... So, I decided to do a little research. Rachel Ashwell developed this style out of necessity. She was a single mom with two young children, and needed a practical solution for her sofa. Ashwell had white slipcovers made that she could throw into the washer as needed. Suddenly her friends, and even celebrities, were seeking her out. (Oh yes, this was in Los Angeles). She opened her first Shabby Chic boutique in Santa Monica in 1989. In an article from Inc.com, Ashwell says:
"A publisher asked me to do a book. I thought, What book can I do about a sofa? But it was the best decision I ever made. The book was about homes that relied on the Shabby Chic formula: cozy, comfortable, vintage, and pretty." ("How I Did It: Rachel Ashwell, Shabby Chic", Inc magazine, November 2011)
Ashwell's success rode the highs and lows of the economic waves around 2008, but she continues to have success with three boutiques in Los Angeles, New York and London under a partnership with Brand Sense Partners. She also purchased a B&B she frequented when she was sourcing products in Texas, which is another great way to showcase her style.
Well, my post today isn't about the infamous slipcover sofa, but let's take a look at the VINTAGE and PRETTY light fixtures in these Shabby Chic designs:
Bedroom with a simple perforated lamp shade
Crystal pendent with leaf detailing over a tea table, perhaps
A bit more shabby with chipping paint on this lantern over the dining table.
Fabric roses and lace adorn these white lamp shades- it's just pretty
This iron lantern with detailing around the top edges complements this office
This elaborate crystal chandelier steals the show in this dining room
This style isn't for everyone, but I think we can all agree that Shabby Chic really gets to showcase a lot of sparkle in all of those crystal fixtures!
To learn more about Rachel Ashwell, be sure to visit her Blog and her online shop Shabby Chic Couture
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SOURCES
General information: Inc.com
I had no idea Rachel Ashwell was a single mom and the whole shabby chic thing came out of necessity. Very inspiring. I like the iron lantern from the office (is that Brooke Gianetti's work? I love her aesthetics). I'm a fan of crystal chandeliers, though when I think of cleaning those tiny crystals pieces, I'm not sure if I want one in my own home lol.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! That's a lot of detailed cleaning, but so pretty when they sparkle. I was surprised about the evolution of shabby chic also, so I'm even more glad I took a few moments to learn about it. But I'm not familiar with Brooke Gianetti....
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