With decades of vintage shopping under her belt, Rachel has the expert eye for that perfectly imperfect patina and quality of construction that set an heirloom-worthy vintage piece apart. The bed and breakfast is also a perfect canvas for Rachel’s own vintage finds, many sourced from local vendors. “It’s really a lovely camaraderie, and it’s very creative,” Rachel says. (A tip: If you’re going during market week, get on the waiting list now.) After a long day of shopping, guests convene over breakfast to compare their finds. The Prairie has become the lodging of choice for treasure hunters who come from far and wide to browse the fair.

So it was a fairly authentic transition for me.” “I’ve always enjoyed having houseguests and doing those little extra-special things to make people feel comfortable. So when a 46-acre property opened up, complete with original structures that date to the 1800s, her mind went straight to her lifelong dream of opening a hotel. After shopping the market for years, Rachel had come to love the tiny Texas town’s welcoming vibe. It was the search for such treasures that first led Rachel to Round Top, TX, home of the biannual Round Top Antiques Fair (this year’s takes place from March 27 to April 1)-and now, The Prairie, Rachel’s own bed and breakfast. Today, although her reach is global (the brand has stores from Texas to Tokyo), Rachel’s approach is very much still rooted in the personal-and particularly, in her very hands-on approach to sourcing vintage pieces, which lend one-of-a-kind character to her shops and often inspire new designs for the Rachel Ashwell line. They are the nicest folks and would love to hear from you.When Rachel Ashwell opened her first Shabby Chic store in Santa Monica, CA, in 1989, she had little idea that her collection of relaxed slipcovered furniture and perfectly worn vintage accessories would become synonymous with an entire generation’s decorating style. If this piece interests you, please give Shabby Chic Santa Monica a call for info. Imagine a vase with flowers placed on it, or a mass of candles, or placed on a coffee table with a few treasured framed photos. This beauty measures 23' long by 17' wide, with 2' tall feet for real drama.

It has been sealed and is quite sturdy, made to last a long, long time. I also covered the entire tray with a layer of plaster to give it a rustic, tactile look. I've always liked dramatic, oversized flowers when working with plaster. With plaster paste, time and patience, I hand-shaped rose petals and leaves, creating over-blown, dramatic roses. She was a second-hand silver-plate tray, dented and scratched, but with beautiful shape and elegant 2' tall legs. This beautiful tray is quite a statement piece. 'I shouldn't like to go through life without flowers.they are a sign of joy.Flowers, for me, are a great source of inspiration.they bring happiness.'-Valentino

Rachel ashwell decor