Shabby Chic Cottage Style with Rachel Ashwell at her Malibu Beach Cottage

If you love shabby chic cottage style decorating, you are probably familiar with shabby chic creator Rachel Ashwell.

Rachel Ashewell at her Malibu beach cottage
I can't say that I'm a lace and ruffle kind of person, but I do appreciate all styles and here is what I take away from Rachel Ashwell's design ideas. For a starter, Rachel is not a big house person she told Oprah in an interview. Here she is in her 1700 sq. ft. Malibu beach cottage.

shabby chic beach cottage style decor
In her shabby chic beach cottage it all boils down to beauty, comfort and function. Less is more. No clutter, only making room for items she uses daily.

shabby chic cottage living
Rachel has always been known for white, which is a no brainer, she says, using it as a starting platform. Everything is a little sandy and moist but the view forgives any imperfections. Picture via LA Times.

shabby chic beds
I love Rachel's idea of creating snoozing places. A daybed in a corner somewhere, to rest, when going to bed isn't called for.

shabby chic sofa with slip covers
Then shabby chic cottage style most certainly includes mushy sofas with slip covers. Easy, breezy. And another design element that I love are vintage finds with patina. Think "windswept" by sea breezes as in Nantucket Decor Cottage Style. Rachel says, she's been driving the highways from antique malls to antique stores for years, looking for one of a kind vintage treasures of tables, cabinets, mirrors and art.

shabby chic decorating outdoors by the sea
And lastly. Taking inside furniture outside when weather permits. "I am always making the inside, outside wherever possible." Rachel says. "Nothing compares to the natural fragrances and freshness of the outside."