Shabby Chic - a New and Exclusive Collaboration

    LONDON, ENGLAND, August 15, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Launching exclusively this autumn, Shabby Chic at House of Fraser embraces the time-worn feel and beauty of imperfections that are synonymous with the iconic brand. In a muted colour palette of washed-out pastels and faded neutrals, the collection encapsulates Rachel Ashwell's signature style that is based on the philosophy of beauty, comfort and function.

Blending the perfect amount of English elegance and California casual, Shabby Chic offers a complete range of furniture, dinnerware, kitchenware, bedlinen, bathroom and home accessories that bring an element of relaxed beauty and vintage style to the home.

With a variety of upholstery options in a soft linen/cotton mix fabric, the range offers an abundance of comfort and character that will provide a central hub in the home. Piled with a variety of mismatched cushions, the large 'Loft' corner sofa is the ultimate Shabby Chic design, complete with removable washable slipcovers that make it a beautifully practical piece. If space is at a premium, the 'Comfy' sofa is a smaller, chaise-end design that will slot into any regular living room with ease. Providing a relaxed living room look, the oversized 'Comfy' chaise armchair is the perfect piece on which to relax, while a vintage-style armchair in distressed leather has a wonderfully worn look and features a reversible moleskin seat cushion for practical style.

To complete the Shabby Chic living space, a wide choice of House of Fraser home accessories and lighting options offer an eclectic approach to interior styling. Textured surfaces appeal to the senses as embossed metal frames, scalloped edge bowls and pressed glass vases are designed to be displayed in abundance for a bohemian mix-and-match feel. The colour palette is a base of soft mineral hues with hints of deeper colour for added richness. Lit candles provide the optimum amount of low level lighting - choose a glass jar candle or vintage-style candlesticks to add essential ambience to any room. Bringing a touch of elegance to the lighting offer, the collection features two chandeliers which are the trademark of Rachel Ashwell's decorating style. 'Madeline' is a pretty cream metal bird and leaf chandelier and 'Laurent' is a 5-arm heavy glass teardrop chandelier, both effortlessly adding glamour to a simple setting.

Rustic charm oozes from the kitchen with stoneware storage jars and oven-to-tableware that has a reassuringly solid feel. In dining there is an extensive selection of teacups and mugs which can be mixed and matched for a beautifully crafted Shabby Chic feel. Choose from fine bone china 'Buckingham' and 'Kensington' teacups, grey and white oversized 'Gosford' stoneware teacups and fine bone china 'Vintage Rose' and 'Toile Rose' mugs. For the quintessential finishing touch, the range takes inspiration from Rachel's renowned collection of royalty mugs. There is with a fine bone china 'Floral Crown' mug featuring deep pink flowers and a metallic gold crown, and 'His Majesty' mugs and kitchenware with a bold crown print on faded pastel stripes.

For a full dinnerware service, the collection includes two designs that are reminiscent of authentic vintage finds. Choose from 'Kew' porcelain dinnerware which has a faded grey floral pattern or 'Gosford' which is beautifully simple design in white stoneware with an embossed bead design around the rim. 'Gosford' comes complete with a serving bowl, teapot and two-tier cake plate making it perfect for afternoon tea. Accent pieces are available in grey for a charming mismatched feel.

Old English boudoir styling is a central element to the bedroom look with faded florals and natural earth tones mixed together for a pretty, feminine feel. The rattan bedstead and coordinating bedroom furniture exude a French air and are designed to look wonderfully 'Shabby Chic' piled with crumpled linens and velvet cushions. 'Rose Chintz' and 'Ditsy' print bed linen can be layered up with plain dyes to spill off the bed and take the edge off perfection. The delicate nature of the prints creates a sense of simplicity which is peaceful and relaxing, while cable knit and mohair throws provide the essential finishing touch for a dose of must-have texture.

About House of Fraser
House of Fraser has 61 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, offering luxurious items and a premium shopping experience. From the latest men's, women's and children's clothing such as shoes, summer dresses and leather jackets to beauty essentials and must-have home accessories, House of Fraser continues to expand its much-loved collections, both online at www.houseoffraser.co.uk and in stores across the country.

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