This is a beautiful book that I love to keep out on my coffee table. I was expecting to read up on tips that I for the most part already knew how to implement in the home, but I was surprised to learn a few unexpected tricks (and I work in the home furnishings industry and have been decorating & collecting vintage for years!). The price was an amazing deal and shipping was very speedy! Thank you for a lovely item at a wonderful price :)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I chose to purchase this book because I've always loved the Shabby Chic style of decorating, and after reading the editorial description of the book, I decided it would be nice to read and might be helpful to me. This book shows how Ms. Ashwell came to her love of the style of decorating that she would later name "Shabby Chic," by giving some background information on her childhood and her parents work, to show how she took that knowledge that she possessed and put it to practical use in her adult life. Ms. Ashwell takes the reader through a day at the flea market and outlines some of her purchases, and her plans for renovating and utilizing her treasures. She includes many anecdotes where she demonstrates how she has given new life to a piece that many would have passed over. Ms. Ashwell describes some of the lovely touches that she has in her home and her office, and demonstrates how you can incorporate some of those into your own home. She also mentions several of her friends/neighbors that share her passion for unique furnishings and treasures in their home, with many of their pictures. This book does a fantastic job of explaining what Shabby Chic is, and how to achieve that look in your own life--whether it be with your wardrobe or with your home. There are fabulous pictures throughout, which will guide you with their examples and their beauty. Hopefully you will approach secondhand venues with a different eye and will learn to appreciate the art and beauty of those items that cannot be replicated today, and that are unique and special without being mass produced. Maybe you, too, will delight in finding a previously-loved treasure, or a vintage dress and will scoop it up and bring it to your home to love. Rachel Ashwell lives Shabby Chic, and demonstrates this in all she does and loves. My only complaint about the book is that the print is rather small--I found it annoying at times because the type is difficult to read, but this is just my personal observation and shouldn't dissuade you from obtaining it. I love this book and I highly recommend it! Hopefully you can find it at a good price here on ebay!Read full review
I have been looking for a discription of "Shabby Chic" for a long time,I did not know what it was called , just liked the colors,all mixed together,and all seem to go so well together. I have been painting furniture and small items for a while this color ,not knowing I was really painting shabby chic or any other color, I just loved the colors and the feeling I got when I was working on a piece. When I saw the book on a website,I could not believe it, I had found something I had wanted for a long time,this book is an inspiration to me,it will help me set my own style of Shabby Chic. thank you Rachel Ashwell for writting this wonderful book.........
I bought this book as a holiday gift for my daughter. She has met Rachel Ashwell and always admired her sense of style. The book did not disappoint. Meant to be used as a guide to individual decorating tastes this book offers a broad overview of subject matter. Martha Stewart has a similar idea, but the latter's is a bit pruddish for the younger generation. I can see by the difficulty in obtaining these books, how popular they are. Would make a lovely wedding or hostess gift.
Rachel Ashwell is the Shabby Chic Queen. Despite recently closing stores, her fans will always be HER fans. She put the peanut butter in everyones chocolate and put into words and design how we cozy, romantic women have felt for years. This book was the start for most of us. It has beautiful photos and design we can all incorporate into our homes. The warmth and feeling of old and new is so inspirational. The colors are magnificent and this book is filled with ideas. So PINK it up. Love the old chippy paint that makes us feel as though we are at a tag sale or Grammy's basement. The passion Rachel Ashwell has helped to bring out in all of us is in this book.
I found this book so useful as a tool to guide me back to Shabby Chic. I love the worn, live-in look, with tattered edges and peeled paint. Rachel Ashwell is descriptive in writing this book with vintage mixes, old and new and understanding the value of torn lace. I adore her & the use of this style does not fade. I learned that I do not need to buy everything I see. Now, I decide if it has a function as well as beauty. I would reccomend this book. But, read it and enjoy the pictures while reading. You must read it to appreciate the passion behind Shabby Chic living.
Very interesting and full of useful information on treasure finding and flea markets and how to mix and match so the pieces are cohesive. All of Rachel Ashwell’s books are amazing, but this one just may be my favorite. 10/10 recommend
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have just begun to read the book and I'm already hooked. Since I'm a lifelong Flea Market "Crazy", this book just makes me feel right at home with it's helpful hints and suggestions. Rachel Ashwell is a wonderful designer and I love her style and fabrics as well. Can't wait to get back to reading and buying at Flea Markets.......It's a new year and there are many treasures waiting for me out there. A lot one can do with very little, so get out there and "HUNT" Buy the book, you'll love it.
I love Shabby Chic and Flea Markets. Rachel Ashwell is one of my favorite authors and Shabby Chic guides to decorating. She is a single parent who shops Flea Markets, garage sales etc to furnish her home and the homes of others. Her books are informative and beautifully written. I probably have all of her books. The reader can follow her through the flea market, the purchase of an item, and then how she introduces that item into her decorating scheme. In my opinion very informative.
Great book and excellent value.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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