Rating: 
Summary: Excellent read!!
Review: I love Rachel Ashwell's writing technique - very down to earth. Obviously she has a lot more flea markets at her disposal and antique stores but her advice and the way she puts it is very understanding and most of all "doable". I don't believe this type of "decorating" will ever go out of style as some people have said - I like the "lived in" look and not the "pompous" look, where you're afraid to touch anything as you might get it dirty! Everyone loves my "shabby chic" at home and comment how "comfortable" and relaxed they feel when they do come over. GREAT book with GREAT ideas - I look at it often.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read!!
Review: I love Rachel Ashwell's writing technique - very down to earth. Obviously she has a lot more flea markets at her disposal and antique stores but her advice and the way she puts it is very understanding and most of all "doable". I don't believe this type of "decorating" will ever go out of style as some people have said - I like the "lived in" look and not the "pompous" look, where you're afraid to touch anything as you might get it dirty! Everyone loves my "shabby chic" at home and comment how "comfortable" and relaxed they feel when they do come over. GREAT book with GREAT ideas - I look at it often.
Rating:
Summary: There is a thin line between shabby and trashy.
Review: I personally do not like anything called shabby or chic. I had to read this book in self-defense. My wife is always trying to sneak this stuff in the house. Just today I spotted a white lace ceramic plate protruding from the plant ledge.I suggest that if you must do this to do it correctly. This book is very helpful in not only what to combine, but also where to find it. Pay close attention to the resources in chapter 8. Rachel does not skimp on the color pictures and several views of the same thing. If you attempt this with out a guide you will end up with shabby trash. Imagine a leopard sofa next to a red wall.
Rating: 
Summary: I discovered I've been living my whole life as "shabby chic"
Review: I really loved the photos and text in this book. I've just bought a new home and I think I can now tell everyone I decorate in "shabby chic" instead of just "old, handmedown, junk." The only problem is now at flea markets, garage sales, etc. everyone thinks junk is now "shabby chic" and the prices have zoomed up.
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely pictures, uninspired text
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ashwell's previous book, Shabby Chic; and mistakenly assumed that the followup would be just as packed with interesting ideas and beautiful pictures--WRONG! The Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide is absolutely uninspired. The author spends far too much time describing her childhood and trips to flea markets with her mum and carries on longer than necessary about her present day trips to markets. I am not particularly interested in hearing what she had for a snack during her breaks from haggling with the vendors. Also, much space is given to nice but meaningless drawings bordered by text that is so fancy as to be almost illegible. I also found many of her helpful tips and pointers to be mainly common sense for anyone that has ever visited a flea market, auction, antique mall, or yard sale. Furthermore, I felt insulted by the author's almost hauty tone in describing how honed and refined her tastes are. The only redeeming trait this book posesses are the marvelous photos of Ashwell's enchanting flea market finds. Many of the pieces of furniture, fabric swatches, lighting fixtures, and baubles are extremely charming and the photographer did an excellent job of bringing their magic to the reader. If you just look at the pictures and discount the nonsense in between, you will likely enjoy the book.
Rating:
Summary: Rachel has an eye for Design & Beauty!
Review: I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I deal in thousands of books and this book is one of the few that is staying on my shelf as a reference. Rachel thouroughly captures the art of design, and sees beauty in the simple but unique items that we run across in our everyday lives. I feel she helps people to see that decorating can be fun, whether were rich or poor. It is not a book of rules but creativity! Thanks Rachel! Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to your future books!
Rating:
Summary: She did it again!
Review: I truly did not believe that Rachel Ashwell could outdo herself, but obviously, I was wrong. Her new "Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide" is definitely a must have. It's a wonderful addition to any interior-decorating library as well as a delightful addition to her first book "Shabby Chic". I truly enjoyed the quaint sketches and hand written text. I was delightfully surprised at yet another wonderful book. I am looking forward to my "Shabby Chic" home.
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking photography - provacative possibilities!
Review: I was afraid this might be redundant with the original Shabby Chic but its not. This is a super book. If you like this look, this may be the best book on the market to teach a decorating style. And what style - the book is fun fun fun! It teaches you to appreciate the beauty in old things and helps you enjoy and even celebrate the flaws. It will get you out in the flea markets and junk stores looking for treasure - you'll delight in the process as well as the result. I'm glad I bought it.
Rating:
Summary: Nice photos, boring and self-serving text
Review: In a few years or less, people will look back on the Shabby Chic trend and on Rachel and laugh. Flea market decorating has always been fun and it will remain so as long as shoppers relax, buy what THEY love, and be creative in reusing secondhand objects. Ms. Ashwell's narrow definition of what's cool and what isn't puts a damper on that fun. Already, her beloved faded fabrics and sloppy slipcovers are becoming dated.
Rating:
Summary: Teasures Abound!
Review: In her second book Rachel takes us through the flea market. It is true to the form of her show and there are very many helpful hints inside! A must have for someone venturing out into the world of french country and flea market decorating!
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