Rating: 
Summary: Grandma's comfort & Young Chic
Review: I own 2 books that Rachel wrote including this one. I can't say how many times,I have used it for idea's for my 2 homes. It gives you so many beautiful pictures/idea's especially for my summer home. I even taped Rachel when she was on a tv show ,giving her charming ideas for her home and some TV stars. All the ideas were just as beautiful in a small apartment as in a stars home. A big thank-you for Rachel's idea's and for Target for giving us all a chance to pretend we to can live like a star. Great marketing!
Rating:
Summary: Hardly "dated"...
Review: A major aspect of Shabby Chic as presented in this book is to bring comfort, practicality and a personal touch to one's decorating. How is that ever "dated"? If your only goal is to keep up with the latest fads and re-do your house every year, then, no, this is not the book or concept for you. If, on the other hand, you would like ideas on how to incorporate both quality vintage pieces and fun contemporary finds into a decor that reflects your personal style, while allowing your home to be liveable and inviting, then give Ms. Ashwell's ideas a try.
Rating:
Summary: Hardly "dated"...
Review: A major aspect of Shabby Chic as presented in this book is to bring comfort, practicality and a personal touch to one's decorating. How is that ever "dated"? If your only goal is to keep up with the latest fads and re-do your house every year, then, no, this is not the book or concept for you. If, on the other hand, you would like ideas on how to incorporate both quality vintage pieces and fun contemporary finds into a decor that reflects your personal style, while allowing your home to be liveable and inviting, then give Ms. Ashwell's ideas a try.
Rating:
Summary: Romantic style is always in fashion.
Review: Although I have to admit that "shabby chic" is not really my style at all, I love this book. The photographs feature interiors that look casually elegant and very romantic. While, I would not decorate an entire room in this style, this book inspires you to take a single element and incorporate it into a room. For example, a chandelier dripping with crystals or a vintage mirror with an aged patina could easily and seamlessly fit in with any decor. This is the type of inspiration you will get from this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Still a favorite
Review: Although this book has been out for a few years, it's become a classic. It's what got me going on my own flea market hobby. Now I can't stop, and I'm always looking for new books to guide me. For an even fresher look at the topic, I also love the new book called Flea Market Decorating, which I just bought this month. I especially like the variety of styles in Flea Market Decorating, which include everything from country cottage styles to newer contemporary looks.
Rating: 
Summary: Dodn't bother.
Review: Can you say "sea-foam green" or "chipped white paint"? So can RA, over and over again. The photographs are uninspired and often so small that details are invisible. Better to take a walk through your local flea market and buy whatever catches your eye. Don't waste your money.
Rating:
Summary: Typical escapist material, but very beautiful
Review: Contrary to many other viewers' opinions I do not believe in this book's practical worth for those on a tight budget. To me it was immediately obvious that the "shabby chic" ought to be understood in the British sense, of making wealth appear casual, spontaneous and a little worn round the edges, , rather than pompous and ostentatious. It is not about making something out of nothing. Trash to treasure guide equally it is not, whatever we may be invited to believe. For the budget conscious it is a stuff to dream around, not to get inspired. But, as escapist stuff it is much superior to many others of its kind, precisely because of this quality of lightheartedness and taking it easy, which are the all important qualities of un-self-conscious decorating.
Rating:
Summary: Chic is never out of date
Review: Contrary to what one reviewer wrote, while the book is a few years old it is still very much useful in 2001. Maybe one has to have lived in France, rural London or even in Greece to fully appreciate the authors wisdom. And page 141 has the ONLY non-fitting slip cover that could be described as "loose fitting and shabby".Fact is the 7 Chapters are well written and well photographed. The topics of each Chapter are: Diverse Styles; Rooms; Hidden Treasures & Inspirations; Fabrics; Seating; Lights & Lighting; and Flowers. Have used the crisp and very neat fitting slipcover ideas she has on page 23 and 27 as well as the setting idea on page 27 where two same covered, sofa's are used in the viewing/screening room of a clients home. Now... I am the only woman/female in this family. So with a husband, sons, male cats and dogs I love to save money as well as have furniture that men like and which looks good as well. Ms Ashwells book wins on all counts. Showing what works and what doesn't and why. She isn't just a woman who pays others to do what she says, she does it herself. The flea market piece and photos reminded me of the awesome Pasadena flea market that is so awesome! It is also nice that she shows a variety of living styles from country garden homes, to zen simplicity, to more a seaside or Mediterranean mode. She offers wonderful information on choosing the right fabric for the piece of furniture and home environment. And information that even I did not know about picking paint. Appreciated the section on furniture restortaion and the photographs that remind me of my favorite haunts in SF and Oakland. The book is one that you will actually pull off the shelf and read often. In my opinion it is worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: Great coffee table book and reference guide!
Review: Enjoyed this book thoroughly, because it showcases my personal philosophy: "out with the New, in with the Old!!" Although the author's clients and friends are obviously well-off, readers can easily transfer the hints and advice to their own personal style, regardless of their income level. Personally, some of my best finds have been from the Salvation Army, the Goodwill, and the side of the road! Rachel Ashwell has really scored a hit with this book!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Decorating Ideas!
Review: Good design doesn't have to be expensive. Rachael pulls together elements and she joins them with similarities in their form and color. All this with "finds". This book gives creedance to our local decorating norm. Houses here are decorated with everyone elses' stuff off the street. Racheal shows us how to do it with flair.
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