Shabby Chic

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Summary: There are better books out there
Review: I was deeply deeply disappointed with this book. I had come to expect more from the Shabby Chic then I was given this time around.

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Summary: Take it easy on Rachel..she does have some good ideas
Review: I wish some of the reviewers would be a little more open-minded and polite. I have enjoyed taking ideas from Shabby Chic and mixing them with my own. I never take anything too seriously. But I will tell you this..for those of you who love comfort and old things and fixing them up, stick with it and make it your own. Rachels book provides some great ideas, and you can be inspired by them but you do not have to follow everything. Be your own person. Someone wrote "faded fabrics are out" or something? I am sorry, but for those people who enjoy older, inherited looking items in their home that is something that will never die. This look, whether you call it Shabby Chic or not, will continue to evolve throughout time. Just because all the snotty designers are pusing a more cold, modern minimalist look with bright colors does not mean the classic old look is outdated. It is the one look that is never outdated if you work with it right to please you. And some of Rachels items are not expensive at all. I found her collection at Mervyns Southern California to be very fair priced, especially during the white sale, and purchased a few things that were simply classic and delightful, to mix with my own findings and makings. All and all, this is a nice book for your collection if you like to decorate and you like that style, but again, it is not meant to be followed completely. It is meant to inspire.

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Summary: Shabby Chic
Review: Isn't it time that this fusty old book and trend were given a decent burial? The rooms are dated and busy, busy, busy.

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Summary: Time to bury this one
Review: Isn't it time that this fusty old book and trend were given a decent burial? The rooms are dated and busy, busy, busy.

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Summary: Depressing and old hat
Review: Isn't it time we moved on to fresher looks? A roomful of musty old furniture with peeling paint and faded fabrics had some appeal a decade ago, but enough already. I'd like to see this obviously talented designer and entrepreneur try something new. Clearly, she has a good eye. I hope she uses it to give us some NEW ideas.

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Summary: Beautiful Photos but lacks applicability
Review: Lovely photos - so if you want a nice coffee table book, this is a lovely one to have. However, if you want practical information about how to develop and apply this style to your own home, this book doesn't provide basic practical guidelines (granted, I only glanced through it quickly because I found it boring). The author photographed, at the most, 3 separate houses to illustrate the book - way too many white slipcovered down chairs and sofas - and I LOVE white slipcovered down chairs and sofas. I'm looking foward to getting her more recent book "The Shabby Chic Home" because I think it will be more practical and applicable to my life. So while I didn't really like this book, I've not given up on this author, nor her unique approach to this style - I think her work is worth another look, but not this book.

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Summary: AN "INSPIRATON" BOOK
Review: Rachel Ashwell's "shabby chic" concept is a creation no different than a painting. Some people will be moved and inspired by it while others will pass it by. Several years back many decoraters both private and professional hailed it as a trend and there were those that rushed out to copy Rachel's look for that reason only. Those are the people that tend to declare things are "dead" or "out-dated." They are the same people that dress to impress. They write reviews or make statements about what's "in" and enjoy being "in." That is their priveledge. However, declaring whether "shabby chic" is in or out is an opinion and not a book review. One would assume that a person that is searching for this book could make up his or her own mind whether "the look" is what is desired. The point of reading a review is to find out whether the book provides the information needed or wanted. That is my job as a librarian. When I read a review, especially a non-fiction review, I want to know if a book is well photographed, informative, clearly written, fairly priced etc. This book meets those requirements, but as an "inspiration" book and not a technical manual. I have read and heard both positive and negative reviews, but paid attention only to the ones in which examples were given to support the opinions cited. Many of my patrons at the library have asked for this book and as we have a limited budget, I make selections carefully. I read many reviews of the book first and chose to buy it based on it's uniqueness. In a small library, we can not have ten books on one subject and we can't afford to purchase books that sit. The patrons of the library have taken "Shabby Chic" out many times and taken ideas from it. There were those that did so because of the trend factor, but to this day, the book still goes out often. Some library patrons found themselves reflected in this look and enjoyed the ideas presented. If you feel drawn to this look, but are unsure about a purchase, I recommend that you go to your local library and request a copy. Many of my patrons enjoyed this book so much they bought their own copies, others wanted the book to be more of a text book than an inspiration book. As for myself, I found in the book a unique and romatic vision of decor presented for inspiration, but it is not a how to manual. Those patrons that tend to be their own person enjoyed it best. Those that were anxious about decorating to make their home appear well-turned and contemporary with others and who were not comfortable with risk or their own styles yet, felt they wanted more of a step by step approach. I am here to order my own copy because the book never seems to be on the shelf at work when I have a chance to take it out!

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Summary: A pleasurable guide to making home decorating decisions!
Review: Rachel Ashwell's first decorating book is filled with lovely pictures and advice for creating a laid back, comfortable decorating style. The best thing about this book is that she shows the reader how to enjoy making your home inviting without breaking the bank. Even if the homeowner isn't completely enthralled with Ashwell's approach to decorating, by reading her, the home decorator can develop an eye for what would be long lasting appeal and the confidence to make decisions. Quite often, because of the expense and time involved, and because most people have to live with their decorating decisions, choosing furniture and accessories becomes quite daunting. Read Rachel Ashwell to help develop the confidence to decorate in your own style!

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Summary: A wonderful primer on an accessible style.
Review: Shabby Chic has become a way of life thanks to the very innovative Rachel Ashwell, who now has shared the secrets to this wonderful style. Her book serves as a primer for those who may have admired this decorating style that blends comfortable old things to a great effect. The chatty, down-to-earth tone of the book fits this warm and cozy approach to home decor perfectly and will make you want to get out there and rummage through flea markets looking for old furniture with 'good bones", broken but fix-uppable chandeliers, tattered lamp shades and lovable odds and ends. The book is more than just pretty pictures -- it gives very concrete advice for creating rooms that have that nice lived in look and ways to save money while doing it. I highly recommend "Shabby Chic" and I look forward to Rachel Ashwell's new book that I heard will be coming out soon!

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Summary: A Decorating Classic!
Review: Simple, elegant style using vintage home furnishings & slipcovers. I love all of Rachel's Shabby Chic books. Unfortunately many people don't really get the "Shabby Chic" philosophy. I see a lot of people describing cheap newly distressed items as shabby chic or 1970s floral curtains as shabby chic. Buy the book before you judge the look!