Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets

I've been a Shabby Chic fan since the beginning and I happily often had the opportunity to go to Rachel Ashwell's Santa Monica store. Even when it was closed, the window was still interesting to look at.Anyway, I was so much curious of this book that I couldn't wait to read it and I read it too quickly !I would say it is a little different from the other ones, more eclectic, more "industrial style" but still Shabby and Chic, more Bohemian too, more "artistic". It is also more nostalgic than the first ones, probably because of the circumstances while this book has been written.The more "junk" and hodgepodge sides come certainly from the fact her kids are adults now, still students and she obviously is influenced by their tastes, something quite normal after all.Our period is also different from the 80's, Rachel can't forever stick to the same stuff again and again.But it remains her style, still coherent. Her explanations are very clear, it is very easy to understand how her creation process works, which are her motivations, what kind of trend has an influence on her.But at the end, it is Shabby Chic - Rachel Ashwell.In this book, I loved her homes, in L.A. and Malibu but was a little less interested in Marylin Monroe's home and her other friends' houses which are not exactly of the same style, a little less defined and messier.And it is true that the rooms on the pictures didn't look quite finished, I don't know why, less details, more naked truth maybe.Anyway, actually I was more interested in what she was saying in her book, than the photos themselves. Because I like to understand what there is behind people's minds, rather than what they want to show.If you are a Shabby Chic fan and want to spend a few hours in Rachel Ashwell's world, that is the book for you, a must in that case. If you just like beauty, that is still a book for you.But if you are researching for something completely mad, new, very modern or "bizarre bazaar", I am afraid it is not that kind enough. Just pass your way, and come back when you search for something more cozy, comfy and chic.My only problem with this book : I had not enough to read. I need to know more. I need another whole book like this. The least I can say : I've not been bored while reading it !

At first glance I did not like this book, but the second time I peaked into it I fell in love so I bought it. Shabby chic Interiors was written at the time when Rachel Ashwell's mom passed away, as well as all Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic stores had to be closed down. In this book we get a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings during what was an especially dark and tough period for her. We also get a taste from the new direction where Shabby Chic is heading...The book resonated with me and I appreciated her honesty and wisdom, as well as the gorgeous rooms that were photographed by Amy Neunsinger. I loved the encouragement to simplify and pair down ones life and belongings to the essentials. It's been a year that I bought Shabby Chic Interiors and I still turn to it for inspiration.Still, I couldn't give it 5 stars.While I love 80% of the book that is about R.A., such as her home, barn, studio, I did not like her friends houses. To me they looked patchy and dingy (except maybe Amy's family tree house). Having read her newest book, Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Places, has helped me to understand where she was already heading in this one. In her new book the ratio is 30% R.A. 70% friends, and that 70% I found dark and dingy. I hope this trend will stop with the new book, and we get to see more of Rachel Ashwell and less of her friends (unless they have similar style like R.A.)

I have loved Shabby Chic for years, and was very excited when I saw this new book coming out. Once I started looking at it, however, I have to say I was very disappointed. I understand how a persons taste and style can change and evolve, but from what I now see in Rachel Ashwell's home, her taste has turned to junk. What happened to the beautiful floral fabrics and antique mismatched china? The beautiful crystal prisms hanging off candle holders and lights? Those were the types of things that drew me into Shabby Chic to begin with and what I still love about that look. From what I see now, and how she's decorating, it looks like Shabby Junk, and I see nothing chic about it. Most of her furnishings look a tad bit like garage sale rejects. The style and elegance that used to go hand in hand with the name Rachel Ashwell, has sadly, been replaced with tacky furnishings that I wouldn't give a nickle for. There is nothing in this book that resembles the Shabby Chic look and style from the past. Don't bother with this book if that's what you're looking for.

I am a HUGE fan and read and reviewed previous books. With that said imo, both Rachel and the ideas in the book look really worn out. We've all aged since her 1st book and she tells of her harrowing past year but I found the book a bit depressing. I don't agree w/ STYLE being, leaving a price tag on a hanging lamp, or a stained sampler or a chandelier not hanging but resting on a Church pew. She inspired me to buy an 1886 farmhouse and make it a beautiful home that reflects ME. I grew up and then lived in over the top contemporary homes and decorating a vintage farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains was beyond my comfort zone but it really turned out to be a showplace using her advice and ideas. I have seen bathrooms in gas stations that had more design appeal than in this book. I still gave it 3 stars because I enjoed reading it and seeing her style evolve and it looks GREAT on my tattered vintage end table. Oh, I just found 2 beautiful????? wing chairs at a thrift store that I asked a friend to help me upholster...OMG...when my friend saw the chairs w/ fabric just thrown over the chairs, it wasn't quite the inspiration I was looking for. If you are new to Rachel's philosophy I highly recommend you purchase her old books because they were chock full of fresh and exciting ideas.

This book is just wonderful. It is written as if she is having a conversation with you and taking you on her journey. I find myself going back to it every time I have a quiet moment to myself. Great book!

I have several others of hers, but somehow this one seemed a bit boring, maybe she was desperate to get yet another printed. Put it this way, I normally have those times when it's wet and cold outside and a log fire is burning and I can sit and go gooey about the ideas I would love to have in my own home as shown in these type of books, but I am working through this one at quite a speed and not getting that feeling at all. Maybe she has gone too white this time and it is killing off that feeling for me. As it is mainly pictures of her homes it could be her own style taste is also changing bit by bit.

Lovely book. Lifts my spirits to look through it. Its easy to do what Rachel Ashwell has done in your own home too. Lovely photos inside the houses and the garden.

Although this book addressed the topics in a very clear manner i felt it tended to miss the budget aspect to the extent where the designer had not considered a tight students allowence but grand ideas . I would a like a publication entitled SHABBY CHIC ON CAREFUL BUDGET - APART. the publication ws a good read

Can't tell you how wonderful this book is, photographs beautifuland the text is touching, interesting and informative.Would totally recommend buying it. Very fast delivery inperfect condition and good communication.

love shabby chic, nice pictures and good for inspiration