Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets [Hardcover]

Rachel Ashwell (Author), Amy Neunsinger (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2009

Rachel Ashwell created Shabby Chic: a peaceful, practical way of living that embraces a respect for the things in our lives we hold dear and keeps them at the heart of our homes. Romantic florals reclining against pure white linen, ruffles of muslin skirting a bed base against bleached floorboards, the deep comfort of a simple nest of fluffy towels - This is Rachel Ashwell's signature style that for the past 20 years has been a major influence in our modern lives. "Shabby Chic Interiors - My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets", an eclectic book of quirky inspiration, falls into chapters according to location, and begins with Rachel's breathtaking Los Angeles residence. Next, we wander into a photographer's minimalist mountain-top home in the Hollywood hills before heading to the coast and a beautiful Malibu beach cottage. A truly bohemian hideout in southern California is next on the journey, followed by a peek at celebrity homes, including the house that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe. With rooms combining flea-market finds and objects of pure functionality - an elegant French mirror reflecting a painting, a bejewelled metallic candle holder sitting by a cluster of willow-patterned china, a single faded velvet pillow lounging under the twinkle of a vintage chandelier - this book celebrates all that is wonderfully Shabby Chic.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rachel Ashwell is a self-made businesswoman who founded the iconic brand known as Shabby Chic in 1989 when, as a single mother of two young children, she looked to open a small shop where she could sell 'pretty things' without spending much time or distance away from her children. Rachel opened her first store on trendy Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, California and now has a brand that is known worldwide.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: CICO Books (September 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1906525749
• ISBN-13: 978-1906525743
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Rachel Ashwell
  • #88 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Decorating

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, September 8, 2009

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Sweet tea, please "Sweet tea, please" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets (Hardcover)

For those who were saddened by the closing of Shabby Chic stores and look to Rachel Ashwell's blog for inspiration, Shabby Chic Interiors will thoroughly satisfy. Ashwell's friendly tone, along with Amy Neunsinger's delicious photography, take the reader through exactly what is promised: her rooms, treasures, and trinkets. She manages to make a barn beautifully charming, and her collection of vintage prom dresses is nothing short of gorgeous. In short, if you enjoyed The Shabby Chic Home (or any of her other books, as well), then you will love Shabby Chic Interiors.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviews Too Harsh, October 20, 2009

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Austen (California, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets (Hardcover)

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion but, I think those who say they are a fan of Rachel's and then completely pan this book because it didn't meet their expectation of what they thought she "should have" put in her book have completely missed the mark. The book is subtitled "My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets." Her rooms - not what she would suggest for us - just what she's done. Things she loves, ways she's transformed her homes. Would I do everything she's done? No. Would I do some of them? Absolutely! She does say that her style has evolved and there are definitely more splashes of color in her style. I did enjoy seeing it all and I appreciated that she opened up and showed her vulnerability during what has been a tough time for her. I enjoyed this book much more than the last. It was far more real than celebrity parties.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes it's a little different Shabby but I call it an evolved Shabby!, September 21, 2009

By 

Elizabeth A. Barrett "RubysUpcycleDesigns" (Barrington, RI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets (Hardcover)

I just finished Rachel Ashwell's latest book, Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets. I thought the book was very inspiring. Amy Neunsinger's photography was fantastic and I think it's great that Rachel is evolving her look with more saturated colors and some leather pieces thrown in for good measure. It feels just as feminine and chic but maybe a little more mature and sophisticated. Without a doubt, I love that she gets rid of all the modern "fancy-smancy" additions by replacing them with the old, well-worn look we love her for. I was very happy with this new book and will happily add it to my RASC collection! It's a definite keeper that you will refer to often for helpful tips and great suggestions on ways in which to beautify your home with simple everyday items that we all have access to. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to see your new store in NY.