Customer Reviews

Shabby Chic

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

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designers are pusing a more cold, modern minimalist look with bright colors does not mean the classic old look is outdated. It is the one look that is never outdated if you work with it right to please you.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.

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.

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!

I received this book as a gift. I read it from cover to cover the first day. Ms. Ashwell demonstrates that flea market finds aren't smelly, useless junk but treasures to be unearthed again!

I found Shabby Chic useful as a jumping board for my decorating ideas. Lots of style without spending lots of cash- a must for students, newlyweds, young families and others who may be short of cash.

This is not a book or design aesthetic for people who tend to favor a "flawless" look to their home.

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!

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.

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!

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!

I found this book extremely thrilling when I first read it. I had to run to Shabby Chic, and absolutely fell in love. That was 3 years ago. I still read this book periodically. It is so used it is falling apart. I derived great ideas from this book, added to my own taste, I now love my home. It is very practical with four children and Beautiful! My daughters love their rooms and join me in searching out fabulous items at the flea markets and goodwill stores. Shabby Chic is an inspiration, a quality and guide book. If you don't like the information in this book, you just don't get it. Hats off to Rachel!

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.