The Shabby Chic Home

by Rachel Ashwell

Shabby Chic designer Rachel Ashwell shows readers how to turn any house or apartment into a comfortable, functional, beautiful, and stylish home, in this bestselling guide to getting the most out of flea-market finds and vintage treasures.

Genres: Interior Design, Nonfiction, Design, Lifestyle

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1975

Reviews

[Taryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I looked at decorating. It is, in my opinion, the best decorating book on the market. This particular style or name brand (as it's now become) is becoming more popular, but back when it was published, in 1997, it was novel. It didn't grab me right away either. I had seen it at Barnes and Noble when it was new, and then I never forgot about it; the images would creep back into my brain, like when I was falling asleep. Rachel Ashwell, the author, explains how the process of renovating an old 1920's home goes in the town of Malibu, CA. The photographs are outstanding, all by Amy Neunsinger. It's not really a how-to book, but she definitely talks about how your home and lifestyle should gel and feel comfortable. Rachel Ashwell is not about going out and buying everything at once. She recommends changing things as you see fit, sticking to a theme, and keeping things simple. This is one of my favorite books of all time. (Even better than her other 4!)

[Marybeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to this style of decoration you either love or hate it. As it happens I love it BUT I also live with a man & there is no way I would ask him to live with random floral pillows, floral crockery, floral lampshades, floral well...floral florals. As much as I love it I can see it could easily be too much.

What someone who maybe isn't all that into the color scheme, patterns, etc. might find in this book, though is a way to live with the way things are. There is no advice here to tear down & rebuild in her home's image, just the opposite.

Between that & the advice that you live with what you have for a while, make up your mind & avoid dramatic changes makes the book worth it even if you will never, ever, ever decorate the way she does.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a nutshell this book is how Rachel Ashwell redecorated her newly purchased home in the Shabby Chic style. So this book is more like a feast for your eyes, but I loved Rachel Ashwell's take on life. I was glad that I read the little paragraphs on each page. I feel wiser somehow. My favorite quotes are, "The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched--they must be felt with the heart" -Helen Keller "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can to as we are and not be questioned" Maya Angelou.

[Lucy McLaurin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all books and have shelves full of fiction; and also many many craft books; and I also have books on houses and decoration. And this is one of them.

Usually I just like to peruse these books at my leisure and usually it's more about the photos and pictures. This one, however, I discovered when initially flicking through had a bit more to it with Rachel Ashwell writing about the house she'd bought, and what she did and didn't do to make it her home. I really enjoyed reading these snippets of information about her love for pretty china and the liberal use of white paint ... and chose to read little bits each morning whilst I ate my breakfast!

A really nice book full of pretty pictures and an insight into Ms Ashwell's world.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss her TV show.

From 1999 to 2003, Ashwell hosted a TV show, titled "Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic," on E! and the Style Network.

It looks like most of her items could have come out of Hobby Lobby. But she took the time to show me how to make some of them. The only disappointment was her lack of bookcases and libraries.

This book is a well-done follow-up to the program. However again not one bookcase or library.

I wonder if anybody shabbies these days?

If you do find you like this book, Rachel Ashwell wrote several other books on the subject.

[Andrea Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to get introduced to the Shabby Chic style! Filled with photos to highlight the details of Rachel's new home. Some tips how to get this style for your home are also in. I particularly loved how everything is connected to the beautiful roses or peonies, as they are a great inspiration for the style itself.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another simply beautiful book. The author does an excellent job walking the reader through her process. Gorgeous photos and colors. I totally enjoyed and got an extra kick on her small section on flowers in the home and care plus taking care of the vases. Definitely worth reading.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book to slowly relax with and get inspiration from. This book brought me feelings of peacefulness and coziness, much needed in today’s hectic world.

[Melissa Bond · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up a few of these design books by Rachel Ashwell, and this was the least enjoyable of them all. I really wanted more variety in transformations, from minimalist to extravagant. Especially showing different redesigns of different locations than from the author's house. For me, there was too few illustrations, but of course the limitations I mentioned is the likely culprit. This might be good for someone becoming accustomed to the "shabby chic" style, otherwise allow yourself a preview before buying.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea this book was originally published in 2000. The colours, textures, and decor ideas are as fresh as what is in most magazines for the summer. Soft, feminine, dreamy, colourful, a feast for the eyes. Love the before and after of her house transformation. A very personal and inspiring book about a divorced woman buying and re-modelling a wonderful home with her two children. Great escape.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is well-off and lives in CA, which is rather annoying at times but oh MY the pictures!!! And really good tips about making over a house. I love her palette of white, pink and green and intend to echo this airy style into my room.

I'd like to have this for my very own to gush over now and then.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have just reread this, so many clever ideas and fits with the childhood aesthetics snd memories of fossicking that I grew up with. My tastes have changed a little over the years but this is such s great classic that many of the ideas endure.

[Jenkenzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my go-to book for decorating inspiration. I love the before and after pictures of Rachel’s house, as well as the story she tells. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea. 💗🌸💗

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author transformed a dark, spooky, older home into a light, airy, warm environment (on a shoestring)!

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had a cool old house (and the money, of course) to transform into something beautiful like Rachel did. Nice photography and good decorating ideas.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been in my house you will know which room is my Shabby Chic room. I love finding old furniture or hand-me-down furniture and giving it an updated look.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little blah.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel has a easy & fun way of writing. I usually only skim interior design books but, Rachel captures my attention. I love all of her creative & heartfelt ideas.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite decorating books. My house doesn't look like this but I adore that the house in this book does.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay but featured more photography than anything. In terms of helping you find your own "Shabby Chic" style, there wasn't enough inspiration for me.

[Celest · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty things and smart advice

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shabby chic!