Rachel Ashwell The World of Shabby Chic: Beautiful Homes, My Story & Vision

Bravo, Rachel Ashwell. Often I buy design books and dwell only on the photographs--this is a book to be read as well. The text is well-written and very helpful and revealing. It is fascinating to know how Rachel developed a love for the beauty of imperfection--from her mum. I have not at this point read every word, but I suspect I will before the book comes to rest. Her relating how her business went from boom to bust is hard to read--and surely hard to live, but she is brutally honest. I knew Rachell slightly when she was in full swing in the 90's--and we featured her in Victoria Magazine. Her vision is a unique romantic one--and her story is well-worth the telling. You'll be inspired to take a teacup and place a rose in it at a table setting--and perhaps use small prints for napkins at the very least. Getting to know her story--makes her design inspiration even more meanifnful. Being able to take ideas from a design book home is unusuall--I suspect readers will with this one. And the next time one goes to a flea market--Rachel's words may be ringing in the ears.

It's a very fine book. Aesthetically pleasing, but as an owner of quite a few of the other Rachel Ashwell books, some of the images have certainly been recycled. I preordered this book, and was happy to receive it upon publication, however it has typos's. From such a large publisher of shelter coffee table books, I find disappointing. That is my opinion of Rizzoli...not Ashwell. Additionally, I enjoyed a more personal perspective that Ashwell shared in this book, regarding her marriage etc... Although her aesthetic has been written about abundantly, I do not recall reading about her personal story with regard to her marriage. It's a lovely book, better than some of her prior publications. I would purchase it again, or for a friend. Who loves the rachel ashwell aesthetic. Finally, though, I think her best book was Shabby Chic Home. This is a close second.

I'm a huge fan of Rachel Ashwell's and thoroughly enjoy all her books even though I couldn't possibly duplicate any of the rooms. A little here, a little there. This may be her most personal book to date. I really do admire the charming things she has brought "out of the cottage" and made the love of antiques so popular and acceptable. Saving the fine furniture, dishes, fabrics, ceramics, etc. of the past, making them loved and useful again, how wonderful! The talent, craftsmanship, beauty and creativity will live on now, hopefully inspiring others. And I'm always glad to learn about women & men who worked hard & struggled against all odds to become not only successful but a household name & world famous celebrity. Positively inspirational!

I have all the Rachel Ashwell books and this is one of my favorites because of the pictures and decorating in this one in particular. I have thumbed through it numerous times and marked off all my favorite pages for sewing inspiration. Great read as well.

This one I enjoyed more since we are able to hear a little about Rachel herself and how she created the wonderful world of Shabby Chic. I appreciated the honesty (bankruptcy) again love how she has persevered and continues with her passion.What an amazing woman and decor!

Really love this book. Has some really awesome tips on decorating a shabby chic type home

Having read the entire book in two days left me wanting more. It's a lovely book. Her story is interesting to say the least, and although she no doubt went through some very difficult times, trying to relate is still not easy. Living the California lifestyle in Malibu, and Venice Beach is not exactly roughing it ! The book however is engaging to read and enjoy the pictures, but familiar in many ways with her previous books. After all, a white slipcover will always be a white slipcover. And the fading roses look sad still to me. I will give the book 4 stars because I guess it does have a story to tell, and it belongs on my shelf next to her other books.

So beautiful! I have all of her books in my "shabby chic " living room. This is my new favorite! Love the memior portions the most.

Have always like Rachels books, they may not be a lot of difference but if one likes to goo over the style then that is all you need to know.

Lovely book as always

great

Lovely book, interesting to read some personal background and the pictures are inspiring. However, if I read the word "patina" one more time, I think I'd have screamed!

Great book x