Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide this question feed

asked by rafit on November 17, 2006 3:08 AM
By now most readers even marginally interested in home decorating are familiar with the democratic principles of decorating elaborated in Rachel Ashwell's first book, Shabby Chic: namely, that well-made vintage furniture and home accessories can add a cozy grandeur to your home, even if the paint's a little thin or the fabric a bit faded. In her second book, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide, Ashwell shares her processes, from a stall-by-stall description of a flea market trip to pictures of her design boards scattered with photos, fabric swatches, and paint chips. Ashwell doesn't skimp on details: she tells how to decide on a fair bargaining price at flea markets, how to clean old items without harming them, and (step by step) how one ugly glass-fronted cabinet topped with old linoleum and mismatched shelf paper became an attractive, roomy storage piece that houses her daughter's books, dolls, and bedding. This is a friendly, intimate book in which Ashwell shares pictures of her own home and those of her friends--some of whom live in roomy beach houses and some of whom live in 450-square-foot cottages, and all of whom use the main Shabby Chic concepts of comfort, function, and beauty in deciding which objects to share their space with. Fans of the original Shabby Chic will find this follow-up every bit as useful, attractive, and accessible.


Reviews

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I find this book incredibly useful for tips in buying things, old and new, for my home. The handwritings in this book are readable, and I am not a native speaker! And it is interesting to see how Ms. Ashwell's taste and eye get more and more refined over the years. I appreciate work by other great interior designers like Jacques Grange and the late David Hicks and my style is not very much shabby chic at all. But for everyday living, I find Ms. Ashwell's advice to be adaptable and elegant. This book does not disappoint.
reviewed by drvale on November 27, 2006 3:37 PM

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Ms. Ashwell continues to inspire me with great collecting and decorating tips. She actually shares her sources, which is refreshing.
reviewed by stix on November 29, 2006 5:38 PM

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Before I even finished the book, I had to rummage out my odd selection of cream pitchers and glasses to fill with wildflowers. The photos inspire you to enjoy vintage fabrics, china and furniture in a fresh way.
It's been years since I've made the early rounds at Baltimore and Pennsylvania flea markets looking for the unique items that make a home special. Reading this book makes me take a fresh look at some things stashed in my closets. The lovely photos of rooms show uses for mismatched linens and distressed chairs.
The book branches out from just decorating by following Rachel on her flea market searches. It also includes a chapter on vintage clothing and also one on decorations (old silk flowers, etc.) for parties and packages.
Her style focuses on a palette of whites and faded pastels. She recommends some thrift measures like substituting pressed glass for crystal. Use it in abundance; for instance, put a bud vase at each place setting on the table. In general, it won't be totally inexpensive to get this look for your home.
reviewed by maxmill on November 29, 2006 6:39 PM

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This is the most gorgeous how-to-book out there! Mrs. Ashwell takes you along her journey, as she visits her treasure-hunting grounds for furniture and fabrics that convey a sense of history and adventure. Her style is very romantic and feminine, so this book is a find for all you girly-girls out there. Shabby Chic is presented as a life style, and she consequently adds a chapter on clothes and accessories. You will find plenty of inspiration to embrace a more eco-friendly and glamourous way of life through her tips on what to select (quality) and how to restore and clean out your "new" treasures. It has certainly made me want to re-upholster my old chairs and sew new curtains out of the faded fabrics my Granny gave me. This book will bring out your inner interior-designer and your slumbering artist. Life should be bright and fabulous. Enjoy!
reviewed by drvale on November 29, 2006 7:05 PM

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