2011 Interior Designer Interview with Shabby Chic Designer RACHEL ASHWELL {Part 3}

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Such a thrill to interview Shabby Chic’s Rachel Ashwell and have

the brain tickled and illuminated by such a soulful designer.

Get ready, gorgeous readers…
for a truly enlightening chapter

of the interview in which I asked
the creator of Shabby Chic and author
of Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic Inspirations for…

laurence

Rachel’s blog

The impossible.
As in:

how to get a room’s decor started.

Would you believe this lovely designer
humored me?!? She did!
Also keep your eyes peeled for a surprise just for you.

umbaldo

Rachel’s blog

MR: I truly “get” your beauty, comfort, and function philosophy.

But when many of us confront an empty room with white walls, 
WHY IS IT SUDDENLY A CONFOUNDING MYSTERY?!?

What trips us up?

Why do we have the tendency to complicate it?

RA: There is no quick answer to how to solve this mystery.

Different to clothes that we wear to express who we are

to the world, our home decor is our honest, private and authentic nest, and we can only feel at home, if it fits us.

This takes time and evolves.
A few helpful guidelines:

1.
Less is more.

Don’t let clutter build, but don’t exclude life.

Clutter is hard to live with, but its hard
to live with no evidence of

life either.

SeaburyLiliputLodge


Rachel’s blog

2.

Knowing the purpose of a room usually guides

a perfect balance, as opposed to dressing a room

for show, or playing house.
Decide the function of the room.

What is needed for the function?
It’s not about just filling up space.

kitchen


Rachel’s blog

3.

Take a check list of things you already have.

Perhaps they need a redo…to be painted,

or stripped or reupholstered.


Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic Inspirations
(Cico Books)

Sorry to interrupt, Rachel
SURPRISE!
Three of my loyal readers and new followers
(US residents only for this one)
will win
a copy of Rachel’s new book!

* GIVEAWAY CLOSED *

Back to Rachel’s golden rules:

stepping


Rachel’s blog

4.

It is comforting in a room to have

heirlooms of past and future.
Have some anchor pieces and let
the layers happen over time.
If possible buy classic and quality

(fleamarkets are so helpful for this one).

painting


Rachel’s blog

5.

Choose a theme, either of color or style.
I love eclectic but not jumble.
Mixing too many styles with too many

color palettes can be overwhelming.

Having a point of view helps define a room.
Emotional comfort and practical comfort

are of equal importance.

flowermart


Rachel’s blog

6.

Whenever possible,

an abundance of fresh flowers

hides a lots of voids while the

search for treasures continue.

Rachel’s blog

Just reading through Rachel’s guidance

makes this blogger feel more empowered…

ya know? More equipped to take

the right steps toward creating an authentic nest.

brooches

Rachel’s blog

Thanks for reading and following

this lovely journey.

A special thanks to Rachel Ashwell

for her expertise and lovely new book.

I cherish all of your comments

and how you add to the beauty.

I hope you win!

* * *

Beautiful books by Rachel Ashwell:

Shabby Chic

Rachel Ashwell The World of Shabby Chic

Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide

The Shabby Chic Home

Shabby Chic Interiors: My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets

Peace to you right where you are.

michele

Follow:

170 Comments

  1. October 17, 2011 / 10:29 pm

    I would love to win this book!!!
    Thank you so much for the generous giveaway!!
    Suzann ~xoxo~

    • October 24, 2014 / 5:42 pm

      I love to decorate my home, more than anything. I love the look of Rachel Ashwells' romantic flowers and casual country look. It's so Romantic and lovely and ruffles and old white wood. Beautiful. Thankyou Rachel. I went over and liked Cico books.

    • October 24, 2014 / 5:45 pm

      I love Rachel Ashwell's Romantic Country Look. I love to decorate my home, more than anything. I love her flowers, her light old walls, ruffles, and light breezy look. I went over and liked Cico Books. How wonderful to win her book, I would so love it. Thankyou Rachel. xo

  2. October 17, 2011 / 10:31 pm

    I went over and "liked" Cico Books

    Suzann ~xoxo~

  3. October 17, 2011 / 10:34 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Shabby Chic
    To me it is so romantic and sweet and so relaxing.
    Love to sit and admire Rachael's books!!!!

    Suzann ~xoxo~

  4. October 17, 2011 / 10:42 pm

    Rachel, I have been following you for 11 years now, not in a stalker kind of way more like a great fan kind of way. I use to watch your show when I had my first house back in 2000 and wanted to do my whole house shabby chic but unfortanitly my husband didn't feel the same way lol.

    [email protected]

  5. October 17, 2011 / 11:14 pm

    Great giveaway Michele! I just went over to facebook and "liked" cico books. You know I'm already a follwer too so two down!

  6. October 17, 2011 / 11:17 pm

    Hi Rachel, I hope you read this because I purchased a pair of overstuffed chairs from your first store in NYC twenty years ago and still have them. The only thing I’ve changed, more slipcovers made, love them!

    (that’s three)

  7. October 17, 2011 / 11:36 pm

    Hi,
    I've been a follower of yours for sometime thank you for visiting my post. Hopefully I'll win this book.
    Lisa

  8. October 17, 2011 / 11:37 pm

    Been over to Cico book face book just to let them know I like the book.
    Lisa

  9. October 17, 2011 / 11:41 pm

    I follow your blog! I just found you because of your preference for shabby chic style, which I love. I like Cico books on FB too!

  10. October 17, 2011 / 11:52 pm

    a word for rachael

    hmmm

    how about 'thank you'
    for bringing imperfections
    into style.

    alison

  11. October 17, 2011 / 11:53 pm

    what i love most
    about the shabby chic style
    is

    white

    white

    white.

    alison

  12. October 18, 2011 / 12:15 am

    I love your blog, the pallete is lovely. I am your latest follower and would love to win a book. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

  13. October 18, 2011 / 12:17 am

    i love this post!! dreamy images and interesting interview. wish i could enter your competition.. : (
    x

  14. October 18, 2011 / 1:12 am

    Hi Rachel~I picked up your duvet cover from Target and gave my bedroom a pick me up! I will be posting on it this week~I love your style and your line at Target is wonderful~I also hope to visit The Prairie one day!

  15. lorishoults
    October 18, 2011 / 1:18 am

    Follow and LOVE hello lovely and just "liked" Cico books on FB! Great giveaway idea! ( =

  16. lorishoults
    October 18, 2011 / 1:21 am

    Hi Rachel! I have poured over your Shabby Shic books for years. Thank you for giving me hours of basking in your creativity. ( =

  17. October 18, 2011 / 1:22 am

    What a lovely post! Everything is just beautiful, especially the picture of the roses. Newest follower.
    Cindy

  18. lorishoults
    October 18, 2011 / 1:27 am

    Love every page of Shabby Chic but if I have to choose a favorite part I would have to say that I have been most inspired by the palette collage pages!!! ( =

  19. lorishoults
    October 18, 2011 / 1:28 am

    Just tweeted the link. ( =

  20. October 18, 2011 / 3:22 am

    I'm so lovin this interview with Rachel, and the questions you ask, really get to the heart of her style. I love the picture of her desk area, which is so unstructured, but so totally perfect and pretty and functional at the same time. And… i'm still madly in love with the paintings. It makes me want to try to paint something like that… totally inspired!

    Cindy

  21. October 18, 2011 / 5:03 am

    🙁

    But anyway as long as I read up on the very brilliant designer. Mich, your questions were equally good. They are exactly what we think about. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  22. October 18, 2011 / 8:22 am

    lovely giveaway. as a UK resident and an owner of the book already, it doesn't apply to me, so I wish everyone good luck for it!

    Love reading these interviews Michelle, it's a real treat :O)

    sadie x

  23. October 18, 2011 / 1:33 pm

    Thank you for visiting my blog cottage-wishes. I am a new follower of yours and would love to be entered into this giveway!

  24. October 18, 2011 / 1:39 pm

    Rachel,
    I have your other books and lurve the beautiful styling…My bedroom is shabby chic and I always feel so calm and beautiful in my room. My niece is a shabby chic little girl. My sister in law loves your style also, for a shower gift I bought a beautiful chandlier with tea cups dangling down and her little room was so sweet and chic. Thank you for all you do, you inspire me. Di@http://cottage-wishes.blogspot.com

  25. October 18, 2011 / 1:40 pm

    I am also sharing your giveway on my blog cottage-wishes. Again thank you for your wonderful pictures. Di

  26. October 18, 2011 / 1:43 pm

    Aw!!! Only in the U.S. you say? 🙂
    I love the part in this interview where Rachel states "Don't let clutter build, but don't exclude life.
    Clutter is hard to live with, but its hard
    to live with no evidence of
    life either." That struck a chord! It's words I live by.
    Amazing interview Michelle.
    Hugs Rosemary…x

  27. October 18, 2011 / 1:44 pm

    P.S.S. I did like Cico Books on facebook!
    What I love about Shabby Chic…everything! Especially the soft colors, white, blue, rose…

  28. October 18, 2011 / 2:03 pm

    I don't have facebook so I can't "like" her and I also live in Canada. I get it.. I cannnot win.. boooo hooo. 🙂

    No problem. Just want to let you know how I enjoyed this post. So beautiful and inspiring!

    Lots of love to you, M!!!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  29. October 18, 2011 / 2:06 pm

    Became a Follower~! And thank you for the lovely comment on my blog!

  30. October 18, 2011 / 2:09 pm

    I have been a fan of Rachel since way back. I loved her show and already own a couple books (and a few sets of her sheets from her Target line). I love the clean white and pale colors…and the use of old fixtures. I adore using things of the past, and almost every piece in my home has a story or a memory attached to it. That's what I call home!

  31. October 18, 2011 / 3:06 pm

    Great interview, how honored you must feel! Wonderful giveaway as well, thank you for the invite, and the lovely comment on my blog. hugs tami

  32. October 18, 2011 / 3:09 pm

    Rachel, you have inspired me since your very first book. I don't have a lot of money to spend on furnishings for my home(parsonage). Your style has inspired me to love the shabby and time-worn and has caused me to realize having the "perfect" home that looks like a photo shoot is not my style. Comfortable and attractive and time-worn elegance for me. Thanks for everything. I love my home and my style thanks to your inspiration over the years!

  33. October 18, 2011 / 3:11 pm

    Hello!
    I "followed" your blog and "liked" Cico Books! Can't wait to read more of your blogs!
    Thanks so much for teh give-a-way!

    Dolores

  34. October 18, 2011 / 3:11 pm

    What I love best about Shabby Chic is appreciating the past beauty but re-styling for today. Soft and comfortable and artistic. Creams,soft pinks,a kiss of sparkle here and there….

  35. October 18, 2011 / 3:12 pm

    PS,I added you to my blog love, don't wanna miss a thing, your blog is awesome.

  36. Anonymous
    October 18, 2011 / 3:20 pm

    I am trying to redecorate my living-room/bedroom with the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic look. I have the white walls and a lovely faux fireplace….. have a special quilt from Target but I would like more and I love Rachel's books the are so helpful guidance in keeping me on the right track Shabby Chic style .. [email protected] or JeanneKopangZaks on Facebook ….

  37. Anonymous
    October 18, 2011 / 3:25 pm

    The lovely colors are so inviting and easy to live with the pastels that Rachel showcases in all her work that light splash of color is dramatic…. I want so much to capture that in my home and Rachel is so helpful …. [email protected] or JeanneKopangZaks on Facebook….. Will comment more lovelys

  38. October 18, 2011 / 4:17 pm

    Thank you for your visit and the sweet comment @TheDedicatedHouse! It means the world! Thanks for letting me know about your blog and your great giveaway! Quite a treasure! Hope you have a grand Tuesday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  39. October 18, 2011 / 4:55 pm

    Love your blog! I think I could use some "Rachel" inspiration right now. Re-styling the kitchen and having a difficult time. I got to meet Rachel last year at the Remnants of the Past Vintage Show. She is warm and friendly, not to mention gorgeous!

  40. October 18, 2011 / 4:57 pm

    Whoops, forgot to mention, I will be "following" you.

  41. October 18, 2011 / 5:47 pm

    I'm following your blog and I "liked" Cico Books on Facebook. Great blog! Thanks for the giveaway!

  42. October 18, 2011 / 5:51 pm

    I'm only 16 so the only room I get to decorate is my bedroom, but Rachel and the Shabby Chic style have always been a huge inspiration to me. Thanks Rachel. 🙂

  43. October 18, 2011 / 5:56 pm

    Tweeted it, yo!

  44. October 18, 2011 / 6:09 pm

    What I like best about Shabby Chic is that it can be adapted to any room and to almost any style. And it's just so satisfying to all the senses… sight, smell (flowers, hello!), and, of course, feel. (Not really sound, but oh well!) Plus, I love shopping at thrift stores, resale shops, flea markets, garage sales, etc., so Shabby Chic is perfect for that. 😀

  45. October 18, 2011 / 6:10 pm

    Posted on Faceboooook!

  46. October 18, 2011 / 6:54 pm

    Hi sweet M ~
    I'm not on Facebook
    yet {I know, what a
    geek} so will not
    qualify, but this is
    a wonderful giveaway!
    Rachel's words to decorate
    the way you really live
    truly resonated with
    me. I need to rethink
    several spaces. What
    do I love about RACHEL'S
    shabby chic {as opposed
    to knock off, over the top
    sorts}? Comfort. And
    the sense that one is
    coming home and could
    stay there, forever….
    xx Suzanne
    PS: I wanted to respond
    to your comment on P&H
    today, but your reply e-mail
    is "no-reply blogger." Love
    that you are so real. Have
    a lot more to say, but will
    save that for an e-mail : )

  47. October 18, 2011 / 6:56 pm

    Hi! I am following your blog and I liked Cico books on fb.
    ~Corinne

  48. October 18, 2011 / 6:59 pm

    Hi Rachel,
    Shabby Chic has been apart of who I am for so long now, I can't even remember when I found you and your signature style. Which is a good thing. I have 3 boys who love the way I decorate our home. They love the china we use, the cloth napkins, crystal chandeliers, flowers and all the lovelies that makes shabby chic and you.
    ~Corinne

  49. October 18, 2011 / 7:01 pm

    What I love best about Shabby Chic is the way that anyone with any budget can be comforted with Rachel's way of life, because it's really not just a decorating style, it's our way of life.
    ~Corinne

  50. October 18, 2011 / 7:05 pm

    I've posted a link to your blog and giveaway just now on my facebook!
    ~Corinne

  51. October 18, 2011 / 7:27 pm

    I've just tweeted the link for your giveaway!
    ~Corinne

  52. October 18, 2011 / 8:28 pm

    I am a follower of your blog and love having it emailed to my mail box!
    Kathysue

  53. October 18, 2011 / 8:29 pm

    I LIKED Cico books on facebook, Kathysue

  54. October 18, 2011 / 8:31 pm

    I love reading about Rachels design process I have 2 of her books and I remember being fascinated by the process she went through in choosing her elements for her signature style that has become a classic in the design world. I would love to add another book to my design library, kathysue

  55. October 18, 2011 / 11:19 pm

    This is so great and thank you so much my beachy sista! I follow you and I liked Cico on facebook!
    xo

  56. October 18, 2011 / 11:21 pm

    I heart shabby Chic because of the relaxed feel, things don't have to be perfect but yet they seem to blend so well, and it is just so darn pretty!! 🙂
    xoxo

  57. October 19, 2011 / 12:20 am

    What an awesome giveaway, Michele! Thanks for the chance to win a little Shabby Chic for this old farmhouse! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  58. October 19, 2011 / 12:22 am

    I've been a happy follower of yours for a long time, Michele! And I LIKED Cico on FB!! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  59. October 19, 2011 / 12:26 am

    When I bought my first house years ago, Rachel Ashwell moved in with me. Well…..not exactly, but I bought every one of her books as they were published because I was so head over heels with the Shabby Chic style. I poured over those books and incorporated as much of that lovely style as I could. As my style has morphed slightly over the years, Shabby Chic has continued to be a mainstay in my home decor. It is chic, warm, feminine, timeless, and a way of life. ♥

    xoxo laurie

  60. October 19, 2011 / 3:29 am

    Yea! I am a follower and I "Like"d Cieo Books on Facebook

  61. October 19, 2011 / 3:30 am

    Message for Rachel… I've been inspired to use a touch of PINK. Thank you for that.

  62. October 19, 2011 / 3:31 am

    I like Shabby chic for the relaxed casual but elegance of it. 🙂

  63. October 19, 2011 / 3:32 am

    I posted this to my Facebook wall 🙂

  64. October 19, 2011 / 3:33 am

    And Tweeted this! 😀

  65. October 19, 2011 / 5:10 am

    I've lived in our house for three years, and I am still afraid to commit a room to any design! I would love some direction and inspiration! I love shabby chic, just don't know how to pull it off! I liked Cico on facebook!
    Thanks!

  66. Anonymous
    October 19, 2011 / 10:22 am

    I so love imperfect perfection and want it in my life as do I wish for a copy of Rachel's book … I need her help and her book is just what the doctor ordered…. xx Jeanne Kopang Zaks via facebook or [email protected]

  67. cindy
    October 19, 2011 / 3:38 pm

    I love the shabby chic look but it is too feminine for my husband. Rachel, how do we take your shabby chic and make it more "male" friendly??

  68. October 19, 2011 / 3:53 pm

    Great giveaway, I have been wanting to get my hands on it! I am a follower of your blog and Cico on facebook. 🙂

    Kari

  69. October 19, 2011 / 3:55 pm

    My comment for Rachel is… Thank you for being so authentic over the years and for being very real about your struggles. I too am going through a difficult time in my life and I find it so inspring and encouraging when people keep it real. Especially you, whom I have admired since your very first book. All of my bedding is by you, and I love your products. I hope you continue to sell at Target, I just love the whole line. Thank you for your beauty and your integrity. <3

  70. October 19, 2011 / 3:56 pm

    I love shabby chic because it is very approachable, and has an old fashioned charm and appeal but yet is modern at the same time. I also think it is inspiring yet cozy and comfortable at the same time. I love it, always have!

  71. October 19, 2011 / 7:56 pm

    Really excellent interview my lovely (seriously, you've missed your calling here, I think a book is in order) and while shabby chic isn't really my thang, I can appreciate how pretty and feminine it is when it's done well!

    This isn't an entry for obvious reasons 😉 but I hope you are having a FABULOUS week and GOOD LUCK to all the entrants!

    Mwah xxx

  72. October 19, 2011 / 9:14 pm

    what i love most about shabby chic, is the authenticity of it…no cooker cutter Crate & Barrel, IKEA, etc. rooms and decor!

  73. October 20, 2011 / 1:56 am

    I have been following Rachel for years and can't wait for the new book! I liked Cico books and will Tweet and FB about this link shortly. So exciting!

  74. October 20, 2011 / 7:35 am

    I wasn't sure whether to leave a comment here as obviously this isn't an entry as I don't qualify, but just wanted to say I am completely enamoured by Rachel's style points and particularly LOVE the soft, floaty paintings in the images.

    Meera xx

  75. Anonymous
    October 20, 2011 / 10:37 am

    Good Morning, just posted a link to my facebook page… I'm loving the Hello Lovely, inc., blog… Jeanne Kopang Zaks

  76. October 20, 2011 / 12:44 pm

    What a gorgeous giveaway. Good Luck to all. Thanks so much for sharing this lovely post at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.

  77. Anonymous
    October 20, 2011 / 5:58 pm

    I've no cell phone (by choice) and can't do tweets, does that ruin my chances of winning Rachel's book? please say no. Otherwise, I am doing my living room A La Shabby Chic and am scanning every word of the Shabby Chic decorating tips 🙂 Jeanne Kopang Zaks – [email protected]

  78. October 20, 2011 / 9:58 pm

    I'm a happy new follower of your lovely blog and would love to winner Rachel's book. Sorry, can't like on Facebook because I still haven't had time to join.

  79. October 20, 2011 / 10:00 pm

    This is for Rachel…I loved your style right from the beginning. Your books are always an inspiration.

  80. October 20, 2011 / 10:01 pm

    I am already your follower, and I "liked" Cico books on Facebook. I would love to win this book!!! Thanks for the opportunity to enter this cool giveaway!

  81. October 20, 2011 / 10:05 pm

    I love the simple, no fuss, casual,elegant, and timeless look of shabby chic.

  82. October 20, 2011 / 10:10 pm

    If Rachel reads this, I would say that her Shabby Chic spaces are a beautiful and timeless oasis.

  83. October 21, 2011 / 3:03 am

    Hello!
    I am soo excited for this giveaway! This book has been on my must have list before it was officially out! I am a follower of Hello Lovely and I liked Cico books on facebook!
    Thank you for the opportunity!
    Kristi
    [email protected]

  84. October 21, 2011 / 3:29 am

    Thanks for the invite to enter the giveaway! I am your newest follower and love your ideas! So much inspiration! I also liked Cisco Books on Facebook!

  85. October 21, 2011 / 11:46 am

    hi, there! great interview! thanks for the visit to my blog and the invite for this giveaway! of course, i'm already your follower but now i like cico books on fb…

    amy

  86. October 21, 2011 / 1:40 pm

    I would love to sit and turn each and every page of Rachel's new Cico book, over and early morning cup of coffee, when the house is quietest, and I'm in my own little world.
    I follow and love your blog & liked Cico of FB …
    of course, I hope I win this lovely book.

  87. October 21, 2011 / 1:45 pm

    Rachel…
    You are truly an inspiration in both your talent and business. You really have put the romance into shabby chic, I fall in love again and again with your colors and how you make it all come together. I can't wait to see your new book…
    Ps…love your blog too.

  88. October 21, 2011 / 1:51 pm

    What is not to love about Shabby Chic…
    It's home, comfort, history, romance, so many wonderful things to collect that don't look all the same,
    I love it's staying power…it really does say HOME.

  89. Anonymous
    October 21, 2011 / 5:28 pm

    I LOVE Rachel's style and ambiance & interior living is so soft and lovely easy to live in….. I have not achieved it yet actually my rooms are bare, less is more, right but mine isn't quite right. Need help. Hoping to find one of Rachel's books in Barnes and Noble so I can browse an learn. Love your STYLE… JEANNE KOPANG ZAKS on Facebook

  90. October 21, 2011 / 6:51 pm

    Michele, this is a wonderful post.
    Rachel, I very much enjoyed what you had to share. All excellent advice. Love your style and truly miss your Shabby Chic store that was in the Domain. It was one of my favorite shopping destinations! I'd love to have a copy of your new book. Thanks for including me. ~ Sarah

  91. October 21, 2011 / 6:51 pm

    Michelle, I'm following Hello Lovely Inc. I'm thrilled to find your beautiful blog. ~ Sarah

  92. October 21, 2011 / 6:53 pm

    What do I like most about Shabby Chic?
    It's the casual elegance and timeless feel of this style that pulls me in. ~ Sarah

  93. October 21, 2011 / 7:07 pm

    Posted on FB….
    now to think of the other steps ~
    Cheryl

  94. October 21, 2011 / 7:08 pm

    To Rachel ~ I Love the Simple Beauty of things from Our Past, holding a place in Our Homes Today, Soft Sweet Colors, Mixed with Memories….

    Thank You
    Cheryl

  95. October 22, 2011 / 4:51 am

    Your site is lovely. Beautiful photos and inspiration for the eyes.

  96. October 22, 2011 / 12:37 pm

    New follower, Michele ~ thanks for stopping by Decor & More and letting me know about this giveaway! Great interview… this book would be a wonderful addition to my design library.
    Enjoy your weekend!
    xo Heidi

  97. October 24, 2011 / 11:52 am

    Hi there! LOVELY blog post on Shabby Chic, I am already a follower, and I just "liked" Cico books on Facebook. Thanks for the chance to win her new book!

  98. October 24, 2011 / 11:53 am

    Hi Rachel! I just want to leave a message letting you know how inspirational and lovely you, the Shabby Chic look and your books are to me. I love each and every bit of it! Thankyou!!

  99. October 24, 2011 / 11:54 am

    What I love best about Shabby Chic? Giving new purpose and life to the past, and the calming effect it gives on my soul and in my home.

  100. October 24, 2011 / 5:31 pm

    Michele,

    It has been wonderful reading your interviews x 3 with Rachel! You put it all together beautifully and your questions are always smart and interesting. You bring the best out of people.

    I would of course love to have one of Rachel's books, please put my name in the hat. I will be coming back with additional entries, once I have done my homework!

    Hugs, Mon

    P.S And yes, less is more and less is beautiful.

  101. October 25, 2011 / 12:29 am

    I really enjoy Shabby chic, and all the lovely decor and decorating ideas. What a great giveaway! I went to my facebk page and "liked" Cisco books. My friends will want to check that out. I am finished remodeling my bathrm. And next is the formal lv. rm. I get so many ideas from looking at your pictures. It would be easier if I could " cut & paste" some of my favorite decorating ideas just on my walls without doing the work (: Please enter me in your great giveaway. Thank you

  102. October 25, 2011 / 3:43 pm

    Hi Michele! Thanks for inviting me over to learn about your giveaway. I would LOVE to win one of Rachel's new books. I am already a follower of your blog and I did go over to FB and "liked" the CICO book page.

  103. October 26, 2011 / 2:19 am

    I'm a follower! I liked CICO books on Facebook! Thanks for a chance.
    Sherry

  104. October 26, 2011 / 2:20 am

    Rachel has always been a top favorite of mine. Her style is authentic and uncomplicated and honest. That is what I love the most.
    Sherry

  105. October 26, 2011 / 2:21 am

    What I like best about Shabby Chic is that you can recycle and it is beautiful! I love her books with the tips on refurbishing things! Great tips.:)
    Sherry

  106. October 26, 2011 / 2:22 am

    I'm going to post the link on Facebook now! Thank you! Thank you!
    Sherry

  107. October 26, 2011 / 2:22 am

    I'm going to post the link on Facebook now! Thank you! Thank you!
    Sherry

  108. October 26, 2011 / 3:10 am

    Thank you for linking it with Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  109. October 26, 2011 / 1:17 pm

    Hi there, I follow you on fb and Vici books as well. Thanks for the great giveaway. One can never have enoughy books.

    Blessings,
    Shanna Olivia

  110. October 26, 2011 / 1:21 pm

    What I like most about shabby chic is the ability to mix formal and casual leaving a person to feel completely cozy yet elegant at the same time. Then the mixing of styles is next on my list of likes also. I have a long list of why this style is the best one…..imo of course.

    Thanks again…crossing my fingers.

  111. Anonymous
    October 26, 2011 / 11:10 pm

    So lovely to see you on QVC today Rachel. jeanne kopang zaks on facebook

  112. October 27, 2011 / 12:30 am

    What I like most about the shabby chic style is the sense of comfort and history. I also love the muted color palette and of course, vintage chandeliers!

  113. Anonymous
    October 27, 2011 / 2:16 am

    I love shabby chic because of this style uses loved and worn items. I have been thrift store shopping and flea marketing before they were the cool thing to do. My house is filled with treasures that were once cherished and used by someone else.
    [email protected]

  114. October 27, 2011 / 2:20 am

    Wonderful giveaway. I'm a follower.

  115. October 27, 2011 / 3:21 am

    I joined the site and liked Cico books on FB! This is a fantastic giveaway!

  116. October 27, 2011 / 4:34 am

    Huge fan of Rachel Ashwell and your blog! Just 'Liked' Cico books FB page!

  117. October 27, 2011 / 4:37 pm

    I would love to sit down with Rachel and ask her how to still have a shabby chic look and have it not be too frilly or girly for the men in the house!

    I am so excited about her knew book! I would also love if I could get her to autograph my book if I were to win! 🙂

    Kristi Ripley
    [email protected]

  118. October 27, 2011 / 4:40 pm

    What I love the most about Shabby Chic is the white and ruffles!!!! So pretty and romantic! And I do love the soft blue colors that Rachel uses!

    Kristi Ripley
    [email protected]

  119. October 27, 2011 / 9:47 pm

    I am now a follower of your lovely blog and liked Cico Books on facebook.

  120. October 27, 2011 / 9:48 pm

    My message to Rachel would be that I am so thankful that she created shabby chic style. What would we have done without her starting this wonderful movement?

  121. October 27, 2011 / 9:50 pm

    What I like best about shabby chic style is the comfort factor. It's not about formality. It's about being comfortable and functional yet beautiful at the same time.

  122. Anonymous
    October 28, 2011 / 10:35 am

    Dreamy ruffly white pillow cases & a matching downy soft comforter are what dreams are made of… Me & Shabby Chic = love at first sight! ♲ Jeanne Kopang Zaks @ Facebook

  123. October 28, 2011 / 8:13 pm

    Hi Michele! I'm your newest follower and I liked CICO on FB. Thank you (and Rachel and CICO) for the opportunity to win this giveaway!

  124. October 28, 2011 / 8:16 pm

    There are many reasons why I like the shabby chic style, but here are just a few: it honors the beauty in old, time-worn items; it's imperfect just like we are; it's comfortable and real. 🙂

  125. October 28, 2011 / 8:23 pm

    A note to Rachel: The Prairie is jaw-droppingly gorgeous! You outdid yourself with that project. If I am ever able to make it to Round Top, a stay at The Prairie is a must-do!

  126. October 28, 2011 / 9:04 pm

    I love interior decoration, so I'd love to win this book as I don't have any decorating books in English, this one will be my first if I win…do not worry if I do, as I have an American address, lol!
    Have a wonderful weekend and thank you very much for such generous giveaway chance. FABBY

  127. October 28, 2011 / 9:05 pm

    I forgot, I am a follower and I'll grab your button for my side bar too! Hugs, FABBY

  128. October 28, 2011 / 9:09 pm

    I love Rachel, she's wonderful I see her on TV Cable here too and never miss her! Hope you see my message. Have a sweet weekend.
    FABBY

  129. October 30, 2011 / 6:54 pm

    Following, Liked and Tweeted!
    I found your blog via Pinterest today.
    Glad I did. <3

  130. October 30, 2011 / 8:35 pm

    Thanks for visiting my blog today! Wow, you have a delightful blog here! I'd love to win Rachel's book–I've been a Shabby Chic follower since the start! Happy Sunday! ~Heidi

  131. Anonymous
    October 31, 2011 / 12:57 pm

    I ♥ L O V E ♥ R A C H E L L A S H W E L L ' S
    ♲ S H A B B Y 〮C H I C ♲
    Jeanne Kopang Zaks @ FAcebook

  132. October 31, 2011 / 2:04 pm

    Hello 🙂 I'm so glad I "stumbled" upon your blog! I've signed on as your newest follower, and look forward to visiting again ~ and I would LOVE to enter your giveaway for a chance to win Rachel's new book! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂

    Warmest hugs, Brenda

  133. October 31, 2011 / 2:26 pm

    I am your newest follower, and I love the lighting on all of your photos. Kathi

  134. October 31, 2011 / 10:04 pm

    I follow your blog! I like Cico books on FB too!

    Thanks for a great blog.

  135. October 31, 2011 / 10:05 pm

    What I best like about shabby chic is the relaxed state of things. Everything is sort of family friendly and if it is a bit beat up all the better. Love that look.

  136. October 31, 2011 / 11:48 pm

    Love it! Especially that rug – gorgeous. Just found you via beach cottage – I will be back! Ros

  137. November 1, 2011 / 10:25 pm

    Even though I missed the giveaway {silently sobbing}…I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. It helped me to not feel quite so overwhelmed with my decorating endeavors.

  138. September 13, 2014 / 9:50 pm

    I love the book " hello lovely ", I want to do my entire house in Shabby Chic, I love everything Rachel Ashwell does shes an Awesome Lady !!!!!

  139. Rusch
    June 28, 2023 / 4:41 am

    Can you please tell me who Rachel Ashwell even is in the first place? I’ve heard this name before, which makes me all the more curious about who it is.

    • Michele
      Author
      June 28, 2023 / 10:26 am

      a legend – go to part 1 for more details

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