Shabby Chic Interiors by Rachel Ashwell-I found Ashwell's book, one of many on this subject, to be charming. The photography, encompassing her favorite pieces, is simply beautiful. It is, in fact, the simplicity of the items that makes the photography so enchanting. Her style is unadorned, the furniture she selects for her own home and the homes of her clients is usually untouched, remaining lovingly used, retaining its scratches, bumps and dents. The fabrics used throughout the house can be cloths not doing what they were originally intended for, curtains become tablecloths, clothing is cut up for napkins, doilies are used to decorate a table setting for a dinner party. I particularly enjoy Ashwell's vision of how a kitchen should function. She deplores clutter and so prefers open shelving rather than cabinets. She stores next to nothing in plain sight and very little out of sight. I admire her ability to survive with so little and want to emulate it. As far as decorating my home, I want to change my color scheme from the earthy palette of deep orange,rust and brick red and the jewel tones in my bedroom and office to the softer shades of cream,dusty pink, washed out turquoise and green and distressed red and blue. I will also try to include some big comfy furniture, second-hand probably, since my dogs tend to appropriate everything eventually, anyway. This is a great primer for someone wanting to change their current decorating theme, or interested in building on what they have created in their home already. Even for somebody simply interested in browsing through a book filled with beautiful photography, this book has it all. Highly recommended. ( )