A comprehensive look at the best of Shabby Chic over 25 years. This book illustrates and explains the philosophy behind living with the beauty of imperfection, of creating romance, charm, and comfort at home through well-worn and well-loved objects--such as the comfortable slipcovered sofa, painted antique furniture, or an old chandelier in a modern room--and the palette and patina of soft colors and faded antiques. Organized thematically, this volume is full of ideas and inspiration for every room in the house, as well as the garden. Chapters include: Foundations (architecture, assessing the space, determining color palette, light, etc); Furnishings and Fabrics (creation of mood boards, linens, mixing and matching patterns, furniture styles and space planning); Accessories (lighting, mirrors, arrangements); Entertaining and Gardens (tabletop, flowers, outdoor spaces); and Pulling It All Together (showing a range of rooms illustrating modern shabby, traditional shabby, romantic shabby, cottage shabby, etc). Appendices include information on topics such as sourcing, how to identify hidden gems at flea markets and antique stores, and how to clean and restore. New photography of Rachel Ashwell's most recent interiors is shown along with highlights from Shabby Chic's last 25 years, including the favorite homes she has designed, from celebrities' to her own. The most lavish and comprehensive book on the Shabby Chic look, this beautiful volume celebrates the enduring timelessness of Ashwell's creations while providing practical instruction on how to decorate your home in the Shabby Chic style.