| As a concept, shabby chic design is an oxymoron but, despite this, its popularity in the interior decorating world hasn’t waned in the 20-some years of its existence. Rachel Ashwell first introduced the world to shabby chic in the mid-80s and since then it has gained almost a cult like following, with fans ranging from trend-setting, luxury-addicted celebs after a gorgeous shabby chic bed to bohemians with a yen for the affordable and elegant. One of the most attractive features of shabby chic design is that it fits so easily into the overarching theme of your home. From a shabby chic bedroom to shabby chic kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, you’ll find your home easy to accessorise and the simple style easy to maintain.
For starters, shabby chic embraces the old, worn and weathered. The beds, tables and chairs that you inherited from your nan are perfect for the shabby chic look, and you can scour flea markets and auctions for unbelievable deals on furniture that is a little scratched, a little scraped and whose paint is starting to wear thin. Purists are of the opinion that only genuinely old and worn furniture will do when it comes to achieving the shabby chic look, but most designers believe that there is nothing wrong with buying new furnishings and giving them the distressed treatment to make them look older.
While the style was originally based on the British country decorating styles of the 40s and 50s, it’s not uncommon to find shabby chic bedrooms inspired by old French country styles, in which case an Antoinette bed or even a Louis bed wouldn’t go amiss. 18th century Swedish designs also work well, so your hunt for a shabby chic bed could include a Norse bed or a Century bed. Remember, you’re aiming for vintage, so when you’re planning your shabby chic bedroom, don’t forget about bedding. Vintage shabby chic bedding is usually made of cotton and colours are muted, which means that pastels like soft pink, green, grey and all shades of white are all important.
Genuinely old bedding that isn’t spit-through from too many washings can be difficult to come by, but the problem is easily solved with tea. White linen can be stained with tea to give it a vintage look. Tea staining can be used to give a shabby chic look to anything from bedding to pillow slipcovers and lace curtains.
Shabby chic design really comes into its own with furniture and accessories. Because furniture is supposed to look old and worn you don’t have to worry kids or pets scuffing designer tables, chairs and floors; in fact, the more scratches the better. Another feature of shabby chic is that furniture doesn’t have to match. A couple of coats of white paint and some careful sanding to achieve the weathered look and previously contrasting beds, dressers, tables and chairs go perfectly together in your shabby chic bedroom.
Overstuff couches and sofas work wonders in shabby chic living rooms, while a bathroom can be finished off with rusted shelf brackets and hooks. Don’t neglect your lighting or your floors. Chandeliers and lamps with floral lampshades and glass prisms embody shabby chic design, while floors should be left bare and wooden. If wooden floors aren’t your thing, you can go with light coloured carpets (you don’t have to worry too much about stains, stains are your friend). Assorted rugs will also enhance the overall feel of your shabby chic bedroom. |
Article Details
