Shabby Chic Design

Shabby Chic Style is a form of interior design style where furniture and furnishings are chosen for their age, signs of wear and tear or distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique look. The end result of shabby chic is to achieve an stylish elegant overall effect. Shabby Chic interiors are works of art. Stylish rather than fashionable, Shabby Chic reflects fresh quality as opposed to newness.

The Basics of Shabby Chic living (follow the basics but add your own flair--let your design reflect your personality!)

* Comfy, overstuffed furniture upholstered with slipcovers
* Plenty of soft, fluffy pillows
* Flea market finds with distressed paint finishes
* Floral arrangements, especially using roses of all kinds
* Mix-and-match dishes and glassware
* Vintage paintings or prints with an aged quality
* Neutral or lighter tones with dark colors used for accent
* Cotton, poplin, and linen fabrics in sun-faded colors or subtle floral prints
* Colors like white, cream, and pastels

Not every chair has to be sat on. How about using a sturdy, painted straight chair as a table at the side of a bed or sofa or in a corner to hold a vase of flowers? An old picnic bench or trunk can serve as a coffee table. Stack wooden boxes at the side of a chair for books and flowers. Be creative and use what you have.

Don't be afraid to interject different styles into the Shabby Chic style. What I particularly like about Shabby Chic is that you're able to mix and match pieces from different styles and it just works. Mix French Eclectic into it with a little bit of Traditional Country and it will look incredible.