You may have come across the phrase “shabby chic” in an article or in a fashion magazine. But what does it mean to have a shabby chic decorating look? And how can you pull off this look in your home? If you have homes that are decorated in a worn and cozy style, you may want to consider incorporating some shabby chic home design elements into your own home. This article will take a look at how to create this look and give you some tips on how to make it work for your home.
First, what is shabby chic decorating? It is a type of interior design that highlights a worn or cutesy appearance in a way that makes it seem charming. Some other names for shabby chic are robed and lounged, Victorian, French provincial, and old-fashioned. It is a deliberate and stylish recreation of historical periods. It is an approach to decorating that involves a romantic fascination with the past, but one that is also informed by current times and current social mores.
There are several things that you can do to give your room a shabby chic design vibe. The first thing that you can do is to dust or paint walls, especially walls that are painted a light pastel or almost white. Another idea would be to paint the ceiling a pale shade of the color used on the walls so that the ceiling is the same tone as the walls. This is known as pinstripe ceiling, a trend that has been revived recently. This will create a feeling of light airiness that is very much like shabby chic.
Accents can be used in any shabby chic room; however, it is important that these accents are used sparingly because shabby chic is definitely not a style for clutter. A few well chosen accessories can really lend to the shabby chic decorating look, such as knick knacks of various sizes and shapes that are pastel in color or have flowers or faux foliage on them. These can be used against white or wall color or against the ceiling in a pattern or texture that you love.
Spices and herbs are another great idea for decorating with shabby chic. Herbs in shades of dark green, black, or brown can add a spicy accent to any room that needs it. Herbs and teas can be placed on open shelves or placed in holders that can be purchased in shabby chic colors. You can even choose to place your herb holder along the counter top of your kitchen table. Your tableware can match the colors of your herbs and teas to add to the shabby chic atmosphere.
The furniture can play an important part in the shabby chic decorating look, as well. When decorating with shabby chic, it is important to choose pieces that are textured or have rough surfaces to them. This helps to keep your items from becoming dusty or grimy over time. For instance, if you buy wood furniture with rough legs, then it will be easier to clean than furniture made out of smooth metal. In addition, the furniture can be padded to keep your clothing from being dirtied by the crevices of the wood.
The fabrics that you use in shabby chic are more muted than the more bright and bold colors that you might find elsewhere. Soft chiffon is a great fabric to use on your curtains and tablecloths, as well as your candles and other accessories. Linen is also very soft in the eyes and can help to give your room a warm and comfortable feeling. Keep in mind that shabby chic is not a look for everyone, but if you are interested in trying it out, you can pull it off.
Shabby chic can be used throughout your home in any place that you might see faded or worn fabrics. As you decorate your home, think about how the pieces relate to each other and what colors you would like to see as you go through the rooms. Shabby chic lends itself to bright splashes of color in any room, even your bathroom. You can add a splash of blue or green to your bathroom for a unique look that will also help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Just remember that this style is very popular around the holidays, so make sure that you shop for the right colors at the right time of year.