What is shabby chic style? Shabby chic is a comfortable, warm yet worn and lived-in interior design style. It gives the feeling of relaxation while maintaining an artistic and balanced design for a room. Shabby chic can be quite artistic and combine elegant, distressed and vintage in one look.
The History of Shabby Chic
One of the most effective ways to explain “what is shabby chic style” is to discuss its origin. The style originated in the 1980s and combines new styles with vintage with added touches of soft color and a feminine feel. The style came into prominence in an era when decadence and opulence was the main decorating style in elegant homes and business premises. Brass, marble, leather and other materials were part of the sleek look. Shabby chic was designed as an alternative to this over-the-top design style.
The Basics
Shabby chic takes vintage items, antiques, and items full of history as the main part of the style. Worn furniture, true antiques, partially restored pieces or purposely distressed pieces are the mainstay of shabby chic. Paired with this are comfortable fabrics such as linen and cotton. Patterns used are usually quite feminine including floral patterns and soft colors, while vintage patterns provide accents to this decorating style. Whites, beige, and softer hues such as light blue, pink and lavender are commonly used in a shabby chic design. Pops of color such as turquoise can round off a room.
Accessorize
Another aspect of shabby chic style is adding in vintage accessories. Depending on the room being furnished, this can mean vintage china, old chandeliers, old frames, and tapestries. You can purchase items that look vintage even when they are brand new such as glassware, tablecloths, napkins and cutlery that bring back the effect of a bygone age. Slipcovers are often used to add a touch of elegance in the room.
What Are Shabby Chic Style No-Nos?
Shabby chic is an understated style with pale colors and neutrals. People often think they need to add in feature walls or bright splashes of color to finish off the look, but with shabby chic it is better to avoid the bright colors. Keep the room warm but not overly stuffed. Patterns can add boldness to the design without drawing a lot of attention.
Layers, Layers, Layers
Shabby chic thrives on layers. Add accents, layers of paint applied and sanded, lace over heavy curtains or table covers, thick throws over chairs. Blend softness and comfort with pale colors to prevent the look being too cluttered looking while retaining the relaxed feel. Energize the area with artwork, throw pillows and accessories. Use good quality materials and thick textures. You are going for a worn look not a run-down or neglected look. Good quality bedding, linen and curtaining will help keep the chic in shabby chic.
Materials That Work Well
Add in knots, tassels and ruffles in your rugs, pillows and tablecloths in vintage colors such as ivory or lavender. Antique woods and not laminated materials work best with the shabby chic style. Look for features such as ball and claw, fluted legs, engraved banisters, and romantic looking old-style furniture. Weathered metals, distressed woods and soft fabrics bring the right feel to shabby chic. Quality that is understated and feels like it has been there forever. Muted colors are very important. Use materials that are refined and understated while still being top-quality.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding what is shabby chic style, you have to look at combining rustic and old with unexpected whimsical additions. Keep to good quality furniture, muted paint on the walls, antique or distressed furniture and accessories and have some fun adding a splash of your personal style to round off the look.
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