Choose shabby chic decorating if you want a relaxed, but elegant look for your home. Beautiful, inexpensive, fun and easy to achieve - what more could you want...? I show you how to get the look here...
About shabby chic
The term 'shabby chic' was actually created by an interior designer called Rachel Ashwell, in the 1990's. Rachel Ashwell's original shabby chic decorating style is a definite look, but shabby chic itself seems to have evolved and developed over the last few years, into a really relaxed, versatile and original look, that anyone can achieve.
Basically, anything goes! But, you do need to be a little creative - don't worry, I will guide you through it!
The 'shabby' part of shabby chic decorating refers to using items which are old, second-hand, distressed or worn. Items should have a 'lived-in' look, slightly worn - but not damaged beyond repair!
This isn't just junk! Pieces should be beautiful, good quality items - antiques and family heirlooms are ideal. The style should be quite elegant looking - perhaps the idea of old aristocracy, fallen on hard times...
This brings us on to the 'chic' part. Items really do have to be attractive, good quality, beautiful pieces - old things that are worth keeping.
How to get the shabby chic decorating look
Browse flea markets, antique stalls and eBay to find items that you really love.
You don't need to be too fussy about the exact era they all come from - this really is not a rigid, exact look!
If you choose items that you love - you will be only too pleased to display them in your home - even if they are a bit old and worn. And you will soon build up your own sense of style and design, based on your own choice of unique and unusual items.
Do take care though! Although the whole idea behind the shabby chic decorating look is to mix and match, you don't want to end up looking like a jumble sale - so don't forget to 'match' a bit too.
The best way of doing this, is to create quite a neutral basis for your design, or pull it all together with one simple color theme. Whites, creams and soft pastels are ideal for this look.
Try painting odd bits of furniture all in the same color as the walls (or a complementary color). Or make slip-covers, to make older chairs and sofas, clean, useable and attractive.
Choose pale, floaty, gauzy curtains to match - and you are away!
For a warm, winter look, choose warm, luxurious curtain fabrics instead - especially velvets, damasks and floral chintzes.
Pattern is good on wallpaper too, as well as fabrics. In fact, wallpaper (particularly on an accent wall) is a really good way of adding pattern and color to your room, without it becoming too overpowering - a pretty 40's style floral pattern, or a beautiful, traditional, period style, is ideal. Take a look at some of the stunning designs available at my top online wallpaper store. You are sure to find something to suit your style with 300,000 Wallpaper Patterns Online
Try to get creative with your shabby chic decorating pieces. When you see an item you love, think how you might use it in your room. Could a beautiful old door become a table? A print tray become an attractive wall feature? A mirrored cupboard door become your full length, wall-hung mirror? Use your imagination - and there are no limits!
To give your design a bit of personality, make sure you choose an accent color to add to your neutral base design. Perhaps choose your favourite color? Or the main color in your favourite picture, wall hanging or throw? Add lots of accessories in this color to complete your scheme.
Accessories
Accessories really are the most important part of the look - and will really give substance and soul to your room. You can never have too many bits and pieces, and knick-knacks - and you can just choose anything you love! This is why I love this look so much - it makes shopping for home decor really easy and really fun too!
Look out for some of these key items for the shabby chic decorating look - vintage lamps, beautiful, old chandeliers, wall sconces, candlesticks, pretty pottery, handmade quilts, patchworks, throws and cushions, crochet, lace and doilies. Mirrors and pictures should have ornate, decorative frames - consider painting your frames all the same color as your furniture or walls, or a lovely complementary color, as an accent.
There are always really beautiful shabby chic items on eBay, for a pretty reasonable price, so I do find this an easy place to do my shopping. Take a look now, below ...
This is a live feed from eBay, and is constantly updated. Just click on any product to get more information, or to bid or buy.
Happy Shopping...! Hope you get a bargain...!
More shabby chic decorating tips...
Flooring - If you have hard wood floors these are ideal. They can be left bare, waxed, painted in white or pastels (my favourite option to get this look) and even stencilled!
Make sure you also include plenty of rugs - a selection of small scatter rugs, in different designs will look best. Choose oriental or persian styles - these will even match quite well together!
Take a look at the absolutely gorgeous rug designs at my favourite online rug store - Decorative Oriental Rugs & Free Shipping! Antique, Semi-Antique & New Items at everyday savings. Rugman.com.
If you have a period home with wooden ceiling beams, it will set the shabby chic look off perfectly. If not, don't worry - you can still add wainscoting and lots of decorative mouldings and architectural details, to get a really authentic look, that will match your style.
It is a big job - but if you are feeling up to it, you can even paint your wooden beams white. This is a really nice look, and will make your room feel very elegant, light and airy - but, like I said, it is a big job, and if you change your mind it will be very awkward to rectify. I do like the idea for my own house - but not the work involved - so it is still just a thought for me!
A perfect finishing touch...
Vases of pretty flowers are an absolute must for a shabby chic decorating look - so make sure you include some beautiful blooms, as the finishing touch to your shabby chic room.
Shabby chic decorating is a fun look - very personal, very versatile, inexpensive and very creative!
If you decide to go for this look, I think you will have a great time shopping, designing and doing! And I am sure that you will find it really easy to live with - and you can be very proud of your beautiful, unique and creative look.
Hope you have fun.
If you fancy a shabby chic decorating look, you might also like to read about vintage interior design for your home.
