Creating a shabby chic look in a room is a great way to add a casual, relaxed vibe, while still maintaining an elegant and sophisticated design. To accomplish the look, start with the walls and add a light, neutral color like white or cream, or a light pastel shade, like sky blue or blush.
Then add texture to the walls with fabric, such as floral-print wallpaper or grasscloth. Next, layer the furniture with more fabric, such as soft throws and pillows in colors that complement the walls.
Swap out some of the existing furniture for pieces with distressed finishes, like painted chairs, or antique tables. Then, to finish the look, bring in a mix of fabrics and textures, such as vintage rugs, distressed wooden cabinets, and other accessories with a weathered look.
Finally, add some upcyled elements, like a repurposed chair or an old chest that’s been decorated with new hardware. With these pieces, the key is to create an overall feeling of warmth and charm, all while keeping the shabby chic style.
What is shabby chic style?
Shabby chic (or “shabby”) is a style of interior design characterized by a soft, comfortable home decor aesthetic with a slightly worn, vintage look. It’s meant to evoke a sense of warmth and elegance with the use of distressed elements and colors.
Furniture and accessories are often aged, with a harmonious blend of vintage hues and muted colors creating a lived-in, romantic atmosphere. Other features include patterned fabrics, worn woods, and vintage textiles, while feminine touches such as lace and vintage china help create a cozy and inviting home.
The “shabby” part of the name comes from the slightly disheveled, slightly outdated elements that give the style its distinctive appeal. This style of decor is intended to be more relaxed and casual than traditional home décor, while still retaining a sense of luxury and sophistication.
What are the colors of shabby chic?
The colors of shabby chic typically include a muted and soft palette. Neutral tones such as ivory, white, ecru, light gray, and pastel shades work well, and help to create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
To add some more vibrant accents, you can use colors like pale pink, terracotta, lavender, baby blue, light yellow, and sage green. To complete the look, add in some romantic details with touches of deep red, gold or silver, and black.
With shabby chic, balance is key, so try and stick to basic colors and mix in a few bolder colors only as accents.
Is shabby chic always white?
No, shabby chic is not always white. While white is a popular and classic color for shabby chic style decor, it is not the only color used. Any colors can be used in a shabby chic style – from bright and vibrant to more muted and subdued.
It all depends on the look and feel that a person wants to achieve in their space. Popular colors for shabby chic decor range from blues and greens to pinks and lavenders. The one unifying factor when it comes to shabby chic colors, is that they are all muted and not overly bright or strong.
Achieving the perfect worn-in look is all about finding the right balance of colors to achieve the desired effect.
What’s the difference between shabby chic and French country?
Shabby chic and French country design elements have similarities including distressed woods, distressed fabrics, and feminine colors like pink, green, and yellow. However, there are some key differences that set the two styles apart.
Shabby chic typically uses vintage furniture and decorations. The look is romantic and comfortable, often featuring luxurious materials like velvet and lace. The colors are muted, such as whites, creams, and pastels.
The overall look is very whimsical and delicate.
French country design has more of a colonial, rustic feel. The colors are more earthy and subdued, featuring darker blues, greens, and browns. The furniture is often more ornate, with detailed carvings, decorative moldings, and gold accents.
Fabrics are usually textured, such as tapestry or toile. The overall look of French country is classic and sophisticated.
Why is it called shabby chic?
Shabby chic is a form of interior design that combines elements of vintage and antique styles with an overall comfortable and homey feeling. It seeks to use upcycled or well-worn items to provide a cozy, yet stylish atmosphere.
The name “shabby chic” is believed to have originated from British designer Rachel Ashwell, who coined the term in the 1980s. It is a combination of “shabby” which means looking worn but still attractive, and “chic” which means fashionable and stylish.
Through Ashwell’s use of vintage furniture and accessories, she developed a unique style characterized by painted furniture with a distressed finish, tattered linens, vintage elements and a combination of pastel colors.
This style gained immense popularity in the 90s and is popular even today. Aspects of the shabby chic style have become increasingly accessible to the public, as it is easier to find upcycled items and painting techniques used to distress furniture.
What does shabby chic furniture look like?
Shabby chic furniture is a classic, yet modern, style of furniture that combines a vintage feel with a cozy, homey aesthetic. The furniture is often made from distressed or repurposed materials, giving an aged feel and adding character to the piece.
The colors used are typically muted and muted blues, greens, pinks, and whites are often seen. Chippy paint, rustic wood pieces, and detailed embellishments such as scalloped edges and ornate legs are all classic touches of shabby chic furniture.
The overall look is vintage-inspired but given a cozy and homey update, creating the perfect balance of comfort and charm.
Are farmhouse and shabby chic the same?
No, farmhouse and shabby chic are not the same. Farmhouse tends to have a more classic, rustic feel and often uses worn, weathered elements like wood and antiques to create an inviting, homey atmosphere.
On the other hand, shabby chic is more modern and incorporates more delicate, feminine pieces and pastel colors. Farmhouse may also use lighter, neutral colors to create a calming atmosphere, but the majority of farmhouse designs will incorporate warmer, more natural tones.
While both styles have their similarities, farmhouse and shabby chic are definitely two distinct looks.
Is Gray a shabby chic color?
Yes, gray is absolutely a perfect color for a shabby chic style. Gray is calming, restrained, and allows other colors to take center stage. By combining shades of gray with other colors, such as white and soft blues, you can create a peaceful, dreamy atmosphere in any room.
Gray can also be used to add a subtle contrast to the warm colors and textures of shabby chic furniture and decor. You can also incorporate a touch of metallic shine or sparkle with silvery accessories to give a room a touch of elegance.
When was shabby chic popular?
Shabby chic became a popular decorating style in the 1980s, but it first gained notoriety in the late 1970s in England. The look originated as an antithesis to the overly ornate ornamental styles that existed then, with a focus on combining the old with the new and mixing elegance with practicality.
Items like furniture with layers of paint, chipped and weathered away to give a distressed look, slipcovered sofas, older quilts, vintage fabrics, and other antique knick knacks, can all be used to achieve a shabby chic look.
It’s just as popular now as it was back then, with a resurgence in recent years thanks to its timeless appeal.
