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Most people interested in decorating (and even some who aren't) have heard about the shabby chic decorating trend. Although the term was made wildly popular by Rachel Ashwell's 1996 book, "Shabby Chic", some decorators say they remember the style (and even the name) from decades ago. No matter what you call it, this style of decorating can be affordable, comfortable and downright gorgeous.
Characterized by such colors as muted green, pastel pink and faded gray, shabby chic decorating celebrates the glory of less-than-perfect, even once-discarded furniture and accessories. Vintage bedspreads, well-worn rugs, tables with peeling paint -- they all have a place of honor in the shabby chic home. Even sofas and chairs that are seemingly ready for retirement can be easily revived with inexpensive slipcovers.
So how do you go about introducing the shabby chic look into your own home? Here are some ideas to get you started:
* Go to your attic or basement (or better yet your Mother or Grandmother's attic or basement) and take a look around. Thoroughly examine discarded or unused items and determine if they are usable. Then join in the shabby chic mantra -- "If it has good bones, you can use it."
* Hit your local flea markets and yard sales. (Check out Flea Market Guide to locate a flea market near you.) An old wooden chair that is still sturdy and has great lines might not catch your eye if it's painted an awful color. But imagine it with a fresh coat of white paint. Or pink. Or green.
* Forget the traditional purpose of things. So you bought that chair I mentioned and painted it. Why not tuck it into a sparse corner and place a vase of wildflowers on the seat? Old trunks make great coffee tables, quilts can serve as sofa throws, and large baskets can hold everything from toys to fresh linens.
* Be bold, be brave, experiment. I recently found a beautiful antique chandelier in a country junk shop and bought it for next to nothing. (It was very dirty, but completely intact.) Instead of restricting it's use to a foyer or dining room, I cleaned it until it sparkled, and placed it in my daughter's bedroom. Then we bought three strands of old costume jewelry necklaces (for $1 each) and randomly draped them on the chandelier. The result: a funky, one-of-a-kind, shabby chic masterpiece!
* Think comfort. Toss extra pillows on your couch. Throw a quilt or blanket over your favorite chair. Make it easy for family and friends to curl up and get cozy in any room in your home. Shabby chic is the opposite of intimidating - it's warm and inviting!
*Get all mixed up. You know the old rule that says a room should have no more than three colors and patterns? FORGET IT! For me, that kind of advice creates homes that look sterile and uninteresting. Don't be afraid to mix colors, patterns and textures. The key is finding (or creating, or recycling) things you love and making them work in your space.
Remember -- if you're willing to invest some time into hunting for treasures, you'll be surprised at the amazing bargains you can find. Shabby chic is an easy style to achieve because it can include anything you love. So the next time your sister or neighbor or friend says they are dragging an old piece of furniture to the curb for garbage pickup, think about recycling it into your own shabby chic showpiece. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!
Article provided by suite101.com - Author: L.C.Dumke
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