Are you drawn to soft, tea stained fabrics, pastel colors, time-worn furniture and cabbage roses? Shabby chic may be the decorating style for you.
Shabby chic was introduced as a decorating style in the early 1980’s. Its soft palette of colors and lovingly distressed furniture appealed to those looking for a quiet respite from the consumerism of the times. Today, shabby chic decorating is popular once again. Elements of this feminine design style are:
- Pastel colors including soft green, aqua, and pink with a background of creamy white.
- Distressed furniture with a light finish. In the past, this meant only white furniture, but today’s updated look includes white washed pine and other light woods. While authentic distressing is the result of time and the elements, it can also be done manually.
- Floral fabrics play a big part in shabby chic design. They provide the soft, feminine touch so important to this decorating style.
- Antique accessories might include silver trinket boxes, sparkling chandeliers, warm throw blankets tossed on the back of the sofa, family photos in mismatched frames, vases of flowers, piles of books stacked on the coffee table and lovely scented candles.
The shabby chic design celebrates the simple pleasures of life. If you enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea this may be the decorating style for you.