The Shabby Chic style originated in the UK and gained popularity for its affordability, requiring creativity rather than a large budget. The main characteristics of the shabby chic style are refurbished old furniture, pastel colors (pink, green, blue), floral motifs, wood textures and eclectic and vintage-style decorations.
Choose pastel colors
In the shabby chic style, the interior is bright, with the walls painted in a neutral shade, such as white or gray, but for a warm and welcoming environment, adding wallpapers in simple colors is a common thing. Pastel colors are frequently used. Pink, lilac, green, blue, turquoise are only a few of those shades that bring a rustic touch to the decor. Blue and turquoise are suitable for the kitchen, pink for the bathroom, while green is often chosen for bedrooms. All these tones can be easily matched with curtains and upholstery with floral motifs.
Furniture and Textures
Shabby chic is a style that requires for a lot of experimentation, so you don’t need new furniture to create the desired atmosphere, just a lot of creativity. Old pieces of furniture that you already have in your home can be painted and decorated to give them the desired look.
The furniture is often reconditioned and painted in white or beige, with peeling paint in certain places to give it an old and vintage look. Carved pieces of furniture are also present in this style (wrought iron chandeliers, display cases with legs or mirrors with imposing frames).
Wood is the key element in the shabby chic style (furniture, wall clocks), followed by natural materials such as cotton, linen or lace chosen for drapes, decorative pillows, bed linens, tablecloths, curtains. Natural materials are beautifully complemented by floral motifs (such as roses, garden flowers), which provides a botanical touch. You can choose decorative elements in a bright color to create contrasts with the neutral tones in the room.
Accessories and Ornaments
In addition to colors, textures, and furniture, you need a set of accessories to complement your chosen decor: handcrafted objects, crystal chandeliers, old paintings and vases, baskets, photo frames, carved-framed mirrors, decorative pillows, or lampshades. For an elegant and contemporary air to your space, you can combine vintage and new elements.
Design suggestions
Bedroom
- Wrought iron bed painted in a pastel color, complemented by blue linen
- An armchair by the window arranged with some decorative pillows with floral motifs
- Refurbished bedside tables with paint chipped in places to highlight the vintage look
Living room
- Sofa with floral print
- Coffee table on which to place a vase of flowers and a tray of coffee cups
- TV chest in a pastel or white shade, with paint peeling in some places
Kitchen
- The massive chandelier would be the ideal choice to give the room a vintage air
- The embroidered tablecloth would highlight the dining area
- Scandinavian cotton covers with botanical motifs or decorative pillows to give a chic air to the kitchen
Bathroom
- Fluffy rugs are essential in a shabby chic bathroom, both for comfort and for the cheerful atmosphere
- Choose a mirror with a massive frame, wicker baskets to put accessories, makeup and skincare products in, vintage-looking hangers
A shabby chic style is very easy to customize and is not restrictive at all. All you have to do is give free rein to your inspiration and trust your tastes. With a little creativity and spare time, you can decorate your home without spending a lot of money.
Pictures source: Pinterest