A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Shabby Chic

The shabby chic design style, first seen in Great Britain, recalls large country homes with well-worn chintz furniture and drapes, old paint, and modest good taste. The goal of the shabby chic design is understated elegance. Recycling is also important, both in furniture and fabrics. Shabby chic was popular particularly with artisans and Bohemians during the 1980s where original shabby chic interiors were considered works of art. Well-known designer Rachel Aswell described her decorating style as “shabby chic” and went on to trademark the term.

Early forms of shabby chic were stately although the style has morphed to take on many decorative forms. These include French Chateau, 18th century Swedish, and even the American Shakers where simplicity reigned. Shabby chic is appealing across the board for its artistic yet elegant vibe. So, if you like a casual, comfortable look, we suggest you pay attention to the elements of modern shabby chic.

Background Neutrals

Interior design projects are about contrast and balance. Every element of the project plays a role, with some more in the background than others. Typically, shabby chic pieces are colorful. It makes sense then for your background spaces to be neutral to balance them out.

Consider painting the walls in neutral, lighter shades of tan or white and using simple wood flooring. However, neutral doesn’t have to mean stodgy. Add visual interest to your walls with textured paint or bring architectural elements in such as built-in shelving or a fireplace. Just remember you will be balancing these basic structural forms against more vibrant decor. The more subdued background will allow your other elements to really shine.

Go Vintage or Distressed

Shabby chic’s “shabby” invokes an antique or weathered style. Add these details to a room immediately with vintage or distressed furniture and other pieces.

Options to outfit your home are endless. If you don’t mind your furniture having some history, look into vintage options. Thrift stores and yard sales are great places to find older pieces with a distressed or vintage look. You can also find designers who specialize in ready-made pieces in this style. Another way to go is to DIY with unfinished pieces and create your own distressed look using an online tutorial. Keep in mind, pieces you buy with a distressed look should not have a distressed feel. Be sure they are sturdy and well put together.

Accessorize

Accessories are when you get to really have fun. Shabby chic is about a cozy bohemian look and about layering. Use throw rugs, wall art, pillows, blankets, and other decor items to create a great mix and match space.

If you like a more unified look, limit your color scheme to two or three hues. If your style is more varied, the sky’s the limit on color. Be sure to focus on staying uncluttered. If an item doesn’t fit in your design, it will stand out to your eye. The look is unstructured but not over-cluttered.

Items you might find accessorizing a shabby chic room include fabrics of cotton and linen, an old birdcage, a sea glass bottle collection, a bunch of light blue hydrangea, a wicker basket or a feminine ruffled bedside table lamp. Mix and match to create your own special shabby chic room and collect vintage items as you find them.

Use Nature

Bring in the outdoors to really make your shabby chic space light and bright. Think about adding plants if you have a green thumb. If you enjoy natural light, forego curtains and use simple window treatments that allow more sun to come in. Place fresh flowers strategically around your space for a pop of color, scent, and romance.

Also, use natural materials in your design. What about, in addition to wood furniture, a bamboo rug or clay and stone accessories like vases and coasters? There are so many ways to bring nature inside and lighten up a room to make your shabby chic bohemian look even more relaxed, cozy, and chic.

Barn Doors

Another way to bring a natural element into your space is with a barn door. An all-wood barn door will bring a lovely visual focal point to any room as well as additional functionality. Chose one of the many options to match your decor. We’re here to help you decide. Contact us today.