Shabby Chic 101 – The New Modern Look

One of the most popular trends on the interior design scene this year, the shabby chic is characterized by creative deployment of restored or upcycled furnishings, whitewashed surfaces and charming interplay of light pastel tones and distressed textures. An innovative take on the classic vintage style that has captured the hearts of interior designers around the world ever since its first appearances back in the ‘80s, the shabby chic look can be achieved in any home with the help of reclaimed pieces and cute accessories such as a whitewashed armoire, distressed art frames, worn-looking dressers, mismatched china and airy fabrics in neutral tones. For further details on how to create a lovable cosy ambiance using these elements in your living area, check the tips below and redo your home to a most flattering shabby chic effect.

Beanbags a la shabby chic

A unique embodiment of fresh and informal shabby chic style, beanbags can be scattered around play areas and living rooms to achieve a snug, laid-back feel and a vibe of casual elegance. In shabby chic, beanbags often boast shaggy or distressed-looking white fabrics, so they can blend in with almost any decorative backdrop, including items borrowed from other styles.

Antique-looking pieces at their most distressed

Distressed wooden chests, armoires and dressers are essential assets of a shabby chic living area. The same goes for paintings and oversized mirrors in elaborate frames with a whitewashed finish, which are often placed at focal points of the room such as the mantelpiece, sofa or a group of chairs. You can find artistic frames in most antique stores or flea markets, and if you are crafty enough, you can get the desired visual effect with the help of sandpaper and white or pastel paint.

Chandeliers for a touch of sophistication

If you have an old-fashioned chandelier in your family heirloom, you can use it to supplement the shabby chic feel in your home. Available in most antique shops, chandeliers will add a touch of sophistication and luxury while providing ample light to proudly display the beautiful room décor. Do not be dismayed if your lavish light fixture is missing a few crystals – you can easily find spares online, or you can leave the chandelier in its original state for an additional dose of shabby in your shabby chic home.

Mismatched vintage cups and saucers

For an enjoyable afternoon party, use mismatched porcelain cups and saucers to serve coffee or your favourite tea blend. Vintage cups are rather inexpensive and can be bought as separates in thrift stores – and if you have a cute teapot in your fine china collection, knit it a pastel-coloured tea cosy and voila: your next tea party will definitely be as shabby chic as it can get!

Linen napkins for a chic dinnertime

Do not throw away your grandmother’s linen napkins just yet! When redoing your home a la shabby chic, linen table cloths and antique silverware will add an inimitable romantic touch to a candle-lit dinner for two. If you do not have a stack of linen napkins in your dusty attic chest box, you can make them yourself from an old set of white or light-coloured linens – just cut them out to size and iron them.

To achieve a shabby chic look in your home it’s advisable to consult someone experienced in bathroom renovations and have them do a fresh number on your tiles and fittings. Find a local contractor that can help you with all the necessary modifications. You can also ask your family to contribute odd shabby chic items or shop around garage sales until you find all the pieces you need to create the casual classy look in your living area. Shabby chic is not shabby at all if executed with taste and balance – so why not give it a try for a refreshing décor change?