Being trendy isn’t always about being a perfectionist: in fact, the booming popularity of shabby chic reminds us just how stylish imperfections can be.
Although you perhaps haven’t put a name to the trend, shabby chic represents an interior design that emphasizes wear and tear versus the pristine and polished. In short, shabby chic has the potential take just about any room in your home through a time machine, transforming the ordinary and bland into something classic and antique.
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The shabby aesthetic has become all the rage; however, finding the right pieces to fit the style can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re looking to embrace the shabby chic lifestyle for your living space but aren’t exactly sure where to start, consider the following four tips to get yourself on the right track.
Furniture
First and foremost, distressed wooden furniture is the cornerstone of any shabby chic redesign. White distressed furniture, in particular, has the ability to accent or contrast just about any color scheme and can ultimately tie any room together. Consider spreading such pieces around the house, such as a distressed bed for the bedroom or wooden end-tables for your living room.
Beyond furniture, you can also implement distressed wood shelving in your kitchen or storage space in your bathroom. While not everything in your home necessarily needs to be distressed, such pieces are perhaps the ideal starting point for a shabby chic home makeover.
Bedding and Curtains
To compliment your distressed furniture, consider investing in retro fabrics to help tie each room of your house together. Popular shabby chic curtains and bedding fabrics include:
- Floral prints with pastel colors and earth-tones
- Bleached or faded colors which look intentionally worn
- Soft cottons and linens, particularly in muted colors
The appeal of shabby chic comes in its subtlety; in other words, avoid sharp colors that “pop” and opt for calmer tones. Such tones are more likely to complement each other and are therefore less likely to clash.
Vintage Decorations
If you’re looking for decorations and knick-knacks that ooze the shabby chic vibe, think “thrift store.” To give your living space additional personality, consider investing in:
- Wooden picture frames for your wall-art
- Rustic metal wall-hangings and fixtures
- Pieces for end-tables such as vintage gloves or vases
Anything antique is fair game; however, avoid going overboard and consider how your pieces can complement the room rather than clutter it.
Lighting
Often overlooked, lighting fixtures can work to tie just about any room together. In the case of shabby chic, a variety of fixtures can be implemented to compliment your existing decorations such as chandeliers or rustic metal light fixtures. If you really want to go old school, you can also rely on lanterns, candles, and fireplaces to light up your space. Experiment with lighting to ensure that your space is as calm, comfortable and serene.
The shabby chic aesthetic is truly unique as it allows you to embrace a wide variety of decorations, styles, and colors as you transform your living space. With such freedom, your home can achieve a classic vibe that matches your personality.