Shabby Chic: How to Do it Right
It’s everywhere! Home design magazines, home improvement sites, and mum blogs seem to be fixated on Shabby Chic. People can’t seem to get enough of it. If you’re interested in transforming some of your furniture and creating this trendy design, read on to learn how.
What is Shabby Chic
First, what’s Shabby Chic? It’s a type of interior design characterised by furniture and furnishings that look old and worn. The furniture isn’t old, it’s just made to look like it is. Shabby Chic is a unique design and typically has a country cottage-style feel to it.
Most Popular Style
Deciding how to decorate in Shabby Chic requires a bit of planning. That planning can go a long way in creating the feel of Shabby Chic. The right elements will pull together to create the this popular style.
Chandeliers, antique frames, and vintage tea sets can help create a Shabby Chic look. Tea stained fabrics are popular and well as weather-worn pieces. Antique flower and cherub patterns are equally as desirable, though, vintage furniture that is well worn is the hallmark of Shabby Chic.
How to Get Shabby Chic
A popular method of achieving this design is by taking new or existing furniture and “distressing” it. Distressing furniture is when furniture is painted, sometimes multiple times with different colours, then sanded to appear worn. The sanding is all over the furniture to gain a uniform pattern of wear. Typically, a set of furniture in a room is distressed so it matches.
White is arguably the most popular colour for distressed furniture. Shades of blue, green, and brown are gaining popularity as well.
If you use new furniture, be sure it has an antique look to it. Distressed modern furniture won’t look right. Also, be sure to match the hardware, such as door knobs and handles. They should have an antique look even if they are new. Lastly, use decorations to accent the timelessness of the furniture.
Distressing furniture requires more work than just painting since you have to sand then apply a protective clear coat. If you’re unsure of how to do it yourself, contact a professional painter.
For more ideas, Pinterest is full of inspiration.
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