Genteel inspiration
Shabby chic has more to do with style
than fashion. Originating in Great Britain,
the term refers to the décor style of large
country houses, with worn and faded
chintz sofas and curtains. There, good
taste was reflected in well-worn antique
furniture and drapes. The early forms of
shabby chic were rather grand but the
style has evolved, taking inspiration from
many forms of decoration, ranging from
18th century Swedish painted decorations,
French chateaux as well as the American
Shakers – where simplicity and plainness
was essential. As a style, shabby chic is
mainly popular in interior design where
furniture and furnishings are either chosen
for their age and signs of wear and tear or
new items are distressed to look old.
1 Patterns
Combine a variety of different patterns.
Stripes, checks, florals and polka dots all
work together to achieve a warm, inviting
feel to a room. Collect fabrics or buy
vintage fabric from flea markets to use in
your living room. Use the fabrics to make
slipcovers for your couch, ottoman, scatter
cushions, lampshades or curtains. Lou
Harvey fabrics are perfect for creating that
illusion of age.
2 Candles
The soft soothing scent of candles lends
a romantic mood and can add interesting
lighting to the room. Group various size and
scented pillar or jar candles and display on
the table.
3 Colourful fresh flowers
Fresh flowers not only add life but are also
a natural addition. Big and bold, bunch
various blooms and colours together in a
vase or enamel jug and watch it take on
a look all on its own. The fresh flowers,
together with the floral prints on the scatter
cushions, work together to bring about a
uniform charm.
4&5 Distressed paint
and soft plush rugs
Imperfect accessories that appear flawed
or damaged is perfect to use in the room.
Give an old table or chair a new lease on
life: paint it white, rough it up a little and it
will be as good as new. A distressed table
complemented by a beautiful plush rug
adds immediate depth and warmth.
6 Metal
Decorative iron or metal furniture also
complement the look. Peeling paint, rusted
effects or vintage pieces add appeal and
sits comfortably with distressed furniture
pieces. A wrought iron lamp base with a
patterned lampshade adds a quirky, fun
approach to the shabby chic living room.
7 Colour
Unashamedly feminine in its appeal –
if you love pastel colours, this look is
definitely for you. Soft whites, light blues,
pale pinks and faded greens all work well
together to achieve the shabby chic look.
Keep the background colour the same
and use the bold primary colours in
your accessories.
8 Comfort
An overstuffed couch you can sink
into is essential to achieving the
shabby chic look. Slipcovered
couches in faded colours are
just perfect here. And there's no
need to panic about getting your
couch dirty; slipcovers are easy
to clean – simply pop it into your
washing machine.
