Decorating Styles 101: Spotlight on “Shabby Chic”

Posted on November 15th, 2018 by Hannah.

The “shabby chic” decorating style burst onto the design scene nearly 40 years ago and has been captivating homeowners ever since. If you’ve been longing to create this romantic yet relaxed vibe in your own living space with vintage home decor and more, here’s what you need to know.

The 411 on Shabby Chic

Also known as farmhouse, cottage, or American country style, and sharing much in common with French country, shabby chic resides at the intersection of charm and comfort. Smithsonian magazine credits interior designer and decorator Sister Parish with originating the shabby chic concept when she began combining the old and the new for a uniquely appealing aesthetic.

According to Kate Simmons for Decoist, meanwhile, shabby chic emerged as a popular decorating style in the 1980s as a response to the flashy times. Explains Simmons, “In design, this was a time when opulence and decadence were taking center stage. From elegant penthouses to corporate lobbies filled with gleaming marble and brass, sleek style was easy to find. It makes sense that an alternative look would emerge, filled with history-rich pieces that showcased chipping paint, as well as vintage finds boasting feminine style. Shabby chic was born!”

The Laidback Life

Shabby chic isn’t just a design style; it’s also a commitment to a simpler, more natural way of life.

Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of shabby chic is its neutral color palette — with white, in particular — a go-to hue. Proposes HGTV, “Layers of varying shades of white are the hallmark of the shabby chic style…they add a distinct, intimate feel to living areas and bedrooms.”

Soft, chalky pastels — think dusty pink, sky blue and ecru — are also widely used in this dreamy decorating style, while natural textures and fabrics, such as wicker, wovens, cotton, linen and burlap, are other staples of shabby chic home decor.

A Vintage Vibe

Anything but cookie-cutter, shabby chic is also characterized by its eclectic incorporation of everything from antique-inspired furnishings and accent pieces to vintage fixtures, hardware and accessories.  Meanwhile, well-worn, whitewashed and distressed furnishings with interesting patinas are delightfully dynamic — especially when contrasted with the fun, feminine finishes, floral fabrics, and playful paisleys also seen in this decorating style.

And while flea market finds are a win, authenticity isn’t essential. “Some of the furnishings are true antiques, revealing layers of paint as the outer coats begin to peel. In other cases, the furniture is distressed, which involves sanding and other techniques that give the furniture an aged look. Special glazes and finishes can also create a piece with a sense of history,” continues Decoist.

One last tip to keep in mind when it comes to decor ideas? If you’re worried about ending up with too much shabby and not enough chic, remember that there are ultimately no hard and fast rules in interior design. While the shabby chic decorating style definitely leans more toward cozy than contemporary, swapping out vintage furniture and incorporating one or two modern, clean-lined pieces can help balance out your space.

Both comments and pings are currently closed.