Shabby Chic Decorating Ideas for Porches and Gardens

Distressed and timeworn furniture is the epitome of shabby chic decorating. RMS user robinelise embraces the original paint and patina of her small porch by leaving the window and door frames unpainted, as well as bringing in old, antique furniture to display her potted plant collection. Metallics are normally seen as cold and modern, but this entrance's galvanized steel siding was popular in home designs from the 1930s. It only adds to the antique ambiance of the porch.

Shabby chic gardens are a continuation of the style inside the home. Shabby interiors are full of floral prints and soft pastels, echoed on this fence row by roses, salvia and catmint.

RMS user shellshabbygirl shares a passion for gardening with her father. Together they converted an unused screened-in porch into a cottage-style gardening shed. Shabby chic elements like a chandelier, distressed door frame and the use of white give this utilitarian space a decidedly feminine feel while remaining comfortable and lived-in.

This wraparound porch has great bones. Rather than painting over the woodwork, RMS user antiqueshopper left it alone and brought in white wicker furniture to capitalize on the space's existing vintage vibe.