Shabby Chic Style Guide

Light and bright, classic and pretty, these eight spaces define and illustrate the elements of shabby chic style.

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November 25, 2014

By: Layla Palmer

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Photo By: Courtesy of Kristin Salazar

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix furnishings in different finishes, colors and styles, or from different eras. Painted, stained and distressed woods are represented in this shabby chic bedroom, as well as metals and iron.

Vintage Elements

To bring some shabby chic style into the heart of the home, mix one part sunny, one part sophisticated, with a few hints of yesteryear. Vintage fixtures, hardware and accessories married with white or pastel-painted cabinets are the essence of today's shabby chic style kitchen. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Grey

Fun and Feminine

Shabby chic is all about fun, feminine finishes. Here, a curvy mirror painted gold and a small, sparkly chandelier make super-sweet statements in this cozy little breakfast nook. Pleated "skirts" on the edge of the chair cushions soften the lines of the X-back chairs while pastel-colored fabric on the bench seat adds to the soft and pretty look. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rizzo

The White Stuff

Layers of varying shades of white are the hallmark of the shabby chic style. Not only can they add a distinct, intimate feel to living areas and bedrooms, they're also easy to clean with the help of regular household bleach. Here, white bedding atop a white iron bed, white bedside tables and white walls make for one extra-light and lovely space. Photo courtesy of Pam Balla

Beautiful Built-Ins

Create an inviting cottage-style entry with the addition of a built-in bench, coat hooks and cubbies. To further enhance the look, use a bench cushion, throw pillows or storage boxes covered in floral patterns. Photo courtesy of Kristin Salazar

Crisp and Clean-Lined

To create a shabby chic space with a slightly contemporary edge, try injecting some clean-lined furniture, accessories and architectural interest. Here, a board and batten wall treatment, modern white frames and a clean-lined daybed happily co-exist with a demilune table, traditional-style lighting and a salvaged gym floor accent wall. Photo courtesy of Layla Palmer

Cozy and Covered

Crave an extra-cozy look? Warm things up with natural warm woods, vintage leather, and slipcovered furniture. The idea is to use soft, charming furniture pieces that are less contemporary than the type of furniture you’d likely find in a modern home. Photo courtesy of Melaine Thompson

Pretty Patinas

Using well-worn furnishings with interesting patinas will help to create an intimate, comfortable feeling throughout a shabby chic space. Here, a couple of chippy old doors come together to form a one-of-a-kind headboard. Helpful hint: Always remove loose paint with a piece of fine steel wool and coat items with a protective sealer before bringing them into your home. Photo courtesy of Maria Carr

Shabby Chic Style Guide

Related To:

Shop This Look

Mix and Match

Vintage Elements

Fun and Feminine

The White Stuff

Beautiful Built-Ins

Crisp and Clean-Lined

Cozy and Covered

Pretty Patinas

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