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