How To Decorate Your House In Shabby Chic Without Looking Unattractive

The prospect of doing any kind of home improvement work can send even the strongest among us reeling into that glazed-over look due to expenses and the breadth of work likely involved. Ripping apart a bathroom or upgrading the kitchen simply aren’t everyone’s niche or interest. However, a little inexpensive, out-of-the-box creativity can really help bring a time-worn home to life.

Shabby Chic is a style of decorating that uses vintage materials and pieces to create an overall look that’s comfortable, clean and, of course, chic. Typically defined by an abundance of old lace tablecloths, white iron bed frames, sheer curtains and floral prints, shabby chic is old-fashioned, yet contemporary at the same time.

Keep reading to learn how to recreate a shabby chic look in your home without simply looking shabby. Remember, you want it to be worn and soft, not just worn.

The Looks You Want

Start with soft and delicate colors. Shabby chic uses predominantly pastel colors and soft whites to create its look. Paint the walls or any furniture with light shades of pink, grey, muted greens or subdued whites.

Next, use vintage fabrics to get a worn and old look. You can either purchase actual vintage fabrics or simply vintage prints that have been remade. To age the fabric, you can stain it with a light tea brew and take it from a stark and sterile white to a soft and buttery cream.

When working with vintage fabrics, try combining different colors and patterns. Like an old patchwork quilt, match stripes with checks and dots with plaid to create a look that’s eclectic but still pulled together. You can achieve this by using one repeating color or element in each piece of fabric as a way of pulling them together.

Bring Your Furniture to Life

Transform your furniture beyond a coat of paint by updating the hardware to a shabby chic style. Look for glass or vintage knobs and pulls at local flea markets, antique stores and thrift shops. Remember, with shabby chic, they don’t have to match.

While you’re already hunting through flea markets, keep your eyes out for interesting pieces like an old bird cage that could double as a book case or a trunk that could become your next coffee table. Remember, shabby chic is all about making the old new again, so you can be creative.

Creative Thinking is Key

If you’re still in a hunting mood, set your eyes on the closets, attics and storage spaces of your relatives (or even your own) and remember – “if it has good bones, you can use it.”

Finally, always add some cozy touches. Shabby chic style should be warm and inviting, not intimidating. So, make sure there are lots of throws, pillows and old quilts around to make your space really feel like home. In the end, it should look comfortable and inviting.

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