What is Shabby Chic?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Jun 2006 11:00 AM

My husband's brother and his wife just moved into a new home. We had the chance to tour it the other night, and I must say it is beautifully decorated. The last room on the tour was my 11-year-old niece's bedroom. It is a great place, big windows, even bigger closets, and several pieces of cozy, pastel colored furniture, accented with subtle floral prints. It worked well with the muted wall color and soft carpet. As I looked around, my sister-in-law announced that she and Cassie (my niece) chose to decorate the room in "Shabby Chic." Shabby Chic... I had heard the term used before and immediately thought, "So, this is Shabby Chic?" Actually, what I was really thinking was, "What is Shabby Chic?"

I did some research and learned that "Shabby Chic" is a decorating term (more like a trend) made popular by Rachel Ashwell's 1996 book, "Shabby Chic." Although, some interior decorators claim the style originated decades before the book was published. Regardless of how long it has been around, the look remains timeless and is characterized by soft colors; muted greens, pastel pinks and faded grays. "Shabby Chic" celebrates the beauty that can be found in less-than-perfect, even once-discarded furniture and accessories, including tables with peeling paint, vintage bedspreads and rustic rugs. Combined correctly "Shabby Chic" rooms create a well-worn, comfortable, homey feel.

Ironically, this worn-in look doesn't come cheap. My jaw fell when my sister-in-law mentioned how much some of the items in Cassie's room cost. I suppose it's similar to the whole faded jeans concept. How many times have you shelled out big bucks for a NEW pair of ripped and faded jeans? It got me thinking about how someone could incorporate the "Shabby Chic" look in their home by using some inexpensive alternatives. Here are some ideas:

· Rummage through your parent's attic or basement. Look for treasures that are still usable, including antique lamps or sturdy tables.

· Visit local flea markets and yard sales. That solid wooden chair that happens to be painted a hideous orange can be taken home, stripped, and given a fresh coat of white, pink or green paint. Perfect for your new "Shabby Chic" room.

· Think outside the box. Forget the traditional purpose of things. Chairs can be corner tables and old trunks can double as coffee tables. Grandma's quilt can serve as throw or an accent to a big, comfy chair.

· Ditch the formal. Instead, think comfort. Toss extra pillows on your couch or line them up on window seats. Make it easy for family and friends to curl up with a good book, lounge on a floor full of pillows or relax under an antique light fixture. Purge the harsh lines and the don't-sit-on-me-furniture and create a warm, inviting space.

The key is to invest time, rather than money. If you are willing to spend time searching for that perfect item (and perhaps, give it a good cleaning) you'll be surprised at the amazing deals you'll discover. I've learned that Shabby chic is an easy style to achieve... you just need to be vigilant. If your sister-in-law says she is taking her old furniture out to the curb, ask to look at it first. Who knows... one of the items could be the centerpiece of your new shabby chic room.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 26 Jun 2006 12:59 PM

Great article, Michele. I LOVE Shabby Chic. I've done some of it myself as well and the savings are phenomenal. I've gone to local Salvation Army and Thrift stores and found some wonderful "old" furniture that can be made new. I got a gorgeous bedside table for $12. I repainted it, bought a new knob from Home Depot and it looks brand new. It takes a bit of searching to find quality items, but the time is worth it for what you can create. Also, a lot of the Shabby Chic furniture has fancy scrolls or similar shapes on it. You can find these for under $3 at Home Depot or similar stores. Just glue them on and paint with the rest of the piece. Voila!

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 26 Jun 2006 04:29 PM

I agree with you and Catherine, Michele. I like the look because it feels homey and comfortable. Finding and revamping great pieces can be a challenge, but it's also a lot of fun.

Michele Cheplic (37236) 27 Jun 2006 02:29 AM

Catherine--WOW!! I can't believe with all that you have going on you still find time to make your own furniture!! I am lucky if I can get my daughter's stickers out of my hair and make it to the grocery store! Thank you for the additional tips!

Michele Cheplic (37236) 27 Jun 2006 02:32 AM

Thanks, Sherry--I'm still looking for the perfect piece. (Or should I say, my first piece :))