What is Shabby chic?

Shabby chic is extremely popular in interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their age and signs of wear and tear or new items are distressed to look old.

It’s a design style deliberately using worn and deteriorated items. The style originaly started in Great Britain and evokes the type of decoration found in large country houses where there are worn and faded old chintz sofas and curtains, old paintwork and unassuming 'good' taste. The end result of shabby chic is to achieve an elegant overall effect.

Fabrics tend to be cottons, with linen being particularly popular, inspired by old French linens. Whites and worn or bleached out pastels are favorite colours.

The early forms of shabby chic were rather grand but the style has evolved taking inspiration from many forms of decoration. These range from 18th century Swedish painted decoration, the French Chateau as well as the American Shakers where simplicity and plainness was essential.

Regardless of how long it has been around, the look remains timeless and is characterized by soft colors; including 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, homely feel.