The words Shabby Chic are defined by a range of furnishings and decor from eighteenth century Swedish painted decorations, the French Chateau and American Shakers, where simplicity and plainness were essential.
Furniture and furnishings are chosen for their age and signs of wear and tear, or new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique.
Shabby Chic is the trademark of English-born, now Californian resident, Rachel Ashwell. The resurgence of the making of old new again is with us all when environmental issues are a current affair.
So, let’s use sensible living to create spontaneous beauty in sumptuous settings that we all love to live among.
Easy to decorate. Start with a platform of white walls, furnishings and then layering in your colour using pastels. Without spending a fortune, use some of your existing items and add to the look with a few key pieces.
Furniture
- Scour antique shops, flea markets, swap meets and even relatives
- Mix and match dining chairs, crockery, glass wear, fabrics
- Slip covers are ideal
- Weathered finishes: vintage white, weathered oak with wrought iron handles
Lighting
- Eclectic mix of old world chandeliers, scones and lamps that add a touch of glamour to any home
- Candles lend a casual feel consistent to Shabby Chic
- Table and floor lamps: traditional, box pleat ruffled shades
Rugs
- Bleached vintage
- Patchwork with accents of vibrant Turkish patterns sit beautifully with sun faded vintage rugs
Fabrics
- Quintessential florals and stripes
- From table cloths and napkins to curtains and sheeting
- If new is preferred to old, vintage inspired curtain fabrics are emerging on the market and are now available at reputable distributors
Bedding
Inspired by vintage textiles and prints, look for…
- Cotton and Linen, velvet, crochet and embroidered
- Stipple and ticking, matelasse, damask and toile
- Ruffles and laces
- Pillows add a layer of interest to any bed or sofa
Accessories
- Flowers: in prints, fabrics, rugs, china and of course, fresh flowers add a vibrant touch
- Start collecting, that is, perfume bottles, crystal vases, fine china, vintage flower and ribbon encrusted pill box hats, coloured glass wear
- Framed vintage prints, favourite photos
- Be inventive, recycle odd tea cups by using them as candle holders, fresh flowers work wonderfully in tea pots and milk jugs
- Vintage mirrors with bevelled frames add depth and light
“a home can be truly lived in and still be lovely… the secret to living well is to surround myself with beautiful things that are practical and deliciously comfortable”
Rachel Ashwell
Leanne J Zielke
Colour Design Consultant
Accent on Colour / Andersons Curtains
0413009380 / 41515757
