| Shabby chic décor is a technique of decorating | | | | Shabby chic has expanded to include vintage fabrics |
| that balances well-designed and beautiful objects with | | | | and all types of imperfect, once elegant accessories. |
| old, worn out and sometimes tattered items. It includes | | | | A ruffled, rumpled elegance is characteristic of simply |
| soft delicate colors with creamy white being | | | | shabby chic. Antique collectibles are a nice addition to |
| predominate in many simply shabby chic schemes. | | | | this decorating style. |
| Rachel Ashwell is credited for giving the style its name. | | | | In mixing patterns in the shabby chic decorating style |
| Shabby chic's early beginnings included plenty of white | | | | keep the background color the same creamy white |
| painted objects which are still used today. Wooden | | | | with at least one color recurring in every pattern. A tip |
| furniture found at garage sales, flea markets, and even | | | | for giving a harsh white fabric or lace a vintage-look is |
| in the attic can be spray painted white. Since shabby | | | | to stain it with tea. Use three or four tea bags in a pot |
| chic decorating is also about distressed surfaces, add | | | | of hot water testing it every 10 minutes until it has the |
| character to furniture by roughing it up a little--lightly | | | | desired aged look. Pretest a piece of fabric to get the |
| sand the corners for a worn look. | | | | right tint. |
| Remember, if you want shabby chic furniture, don't | | | | As you can see, shabby chic decor is an excellent |
| look for bright bold colors or matching sets. It would be | | | | choice if you are on a tight decorating budget. |
| more appropriate to mix and match upholstery | | | | Combine creativity and time to browse secondhand |
| patterns and add florals and stripes in pillows and other | | | | stores, garage sales and flea markets, and you will |
| accessories. You might have visions of cuddling in your | | | | have a comfortable, eclectic collection of shabby chic |
| grandmother's soft, comfortable slip-covered furniture. | | | | décor and furniture. |