| Ready to bring all the charm of a vintage, country | | | | 3. Flooring |
| cottage into your own home? Take note of and apply | | | | Often overlooked in the grand scheme of this |
| the following five tips and you'll have an adorable | | | | particular type of design is the floor. The most popular |
| shabby chic home in no time! | | | | floor styles for this type of decor are probably natural |
| 1. Furniture | | | | wood or ceramic tile. However, painted patterns and |
| Solid wood furniture is ideal for shabby chic decor. | | | | also diamond or checkered design schemes can also |
| Painted pieces of furniture can also compliment a | | | | work very well. If you decide to paint your floors with |
| room nicely. Basically, you want to utilize simple | | | | your own design, make sure you add a coat of |
| furniture that is less decorative or ornate like the | | | | varnish on top to protect it. |
| furniture you might find in a home with a more formal | | | | 4. Fabrics |
| interior design. If you have antiques, use them! They | | | | The best fabrics for shabby chic design should |
| make great accents. Some popular antiques | | | | incorporate floral patterns, stripes, and checks. Using |
| commonly used in these chic and shabby homes are | | | | these fabrics will help pull together the distinct look of |
| pie safes, kitchen queens, and jelly cupboards. | | | | this charming and unique style. |
| 2. Colors | | | | 5. Be Creative |
| As far as colors are concerned, you can't go wrong | | | | Although the suggestions here will help nudge you in |
| with pastels. Using pastel colors in conjunction with | | | | the right direction, it is of the utmost importance that |
| whites and off-whites is very common in shabby chic | | | | you give yourself creative license to mix and match |
| decorating. Painted walls as well as patterned | | | | and experiment. There are no real rules in shabby chic |
| wallpapers are also a great way to bring out that | | | | design, only guidelines. So don't be afraid to get |
| country cottage home feel. | | | | creative, and of course, have fun! |