Here are 10 simple steps for creating a gorgeous shabby chic project or conversion. You can use these guidelines either to create/alter a specific furnishing in your house, or to redecorate and revamp your interior design.
So here it goes:
1) First of all, there must be ivory. Any shade of ivory (even off white or ecru) is essential to create a soft base for the rest of the colours.
2) This ivory base must then be distressed. This means it must look faded and uneven (by sanding, rubbing, etc) so to echo a vintage romantic style.
3) You then need to choose a dominant colour(s) that you want to be a recurrent theme in the project. Usually these are soft pastels, with dusty rose and aqua blue being particularly popular. You might then choose a more complete palette, but this is not essential. Shabby chic is about using what you have, and there are no clear guidelines as to how to achieve it (you can visit my previous post on ‘what is shabby chic’ to have a well-rounded knowledge of what this style entails).
4) It needs to be true faded style, so no bold hues of pink (like shocking pink). Instead, use bleached or faded shades. You can do that with fabric both by bleaching and through tea-dying.
5) You then need floral or chintz patterns. It can be big and beautiful roses and rhododendrons, or a cute little chintzy pattern. This is up to your taste, and what materials you have available. This must have at least a hint of FOILAGE, to spruce up the colours with shades of green (or other contrasting colour).
6) Couple the floral with a complementing pattern, such as gingham, small polka, or even plain. The important thing is that they are of a similar level of fading, and complementing colours – or at least in a similar palette.
7) LACE is probably the most important thing you need here. Any kind of lace will look smashing with your project. Try dying it in tea, or keep it pure white. Both options are good, depending on your kind of project. For paper crafts, use the edges off paper doilies, they are perfect. I think scalloped lace looks very apt for shabby chic, but eyelet is nice too. If you want to save yourself some time, you’re better off getting a hold of lace that is already gathered at the top (frilly). You could also crochet your own lace, which works out cheaper (most of the times).
8) In the background, try and fit earth tones too (with a hint of gold). This is very important to give it a country edge, or you might risk the shabby chic to be too saccharine like, thus slightly claustrophobic. The best earth tone effect is probably offered by jute, burlap and twine. These natural fibres are a great addition to any shabby chic project.
9) Textures and Layers are very important here to transform a basic girly shabby chic into a real masterpiece. Make things three dimensional, or give an impression that you do. Use different textures. For instance instead of using only satin ribbon, try mixing them with organza ribbons, scraps of tulle, and lots of pearls. User products from nature too, like twigs and little acorns. This will give the eye such an overwhelming amount of beautiful details, that it will be difficult to even begin to identify what looks the nicest.
10) Lastly, you need appliques. This can be furniture appliques like cherubs and garlands. For other projects you might want to use old brooches, cabochons, wrought iron broken jewellery and skeleton keys, pearls of all sizes, shapes and colours, silver charms, fabric flowers, pasted coloured buttons, wooden buttons and metal buttons, paper flowers (roses usually), diamantes, and faux Swarovski. Also, a lit candle (maybe on an altered candelabrum) adds that extra romance when you have to present your finished beauty.
Finally, good luck with your Shabby Chic projects!
When it comes to creating a shabby chic home,there are ten essential steps you can follow to achieve that charming and cozy aesthetic. Whether your looking to update a specific piece of furniture or completely revamp your interior design, these guidelines will help you create a gorgeous shabby chic space that exudes vintage elegance and romantic charm.
- Start with Ivory: The first step to creating a shabby chic home is to incorporate ivory into your color palette. Whether it’s a soft off-white or a creamy ecru, ivory provides the perfect base for the rest of your colors to pop against. Consider using ivory for your walls, furniture, or accent pieces to achieve that quintessential shabby chic look.
- Embrace Vintage Finds: Incorporating vintage pieces into your decor is key to achieving a shabby chic aesthetic. Look for unique, weathered furniture, distressed mirrors, and antique accessories that add character and charm to your space. Mix and match different styles and eras to create a curated, lived-in look.
- Layer Textures: Texture plays a crucial role in shabby chic design. Mix and match fabrics like lace, linen, and burlap to add depth and visual interest to your space. soft, fluffy pillows, cozy throw blankets, and plush rugs can all contribute to the cozy, inviting feel of a shabby chic home.
- Distress Furniture: Creating a shabby chic look often involves distressing furniture to give it a weathered, aged appearance. Sand down wooden surfaces, paint and then rub with sandpaper for a distressed look or layer on chalk paint in pastel colors for a soft, vintage feel.
- Add Floral Prints: Floral prints are a hallmark of shabby chic design,adding a touch of softness and femininity to your space. Incorporate floral patterns in fabrics, wallpaper, or artwork to bring a romantic, vintage vibe to your home.
- Include Shabby Chic Accessories: Accessories play a crucial role in shabby chic design. Look for delicate chandeliers, vintage mirrors, ornate picture frames, and distressed candle holders to add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your space.
- Choose Soft, Pastel Colors: soft, pastel hues are synonymous with shabby chic style. Opt for colors like pale pink, mint green, sky blue, and lavender to create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere in your home. These subtle shades will complement your ivory base and add a touch of vintage charm to your space.
- Mix Old and New: To create a modern take on shabby chic design, consider mixing old and new elements in your decor.Blend vintage finds with contemporary pieces to create a unique and eclectic look that feels fresh and updated.
- Create a Cozy Ambiance: shabby chic design is all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Add dim lighting, scented candles, and soft textiles to create a warm and welcoming space where you can relax and unwind.
- Personalize Your Space: don’t forget to infuse your shabby chic home with personal touches that reflect your unique style and personality. Display family photos, heirlooms, and cherished mementos to make your space feel truly special and inviting.
By following these ten steps, you can create a gorgeous shabby chic home that exudes vintage charm and timeless elegance. Embrace the soft colors, vintage finds, and cozy textures that define shabby chic style to transform your space into a welcoming retreat that you’ll love coming home to.
This is such an inspiring guide! I love how easy it is to incorporate those delicate, vintage elements into my space. Can’t wait to try out some of these steps!