Are you one of those people who loves the antique look of worn furnishings but feel you cannot afford to redecorate your home? You don't have to go out and buy pricey antiques; shabby chic decor will give your home the look and atmosphere you desire, without costing a bundle of money. This style is cozy, relaxed and very romantic. You can almost picture the soft, warm breeze floating across the room!
Soft and Sensuous
Many people, especially women, love the feminine look of light and white-washed decor that shabby chic provides. Furniture looks just a little worn around the edges; curtains are muted pastels that blend softly with the rest of the room. Fabrics can be satiny, nubby or anything in between. In fact, using ultra smooth satins and nubby textures together creates more interest.
With shabby chic, the older an accessory looks the better. This style is meant to look relaxed, comfortable and a bit old-fashioned. If you currently have more modern furnishings, you don't have to go buy all new. Sand the finish off of your coffee and end tables, paint them an antique white color, then lightly sand edges and other areas that would naturally "wear." You have the shabby chic look, without spending hundreds of dollars on new tables!
Elegance on a Budget
Shabby chic style lends itself to those who want a relaxed elegant look but need to stay within budget. You can often find the perfect accent or accessory at a flea market! As the old saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." This couldn't be any more true than in shabby chic decorating.
When it comes to your furniture, slip covers are almost a necessity with this style! Cover your sofa with an antique white slip cover, and then add mismatched throw pillows that are similar in color, but have different textures and patterns. A satiny floral and a nubby plaid make a stunning combination, as long as the colors are complementary.
The Finishing Touches
Now that we have the furnishings covered, what do you do to accessorize? That's super easy as well. Flowers and greenery are staples in shabby chic decor. Buy a few fresh flowers at the market or pick some of your own if you have them. Throw them in an old looking vase, but don't try to arrange them perfectly - you want them to look a little thrown together. That's the beauty of shabby chic; the look is elegant and relaxed, but not too perfect.
Lighting is another area where you can be a little creative. Antique looking chandeliers and candle holders are perfect in this decor. Lamp shades are often decorated with glass or crystal beads that add to the antique look. Painted shades are great as well. Anything that looks as if it came from another era is what you are striving for.
If you want a style of your own that won't break your bank account, shabby chic is it. Create a look that is light, open, airy, relaxed, romantic, elegant AND feminine, all in one! It's a look that is original, and one you can enjoy with total ease and comfort.
| Price : $59.99 | Post Date : Dec 27, 2011 09:17:43
