Decorating in the Shabby Chic Style

Shabby Chic was first mentioned in an article in The World of Interiors Magazine in the 1980’s and then was popularized by designer Rachel Ashwell in the 1996 in a book by the same name. This style of decorating uses heavily painted antique or vintage furniture that is then rubbed or sanded to make them look distressed, worn and old. Most of the items are usually painted white, mint green, pink and aqua colors. Accessories also accent the décor.

Most of the accessories used to compliment the shabby looking furniture are vintage linens and bedspreads, antique chandeliers and feminine looking fabrics, usually containing roses or other flowers. Other fabric including chintz or barkcloth and sometimes people stain their fabrics to make them look older than they really are. The look can be very elegant, inviting and romantic in the right room. Shabby Chic is sometimes called cottage.

There are many places to pick up items to start your shabby chic decorating. If you are handy, have the workspace and have the ability to do it yourself, you can pick up many items at antiques flea markets, garage sales or estate sales and transform them into the shabby chic style. If you would rather not, there are many shabby chic dealers, boutiques and shops where you can find affordable pieces for your home. In the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia metro area, there are a few shops that specialize in shabby chic décor including, Bella Villa Home Furnishings in Aldie, Virginia, Sarah Jean Décor in Purcellville, Virginia and The Cottage Room in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

There are many places on the Internet as well where you can get shabby chic items, probably too many to mention in this article. The pictured poster by artist Mary Elizabeth can be purchased at All Posters.