If you are looking for a decorating style that will make a comfortable and family friendly home with a bare bones budget, there is no better style to use than Shabby Chic®. All the wear and tear of family life which lessens the appeal of other decoration styles only makes Shabby Chic® more appealing. It's perfect!
1. Distressed furniture. The basis of a Shabby Chic® room is painted and distressed furniture - showing underneath layers, nicks and signs of age. You can take old furniture from yard sales, thrift shops or your aunt Kate's basement, paint it white, sand the edges and it will take on a new life in your Shabby Chic® showcase.
2. Florals. Florals are an important part of Shabby Chic® style - primarily cabbage roses. Fabric remnants, old sheets, old curtain, and other fabrics can be used to create your style. Use them for pillows, upholstered seats, and braided rugs - just a few of the budget-friendly possibilities available.
3. Old rugs. Look at thrift stores for old rugs. The soft, faded look of old rugs will anchor your room. Or make your own with old fabric braided into a circular rug.
4. Slipcovers. Slipcovers are a great way to get a Shabby Chic® look. A floral slipcover can turn a sofa that does not fit the style, into the perfect seating piece in just a few minutes. And that old overstuffed chair your mother gave you can have new life. Even better, if you have an active family, the slipcovers can be thrown in the washer. Meanwhile a cover of a different color can be used for variety. You can make your own easily with a solid bedspread. It's even more inexpensive if you find the bedspread at a yard sale!
5. Mismatched. Mismatched is a plus with Shabby Chic®. Mismatched tableware, pillows, lighting, and furniture pieces actually add to the look. The trick is a basic color, like white or eggshell blue, which ties all the pieces together. I have actually seen a Shabby Chic® living room tied together with black.
In short, Shabby Chic® is a carefree and comfortable style. You can combine well-loved and worn pieces with thrift shop finds and new pieces made to look worn. Even the fabrics are carefree - soft cottons and chenilles. Your family will love it and your bank account can be spent for more important things - like Mama's new shoes!
