Shabby Chic Decorating

Shabby chic decorating is an easy and economical way to give your home a new, fresh look.

While many people are familiar with the phrase "shabby chic", few know where the term originated. Shabby chic decorating actually hit the decorating world through the eyes of Rachel Ashwell. As one of America's top designers, Rachel demonstrates through her book Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide how to hunt for the perfect items. She gives great advice on what to look for at estate sales, flea markets, and yard sales, and shows you how to turn one man's trash into your own personal treasure. At the same time, you're gathering items and furniture to create a new look without spending a fortune. The best part? Your home will be filled with unique accessories and furniture that create a warm, cozy atmosphere your friends and family will love.

Shabby chic is all about taking the old and bringing out its character and charm. Nothing really matches exactly, but by choosing similar colors, textures, and hues, a feeling of harmony is created. Well-worn rugs, faded fabrics, distressed armoires, vintage coverlets, wicker, and wrought iron are just some of the many items associated with shabby chic decorating.

Even if your budget is rather small, you can incorporate the shabby chic look into any area of your home. Before you head out to your neighborhood tag sale, however, take a look around your own home.

• Try to look at little used or common items in a new way. For example, paint that old straight-back chair a soft cream or pastel blue, then bring it inside and place it in a corner to hold decorating books or a beautiful plant.
• Pull your grandmother's treasured quilt out of storage, and display it as a throw across the end of a sofa or chair.
• Paint and stencil an old TV tray, using a floral pattern in pastels and cream, then set it on a foot stool filled with a few favorite magazines.
• Use an old chenille bedspread as a loose-fitting slipcover, or cut it into sections and make several throw pillows.

Once you've found all of the hidden treasures you have at home, hit your neighborhood garage sales and check out a few flea markets as well. Try to look at items with a new attitude.

• You might hate a particular picture you come across, but the frame might be perfect if painted a creamy white. Once you've painted it, sand the edges, then place a favorite picture or photo inside.
• Breathe new life into old armchairs that you can pick up for a song, by covering them with chintz, chenille, or soft cotton. For a more aged look, soak the material in tea-stained water before you begin cutting and sewing. Look for chairs that have simple yet cozy lines that invite guests to sink down into them. Overstuffed furniture and pillows simply beg people to indulge in their comfort.
• Take a rusty old trunk, and give it a coat of creamy white paint, then use it as a coffee table.
• Take old crystal or metal doorknobs and attach them to a white piece of wood to create a unique coat rack.
• Knick-knacks can include chipped china, old vases, porcelain and other vintage items displayed on shelves and sofa tables and in china cabinets.
• Use soft colors, like pastel blues, yellows, and greens. These can accent a soft white or buttery cream.
• Paint pieces of furniture white, then sand the edges and corners for a distressed look.
• Look for hand-hooked rugs, even if they are worn. They will immediately add character and charm to any room.

Shabby chic decorating is all about finding old and sometimes odd pieces and making them your own. Once you begin, you'll have too much fun decorating to stop!

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