Shabby Chic Decor {2}

Shabby chic gives you a great opportunity  to experiment and to decorate your home in unique and original way.

see the first part of { Shabby chic decor }

Furniture and lightning 

"Old furniture with history" - this association is provoked by the coffee tables, the chairs, the sofas and other objects in shabby chic interior. The multiple layers of paint and the textures give the furniture a more authentic look. Whether it's a simple wooden table and chairs or vintage case on elegant legs, it shall be sworn, cracked with thick layers of paint.

To give your furniture a new thing look in shabby chic style, a piece of furniture can be covered by a light mat in neutral colors, then wipe the edges with sandpaper. If the paint is thick enough, you can use a hammer or a spatula to break off pieces of cover here and there. Artificial aging with patina, glaze, wax, craquelure (artificial crack) and decoupage techniques are also essential in the shabby chic.

The same principles are valid for the garden furniture and accessories. Here the wooden benches and tables are accomplished with wrought-iron furniture, also painted in bright colors.

The arrangement of furniture in shabby chic usually focuses on comfort, convenient forms of tables, chairs and beds. If some of the design styles are formal, symmetrical and straight, this style is aimed at ensuring the whole family comfortable accommodation and a pleasant time. The house needs to have a lot of room for seating. Chairs and sofas should be combined with other pieces of furniture to create a light atmosphere for conversation and early Sunday breakfast.

As the ceiling lights, you can use vintage chandelier with glass beads or crystals. Wall sconces and romantic night-lights also fit into the interior in such style.

Color palette

Shabby chic style is rich of shades of neutral and pastel shades. The most popular are the color of the egg shell, milk-white, gray-beige, ecru, sand, pale blue, pale pink and warm light gray.

Floors

Natural wood or ceramic tile flooring are most popular for shabby chic decor (even for the kitchen). Painted patterns or diamond design are a good compliment for the floors. However, if you are going to paint your own design, don't forget to apply a varnish as a top layer to protect it. With time the floors might get signs of wear but that is even better. For more confort put some rugs in the rooms.

Textiles

Natural fabrics of the same soft neutral colors: unbleached linen, cotton, chintz, lace and burlap, are usually used in the shabby chic design. Use fabrics with stripes, florals, and checks. Subtle stripes and checks are the hallmark of the shabby chic style - they give a distinct, intimate ambience to the living rooms and bedrooms.

Accessories

The main secret - variety! The accessories and the decoration are in different sizes, shapes and texture. The interior contains cute and romantic elements - angels, delicate figurines, photo albums, bowls a fruit or biscuits with a cotton napkin, macrame, vintage frames and monograms etc. The nature is presented by bouquets of wild flowers (pastels or just greens) and branches (with no leaves or flowering) and wicker chairs and baskets.

Sources: Active Personnel (ru), Djournal (ru), Design - remont (ru)

Photos: Djournal (ru), Pinterest

See also { Shabby Chic Decor 1 }

Here is the { Shabby chic decor image gallery }

More { furniture refurbishing ideas }