Romance and femininity: Shabby Chic style in the interior

Not everyone has heard of the shabby chic interior design style. This is a relatively new direction, but it has successfully gained popularity in our country. The main feature of the interior in this style is considered to be rare or artificially aged pieces of furniture and decor.

British romance: the history of the style

Literally translated, the term means “shabby chic.” It appeared in Great Britain in the 80s of the last century. It was then that it became fashionable to artificially age furniture and place decor throughout the house.

The result of the design is a bright and lush interior with things that literally scream vintage and time passed.

The ancestor of the style is considered to be the Englishwoman Rachel Ashwell. After divorcing her husband, the housewife and needlewoman began restoring furniture and producing textile products under the “Shabby shik” brand.

It was then that the craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​using well-worn wardrobes, chests of drawers and other interior items to create masterpieces from them. They used glaze and thematic appliques, applied all this to the body of the furniture, and then rubbed it, creating the effect of old age.

Even the fabrics were aged. As a rule, only natural ones were used - linen and cotton.They were colored using tea leaves. Visually it seemed that the material was pretty washed out. Today this technology is not used, since it is possible to obtain any shade of fabric.

The British love antiques. Often, pieces of furniture are transferred to new owners along with the house or are waiting in the attic. In the land of eternal fogs, there is no need to spend money on new products and subject them to processing, because almost every family has a closet with old furnishings.

Character traits

The design style is very expressive. It has a unique charm and always stands out among others. Note that it will appeal to romantic, creative people who draw inspiration from the environment around them.

Shabby chic looks like airy marshmallows. The whole furnishings are light, “fluffy”, and replete with decorations.

Experts note its similarity with French Provence. But Shabby chic is distinguished by its reference to British classics. The whole atmosphere looks shocking, but at the same time tender and prim.

Color spectrum

A muted and soft palette characterizes the design. The main thing is that the colors appear slightly faded over time. This is a feature without which the desired effect cannot be achieved.

The most commonly used colors are:

• light pink;
• light turquoise;
• lactic;
• cream;
• pale lilac and others.

Taken together, it all looks light and airy. It is pleasant to relax in the room without irritating the eye with bright accents.

Finishing walls, floors and ceilings

The walls are decorated with paint or decorative plaster. There are abrasions and cracked edges in some places. It seems as if the paint was applied at least half a century ago. Paper wallpapers with prints in the form of delicate floral motifs, cherubs, polka dots or alternating stripes are also suitable.

The main condition is the absence of bright transitions and contrasts.

The floors are always wooden - this is a classic style. It’s good if the laminate or parquet boards are artificially aged, this will give the room a special flavor. A vintage worn rug will look atmospheric.

The ceiling in a shabby chic design is often decorated with stucco and gilding. Chips and cracks add a special charm. The center of the surface is occupied by a chic chandelier with many shimmering crystals.

Glamor in the details: decorating the room space

Minimalism and laconicism are not about shabby chic in the interior. There are many details that decorate the space. Photo frames hung on the walls, bouquets of flowers on tables and shelves, books, small pillows and cute table lamps - all this together perfectly complements and emphasizes the overall style.

In addition, a large number of textile products are used in the design. Curtains and curtains are also chosen in pastel colors with prints in the shape of small flowers or angels. Additionally, they are decorated with ruffles, frills, lace and other elements that attract attention.

Furniture as the basis of shabby chic style

The setting is considered one of the main components of design. In a “shabby chic” interior, furniture is made exclusively from natural materials. Everything is good quality and preferably old. If it is not possible to use antiques, you can try to age the furniture artificially.

Do not forget that shabby chic differs from other styles in that it harmoniously combines popular new items and classic antiquity.

A huge advantage for the designer will be the opportunity to find real antiques. They carry unsurpassed chic and luxury, despite the burden of passing years. Additional decor in the form of the same angels will be a pleasant bonus.

Examples of interiors of different rooms with photos

There are many examples of decorating rooms in the English romantic style. Delicate, airy design is done not only in living rooms and bedrooms. Designers often have to decorate bathrooms, dressing rooms or dining rooms with fun ruffles and pastels.

Rooms decorated in shabby chic style remind us of a Barbie doll house. Everything is very light, airy and romantic. This is why the design is ideal for women. And how wonderful the decoration looks in a children’s room for girls!