Shabby chic items are often heavily painted over the years, with many layers showing through obviously worn areas. The style is imitated in faux painting with glazes or by painting and then rubbing and sanding away the top coat to reveal the wood or base lacquer, known as “distressing” the furniture finish. Furniture that is not genuine antique or vintage is usually selected because it resembles older furniture styles and may be reproduction furniture with a distressed finish. Elaborate furniture appliqués showing flower pants and garlands, cherubs and other motifs can be added.
Fabrics tend to be cotton and linen, with linen being particularly popular, inspired by old French linen. Pure white, as well as ecru and worn or faded pastel colors are favourites. The fabric is often dyed with tea to give it the appearance of old fabric. Faded and bleached are terms often used for the style. Vintage floral patterns with pastel colors, ticking cotton patterns or linen in earthy colors are all typical of shabby chic style.
Antique items such as pie cabinets and jelly cabinets are popular in shabby chic decor.[1] In addition to white, the shabby chic style also includes soft neutral colors such as sky blue, pink and beige tones. Tips from French-style interior design are often seen in shabby chic homes such as lighting fixtures, furniture or rococo-style wall panels.
The shabby chic aesthetic also extends to the garden, with the same design principles of using second-hand garden furniture and feminine accessories. Rose gardens are popular with the shabby chic interior design style.
