Shabby Chic Cottage Style
Shabby chic cottage style is a popular interior design trend that has been making a comeback in recent years. This style is inspired by the quaint cottages found in the English countryside, and it emphasizes the use of vintage, aged, and worn-out furnishings and accessories. The shabby chic look is perfect for those who love to add a touch of vintage charm to their homes. In this article, we will discuss the origins and characteristics of shabby chic cottage style.
Origins of Shabby Chic Cottage Style
Shabby chic cottage style is a design trend that originated in the 1980s and 1990s. This look was popularized by the designer Rachel Ashwell, who opened her first Shabby Chic store in Santa Monica, California, in 1989. Ashwell's decorating style was inspired by the comfortable and inviting cottages she saw in the English countryside. She wanted to create a look that was both stylish and comfortable, and that combined modern and vintage elements.
The term "shabby chic" was coined by Ashwell herself, and it quickly became a popular term in the world of interior design. The shabby chic look is all about creating a sense of history and nostalgia in the home. The style emphasizes the use of vintage or antique items that have been re-purposed or given new life. Shabby chic cottage style is all about creating a cozy, welcoming environment that feels like home.
Characteristics of Shabby Chic Cottage Style
Shabby chic cottage style is characterized by its use of pastel colors, vintage furnishings, and distressed finishes. This look is all about creating a sense of comfort and warmth in the home. Some of the key characteristics of shabby chic cottage style include:
1. Vintage Furnishings
Vintage furnishings are a key element of shabby chic cottage style. This style emphasizes the use of vintage or antique pieces that have been aged or distressed. This can include furniture pieces such as wardrobes, dressers, and dining tables.
2. Distressed Finishes
Distressed finishes are a hallmark of the shabby chic look. These finishes are created by sanding, staining, or painting a piece of furniture to give it a worn-out appearance. Distressed finishes can also be achieved with fabrics, such as by washing or dying them to make them look aged.
3. Pastel Colors
Pastel colors are a key element of the shabby chic cottage style. These colors include soft shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow. Pastel colors are often used in combination with white or ivory to create a light and airy feel.
4. Floral Prints
Floral prints are another hallmark of shabby chic cottage style. This design trend emphasizes the use of soft, romantic floral prints in fabrics and wallpaper. These prints can be used on a variety of home decor items, such as curtains, bedding, and accent pillows.
5. Vintage Accessories
Vintage accessories are an integral part of shabby chic cottage style. These can include items such as old books, trinkets, and figurines. Vintage accessories can add a sense of history and nostalgia to a space, and they help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
How to Achieve Shabby Chic Cottage Style
If you are interested in achieving the shabby chic cottage style look in your home, there are several key elements to keep in mind. Here are some tips for achieving the shabby chic look:
1. Choose Vintage Furnishings
Vintage furnishings are a key element of the shabby chic look. Look for furniture pieces that have a worn-out or distressed appearance. These can include vintage chairs, tables, and dressers.
2. Select Pastel Colors
Pastel colors are an important part of the shabby chic cottage style. Choose soft shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow for your paint color or home furnishings. These colors can be used in combination with white or ivory to create a light and airy feel.
3. Accent With Floral Prints
Floral prints are another hallmark of shabby chic cottage style. Choose soft, romantic floral prints for your wallpaper or fabric accents. These prints can be used in a variety of home decor items, such as curtains, bedding, and accent pillows.
4. Use Distressed Finishes
Distressed finishes are an important part of achieving the shabby chic look. Look for furniture pieces that have a distressed or aged appearance, or use sandpaper or paint to create a worn-out look on your own.
5. Incorporate Vintage Accessories
Vintage accessories are an important part of the shabby chic look. Look for vintage trinkets, figurines, and other home decor items to add a sense of history and nostalgia to your space.
In conclusion, shabby chic cottage style is a popular interior design trend that is all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the home. This style emphasizes the use of vintage and antique furnishings, pastel colors, floral prints, and distressed finishes. If you are interested in achieving the shabby chic look in your own home, follow these tips and remember to have fun incorporating vintage elements into your decor.