❝The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life❞ - Marie Kondo

There are many types of interior design and each style consists of distinctive furniture, decors, lighting, and accessories that give it its signature look. By getting to know some of the most popular styles, you’ll better understand what styles stand out to you and meet your preferences. As Marie Kondo once said about what you own, what you want to live your life. In today’s “Know Your Interior Design Style Series”, it is all about fashionable but informal style of decoration using old and used furniture instead of new ones. If you haven’t guess from the title, it is shabby chic! 

When it comes to elegance and comfort, this design has it all. It's classic, featuring worn and aged furniture, vintage decorations, and layers of soft materials. The term "shabby chic" originated in 18th century Britain, drawing inspiration from the luxurious living rooms of the countryside. Why does it remain popular today? Shabby chic combines the coziness of rustic interiors with the charming elegance of French and vintage styles. It creates a serene atmosphere with its emphasis on white, offering a delicate and charmingly feminine aesthetic that always pleases the eye.

Shabby chic can be shown in many different ways, making it a very adaptable style for any home. However, there are a few common themes that really bring this relaxed interior design style to life. So, let's explore the 7 main characteristics of shabby chic interior design!

1. A divider section of antique pieces 

There's no strict rule about where these pieces should come from. That's why you're free to use vintage items from any era, making shabby chic a popular choice among designers who aren't limited to a specific time period.

2. Blends traditional with elegance

Shabby chic evokes the elegance of 18th-century French living with ornate bed frames and wall paneling, while also incorporating pastel color schemes reminiscent of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This allows interior designers to mix unique pieces from different time periods with contemporary furnishings seamlessly.

3. Create an eclectic environments in every rooms

Shabby chic encourages experimentation, allowing individuals to combine antique and retro pieces freely. While it may appear inconsistent at first glance, a closer look reveals how each piece complements the others, showcasing the true beauty of this design trend. 
 

4. Distressed textures and color schemes

Unlike other design styles, shabby chic doesn't require homeowners to fix every imperfection. In fact, it embraces the charm of weathered and distressed furniture, highlighting the beauty of vintage aesthetics. Or let modern pieces develop a rustic patina, adding character to your space.

5. Mixing neutral and pastel colors 

Shabby chic is characterized by a palette of muted colors, offering endless possibilities for creating a minimalist yet varied style. Mixing whites and grays with soft pastel tones like blues and greens adds depth and sophistication to any room.

6. Add on metallic colors 

Metallic accents play a key role in shabby chic design, bridging the gap between old and new. Incorporating gold or silver elements, such as cushions or candlestick holders, adds a touch of glamor and elegance to your decor.

7. Feminine tones  

Feminine touches are integral to shabby chic design, showcasing its unconventional charm in various ways. Whether it's through floral bedding or pastel pink accents, these subtle details brighten up a room and contribute to its refined ambiance.

Source : Pinterest

Shabby chic and French country styles are often confused, sometimes thought to be the same, but they are actually different. French country aims for a mix of rustic and elegant, inspired by the simplicity of the French countryside, while shabby chic focuses on soft, romantic, and vintage-inspired interiors. Another style often mixed with shabby chic is cottagecore. Both embrace a vintage look with rustic influences, but there are differences. Shabby chic tends to use lots of white, pastel tones, and vintage floral prints, while cottagecore includes more natural elements, textures, and tones. Also, shabby chic draws from rustic French interiors, while cottagecore is inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of English countryside cottages.

With its soft and romantic atmosphere, characterized by white tones, pastel colors, and vintage accents, shabby chic creates inviting and cozy spaces in any home. While it shares similarities with French country and cottagecore styles, shabby chic maintains its own unique identity, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of nostalgia, comfort, and refined simplicity. Now, let’s take a look at how you can incorporate such style in your home! 

1. Use antique pieces 

The elegant and romantic shabby chic style stands out from more lavish styles that creates a sense of grounding, and the more naturally worn the furniture appears, the better it complements the style. When shopping for antiques, especially vintage furniture, ensure they're sturdy and durable but also based on personal taste. While worn materials can be repaired, a weak frame might give out unexpectedly. 

2. Neutral light colors on wall

For shabby chic interiors, incorporating white, beige, or light gray tones on walls and furniture provides a suitable backdrop. Adding pastel-colored furnishings like pillows, rugs, flowers, vintage accents, and slipcovers can enhance the look. Keeping the flooring neutral without embellishments helps preserve the historical character while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

3. Mix and match accessories

Adding various accessories like throw rugs, blankets, pillows, and wall art can help create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Mixing and matching these items is important for achieving the desired effect. Choosing items with different prints, patterns, and textures adds interest to the space. You can stick to a color scheme of two or three hues throughout the room. 

4. Mixed accessories and collectibles 

Balancing ornate and cluttered elements is key in this design. Create designated spots for shabby chic furniture and accessories in your living room, perhaps with open shelves or a console table for display. Consider swapping out picture frames for weathered wood or metal frames to enhance the shabby chic vibe in your bedroom or country house.

5. Add more chandeliers 

Timeless chandeliers add a touch of elegance to the country-style makeover. They can transform your sitting area into a cozy gathering spot with a hint of history. Pair them with modern light fixtures to create a striking focal point that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

6. Use white linen fabrics 

White drapes complement the shabby chic look perfectly, adding a touch of formality or coziness depending on the fabric. Adding vintage pieces to modern furniture and incorporating natural materials can further enhance the aesthetic. Consider adding light greens, dusty pinks, and sky blue hues on decor items and throw pillows for added charm.

7. Includes floral motifs 

Floral motifs, as one of these style characteristics, can be incorporated into your shabby chic spaces through many things like throw pillows, rugs, furniture, decor, or wallpapers. Pair them with natural wood and neutral colored furniture for a cohesive look in your shabby chic kitchen.

8. Inculcate old textures 

To add coziness to your spaces, consider incorporating leather, cotton, and chunky rugs. While traditional wall treatments are less common in modern homes, you can introduce tactile elements like floral wallpapers for added texture. Lace accents can create a romantic mood and can be used on napkins, tablecloths, or even shower curtains for a chic touch.

9. Incorporate shiny details 

For an aristocratic appeal, add touches of gold and silver accents, such as gilded headboards or polished metal candlesticks. These accents help to bridge the gap between old-world charm and modern elegance. When using metallic accents in shabby chic design, it's essential to strike a balance to avoid overwhelming the space.

10. Add more curves 

Incorporate dynamic visual elements like curlicues, spirals, and dramatic lines to create visual interest. Intricate carvings offer texture, while cabriole legs add a sensuous silhouette reminiscent of European heritage. Molding, banisters, and pilasters can incorporate engraved flourishes, while curved leaves hint at a connection to nature.

Source : Pinterest

That is all our discussion about shabby chic interior design! What do you think of this interior design style? Is it your preference? Consult your dream house with Livvy Luxury Living! Contact us on Whatsapp : +62 878 6894 8000 or visit us at 18 Office Park 25th floor Suite A, Jalan Simatupang Kav 18, South Jakarta.

Content Writer : Arcelia Emmanuella Adiwinata