The shabby chic
look is a popular design style, and furniture with “chippy” paint, tea cups,
and rose quilts are best sellers in today’s vintage market, but before
accessorizing a room, it is important to prepare a palette that will show off shabby
treasures. People often think they
should paint their rooms pure white to achieve a shabby chic look, but white by
itself can come across as stark or sterile.
Consider instead painting woodwork such as floor and window trim or
wainscoting white and using a neutral color on the walls to make the whites
pop. An example would be Benjamin
Moore’s #1515 Natural Elements. You
might be surprised at how many shades of white are available. Experiment with linen, antique white, creams,
and even light tans, and don’t be afraid to mix shades. Other complimentary colors could include soft
mint, pink, or grey. Neutral carpeting
or whitewashed wood flooring complete the basics.
Dress your windows in white or cream
lace or sheers for an airy look. White
smocked curtains add texture and layering lace and sheers can add interest. Work white textiles into your décor and cover
darker upholstered furniture with white slipcovers to achieve a quick
change. Remove any pieces with busy
fabric or rug patterns; a neutral palette is calm, and busy patterns can
overpower that look. Use soft white or
cream pillows and throws liberally.
Place mirrors on the walls instead
of artwork. Mirrors make a space look
bigger, add sparkle, and will reflect the whites for a lighter look. White tin panels, sconces, and white
architectural salvage add visual interest.
Hang chandeliers or use table lamps accessorized with clear beads, lace,
or crystal pendants. If the room you are
decorating is a bedroom, hang white or cream netting over the headboard for
drama. Add white fairy lights for
whimsy.
If you have dark furniture, try
painting it white or a light grey. Grey
will blend into a neutral palette rather than disrupting it like brown
does. If you are stuck with dark furniture
or upholstery, use white pillows, throws, quilts, or even sheers or tablecloths
to soften the dark colors.
Don’t overlook your bookcases and
how virtually busy the covers of the books can be. Stack the books backward on the shelf to
create a more restful display and accessorize the shelves with white or light
pastel glassware or knick knacks. Some
designers cover their books in coordinating decorative paper.
The lovely thing about a neutral
palette is that if you tire of the look or want to change it for a new season,
it is easy to add accents with bold color to completely transform and energize
your room. If you like the white look
all year round, spray paint leaf garlands white or cream and use in place of a
valance or in vases for autumn.
Incorporate holiday décor that is pastel or white, and add silvers for a
festive sparkle at Christmas.
The shabby
chic look is versatile, classy, and pretty, and compliments most styles, so try
some whitening and lightening if you need a restful change.
