the shabby chic style

This is an ideal style for restoring your flea market finds. It flatters old and antique furniture - the more intricate, ornate and convoluted, the better ! This type of restoration enhances certain pieces of furniture that look homely in a dark finish and are transfigured by luminous shades.

Here's the technique. Coat the piece of furniture with ivory or white paint after lightly sanding it and rubbing a candle where there are signs of natural wear: the edges, corners, etc. The paint does not adhere to these areas and accentuates the original "as is" look. If needed, once the paint has dried, you can sand lightly with sandpaper. To finish: a "burnt umber" tinted wax. Or, instead of using tinted wax, you can use a light coat of shoe shine. Finish with a layer of traditional wax.

The shabby chic, a trend borrowed from our stateside friends, can take on a country feel using nature-inspired shades: taupe, lichen, sand, ivory, or a haven feel using Hollywood colors: bright pink and pistachio green can nicely update a dark wardrobe with rococo carvings.

shabby chic green

(c) Danny Seo - simply green

Shabby chic sites for inspiration:
villa-vintage.de
lauraashley-usa.com

January 2007 [inspirations]
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