The general trend when designing a home is to want everything in that space to feel bright, clean, new and perfect — almost like having that new car smell — which is a perfectly acceptable style of design. But there is a form of design that celebrates the old, the weathered, the beaten, the simple and the comfortable... And at this point I would like to welcome you to the wonderful world of Shabby Chic... where the imperfections are celebrated and a story is told... Kinda like life, isn’t it?
Shabby Chic design forms can be applied anywhere. It can be as simple as a “roughed up” bedside lamp to an entire apartment done up in this style. The basic tenet being that items need to be distressed and have a worn and torn feel to them. It’s very important to scour the flea markets (near you and on your travels) and pick up knick knacks and pieces of furniture. Make sure the pieces have soft lines and a vintage flair. And if you feel you have a bit of untapped skill, you can always add your own touch to the piece by painting it or adding elements like crystals and lace.
I’ve found that the Louis XV rattan back chair is the ultimate in Shabby Chic design. Aside from the fact that it fits the requirements, this chair has a remarkable quality of fitting itself into any form of design and serves any purpose or requirement. This chair will look just as good around a spanking new modern table as it would placed against a traditional writing desk. A good old chandelier is another must have while trying to Shabby Chic your space. Again, pick one up from the flea market, or if you get one from a store, you can trademark it and make it your own. Spray paint the arms, add crystal pendants and rows in colours if you would like and add lamp shades to the chandeliers in wonderful prints of pinks and peaches. Likewise, a large painted mirror or a distressed gilded mirror has the qualities of the Louis XV chair. It can fit into any décor style — contemporary or traditional. Imagine a large gold patina mirror over a white lacquer console — a wonderful meeting of two different worlds.
I’ve always admired the use of an armoire. And in this style, you can use it just about anywhere. Use your armoire as a bookcase, a linen cupboard or even a bar. Use it in your bedroom, living room or bathroom. Give it a distressed coat of paint, in any colour of your choice. For added chic-ness, use glass for the doors and then conceal the contents with fabric or do away with the doors entirely. It adds a wonderful shabby twist.
When it comes to colour, subtle tones are the way to go. Everything needs to be soft on the eye. There are typically no rules to follow, there just needs to be a flow in the entire scheme of things. Fabrics such as cotton, lace and toile in wonderful prints, plaids and stripes will add to the soft elegance in this wonderful world of Shabby Chic. And you need to accessorise. Any odd thing can serve as an accessory, so be on the lookout. Plates, old family photographs, coloured balls, glasses, etc. Toss lace printed pillows onto your sofa and use fresh flowers. Cover your walls with frames, prints, plates, fabrics and wallpapers.
Shabby Chic design is not a trend. Some either love it or hate it. But I personally feel elements of it will transform your space. After all, who does not want their house to feel like a home. Remember, that which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.
The writer is an interior designer, with offices in Delhi and Mumbai. E-mail her at info@fleurxavierdesign.com