" The Lorie Project ": Creative Designing : I. Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is a form of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. At the same time, a soft, opulent, yet cottage-style decor, often with an affected feel is emphasized to differentiate it from genuine period

decor - Wikipedia

Elements of Shabby Chic Designs

1. Colors and Painting. Principle items in shabby chic design often requires heavy painting as the years goes by. It does embody the idea of faux painting or decorative painting, or rubbing a newly painted materials to give more emphasis on the base area. White is the prominent color, if you're choosing a shabby chic design. However, soft neutral colors such as sky blue, rose pink and beige are becoming popularly used in today's modern shabby chic style.

2. Fabrics. Cotton and linen, inspired by early the French linens are the predominant fabrics in this style. Colored in pure whites, faded pastels and ecrus which is often stained in tea to give the "old fabric look"effect, are the must have for this design. Bleached and faded are often terms applied to this style.-Wikipedia

3. Furniture. Vintage and antique, along with its "original fading color" or either on white or pastel backgrounds should be present when embodying such style. Safes, jelly cupboards,chandeliers, pillows, chenille bedspreads, with elements of being worn, used and old and a roses attached to it are a major part of shabby chic decors.

4. Garden. Rose garden is one of the important aspect for the authenticity of this style. Often accompanied with feminine and vintage accessories, gardens are the true reflections shabby chic homes.

Shabby Chic designing is a soft, relaxed feminine romantic way of decorating, a perfect picture of comfort and inviting, which is often similar to cottage style.