Decor and More: Shabby Chic on a Dime

If you are looking to turn your home’s décor into a shabby chic paradise, chances are you already have several pieces that can easily be converted to match. While many magazine spreads that showcase the shabby chic look make it appear rather elaborate, shabby chic is one of the easiest looks to achieve. If you love the look but don’t have the dough to renovate the entire house, try using this look in your favorite room. A bedroom makes the perfect place for this look as it has both peaceful and romantic elements.

An antique pink makes a lovely paint shade will make a lovely shade for your walls. If you have the money, you can also opt for a creamy ivory colored crown molding. Choose antique looking frames for your wall décor and fill them with photos that have been printed using the “sepia” or “black and white” effect. Choose artwork that includes paintings of vintage looking floral arrangements. Hydrangeas are a favorite for achieving this look. Fresh flowers also add a special touch to the room. Small mint colored metal pails make perfect vases and really bring out the color of the antique pink walls.

Fabrics are a very important element in achieving the shabby chic style. They have the power to really soften the look of the room and bring the entire space together. Many designers opt for toile fabrics in white and mint green or pale blues. Quilts are also a lovely addition to the tables in the room, which we will discuss later on. An idea that I really love is taking wrought iron candle sconces and painting them a fresh ivory color. You can also hang “dripping” crystals from their bottoms and create the feeling of a chandelier.

As for those tables we mentioned before, it doesn’t take much to create the perfect one for your room. Just a rummage through the basement or a thrift store will give you just what you need. Simply paint the table white and then sand away at some of the edges to create an “aged” look. You can also buy what is called “antiquing finishes” which can crackle your paint or thin your paint to make the paint look aged. Rocking chairs are also great additions to your room. Simply toss a quilt over your old rocker and you won’t even have to buy an antique one!

When it comes to giving your house the makeover of your dreams, it only takes a bit of elbow grease and mere imagination. The sky is the limit when you are trying to create a vintage look. Everything old is new again  . . ., which will save you a fortune! Remember that no room is complete until you make it your own. Put an unusual twist in the room by adding a favorite modern piece of artwork. Add your own touches to the room, even if you think it breaks the rules. The most interesting rooms are made when both style and creativity collide.