Economic Decorating » shabby chic http://www.economicdecorating.com Decorating and Practical Tips That Make Life Easier Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:20:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 You’ve Been Asking for Some Decorating Tips http://www.economicdecorating.com/2011/07/youve-been-asking-for-some-decorating-tips/ http://www.economicdecorating.com/2011/07/youve-been-asking-for-some-decorating-tips/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:34:51 +0000 pitapuppy http://www.economicdecorating.com/?p=218 French country design can be described as shabby chic with a French flair. Wooden tables should look well used and well made. If painted, it is white. There is a lot of wrought iron, as well as stone, terra cotta and wood. Rough plaster walls will add to the look. The rest of your attention [...]]]> French country design can be described as shabby chic with a French flair. Wooden tables should look well used and well made. If painted, it is white. There is a lot of wrought iron, as well as stone, terra cotta and wood. Rough plaster walls will add to the look. The rest of your attention should be on accessorizing.  All you have to do is think French!

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The secret of shabby chic décor is that it isn’t really a style at all. It basically consists of recycling old furniture, fabrics, and rugs that are worn, and even faded…but not frayed or torn. If you have been hit by this nasty economy, and are living with hand-me-down furniture and linens, you’ve got it made!  And if you haven’t been quite that lucky, never fear.  Garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets will have everything you need, at a price you can afford!

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One of the nicest things about country cottage décor is the use of slipcovers. You don’t have to refinish, reupholster, or replace that sofa, easy chair, or ottoman.  You simply buy or make slipcovers…using a sturdy, washable fabric. Recover a few of your decorative throw pillows, and the whole room looks brand new.

You don’t have to buy new material, either.  Remnants, age-worn drapery fabrics, tablecloths, and even bed linens can be used to make your slipcovers. A piece from an old lace tablecloth or curtains can go right over your old pillows to give them a vintage look.

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Just about everyone, in all walks of life is having to contend with the weak economy, cost of living, and fear of job loss.  The way to survive this kind of uncertainty is simple. Keep living, but do it in an economical, money saving, and environment saving way. You will learn that you can still spruce up your home and not break the bank.  Over the next few weeks I will show you several design schemes on a budget.

Rustic décor is the topic for today.  If you live in a suburb, in the country, or in a rural community, rustic décor would be perfect for you. It is casual and comfortable, while still being chic and trendy. Best of all, it is quite affordable!

]]> http://www.economicdecorating.com/2011/07/youve-been-asking-for-some-decorating-tips/feed/ 5 Shabby Chic http://www.economicdecorating.com/2009/10/shabby-chic/ http://www.economicdecorating.com/2009/10/shabby-chic/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:14:08 +0000 pitapuppy http://www.economicdecorating.com/shabby-chic

I decided to talk about the ever more popular style of decorating today, shabby chic, because it is so appropriate for the economic times we are dealing with. Without a doubt, this is the most economic form of decorating you can choose, since the main rule is “if it is old, worn, and used, its [...]]]>

I decided to talk about the ever more popular style of decorating today, shabby chic, because it is so appropriate for the economic times we are dealing with. Without a doubt, this is the most economic form of decorating you can choose, since the main rule is “if it is old, worn, and used, its perfect!”

Worn (not torn), faded, vintage upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, bed linens, and rugs are what you are looking for. Wooden furniture should be distressed (like most of us, these days), banged up, with worn corners, or, if painted, should be peeling and chipping.

Don’t get me wrong, here, Folks! I’m not talking about cheap crappy furniture that fell apart. I am referring to high quality pieces, and once beautiful fabrics, picture frames, and chandeliers, that

were lovingly used, and have faded and worn out over time. Cottons and linens should be either white, or pastels that have faded and bleached out over the years.

Painted furniture is also white or pastel, with many layers of paint, worn through in spots to show previous colors. Don’t mistake this style for a rustic look. While rustic may also be shabby, it is usually furniture of a simpler, more primitive design. Shabby chic c

an be very grand, elegant, and even formal. Think of it in the same light as a vintage wine!

Yellowed lace, fabric that is heavily patterned with roses, chenille bedspreads, lots of candles, old photographs and tintypes in filigreed silver frames are what you should be scouting around for. Hand painted (and chipped) ceramic vases filled with ro

ses can sit proudly in every room. Iron beds, candelabras sitting on doilies, rusty outdoor furniture will complete your look.

Don’t overcrowd your rooms with “stuff.” Keep it light and airy, with white or very light walls. Keep your color in your accessories. And don’t be afraid to use slipcovers on pieces that are just a bit too shabby. The resulting look should be comfortable, romantic, and nostalgic.

The best part of all is shopping for your treasures! At a time when budgeting is an absolute necessity, and recycling is urgently needed to save our environment, what could be more fun than hitting the garage sales, flea markets, consignment shops and thrift stores BECAUSE YOU WANT TO?

A word of caution…make sure that what you buy is sturdy, tables and chairs are level, and lamps are properly wired and working. Have fun shopping! Sandi

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