Using shabby chic tiles in the bathroom interior is recommended for those who prefer originality and originality to fashion trends. This design solution will visually expand the bathroom and make it bright and spacious. Textured tiles go well with vintage furniture, antique jewelry, artificially aged porcelain and other traditional “shabby luxury” elements.
Shabby Chic is an independent design trend.
A little history
This is exactly what Rachel Ashwell (born 1959), a housewife from Santa Monica, bored with routine, was like. She followed her dream and created a whole world of angels, antique lace, shabby furniture upholstered in expensive fabrics, luxurious crystal chandeliers and sconces adorning the shabby and roughly finished walls.
She found all the elements of furniture, decor, and decoration at flea markets. Then at home she put things in order and introduced them into the interior. She called the new approach to home design “shabby chic.”
Rachel's talent did not appear out of nowhere. Since childhood, she has been surrounded by beautiful antiques. Her parents loved to collect them. Mom taught the girl how to choose objects and what to do with them later.
The whole family was involved in the restoration. Dad was a second-hand bookseller, Mom restored old dolls, and Rachel was interested in furniture. As she grew older, she began selling the fruits of her labor through antique stores. When she turned 24, she moved from the UK to the USA, chose the warm state of California to live, got married and... got bored. By this time she was known as a designer. The fate of an ordinary housewife did not suit her.
Despite the fact that her husband was against her activities (this soon led to divorce), Rachel did what she loved. She wanted to create an interior suitable for both families with small children and single people.
The main idea was to preserve a touch of antiquity while restoring items from the flea market. The designer complemented them as she saw fit - combining rough brushstrokes with delicate ornaments, gilding with surfaces worn from time to time.
Rachel believes that every piece of furniture should influence the owner’s subconscious and give rise to pleasant memories.
Traits and features of shabby chic
The shabby chic trend has been around for over 30 years. Since the 70s, it has been updated several times; adjustments have been made to it, which have shaped the main stylistic features and features. These include:
- light pastel colors (general background) plus soft (dusty) accents;
- the presence of aged furniture surfaces, vintage items, contrasts of new and old things (for example, cover new furniture with expensive upholstery with a worn cover);
- use in restoration of decoupage (application technique, popular when updating tabletops) and crackle (technology for aging furniture by creating cracks in a layer of paint);
- emphasized romance. It is achieved with the help of floral patterns on wallpaper, chandeliers with shades, candlesticks, a lot of pillows, figurines, vases, ruffles and lace, carved chairs, armchairs, furniture facades. In other words, handmade (do-it-yourself decor) should prevail;
- elaborate fittings and curved legs of furniture, bathtubs, washbasins.
It is believed that a shabby chic interior is more suitable for young girls. Modern design projects completely refute this statement. The direction is distinguished by an individual author's approach, so anyone can create it.
When using old furniture/textiles/decor, you need to rid them of unpleasant odors. Modern chemicals can cope with this, but designers recommend keeping things in direct sunlight during the day before processing.
Russian shabby chic in a 19th century mansion. Rumtur.
Brutal accents
Due to the abundance of light colors, flowers and lace, it may seem that shabby chic is exclusively feminine furnishings. This is not entirely true. Of course, “shabby chic” is more feminine. And yet, a few brutal details can turn such an interior into a completely masculine environment.
Helps get rid of the “sugar house” feeling:
- industrial parts (as if they had just come from the factory floor);
- rough wooden tables with metal legs;
- deliberately untreated frames for mirrors, photos and paintings on the walls;
- lamps with copper shades, etc.
Color spectrum
The sophisticated carelessness of shabby is emphasized by pastel shades. It creates a sort of “dusty” general background. Light gray or milky colors are considered universal for the interior. The finishing also uses the lightest colors possible:
- blue;
- green;
- yellow;
- pink;
- lilac.
Pure white does not apply! According to artists, it is a bright color. It is more suitable for Scandinavian style.
Floral ornaments, drawings with images of birds, butterflies, and leaves are appropriate. It is necessary to observe the measure so that the patterns do not overload the space.
All shades of white
The main color of shabby chic is white. More precisely, a white palette that allows you to avoid the effect of a “hospital room” in a living space. Plus beneficial combinations with pastel colors. The following shades can be considered assistants in creating a shabby, noble gloss:
- light green;
- baby blue;
- olive;
- diluted and “dusty” pink;
- dusty gray;
- as well as ivory color.
Important: The rule is the rule, but “total white” is not always necessary when it comes to shabby chic interior. Darker, richer tones are also acceptable for decoration. And appropriate furnishings and original decorative details will help add a truly “chic” mood.
Finishing
When selecting finishing materials, the matte finish of absolutely all surfaces is taken into account. No gloss. Shiny and reflective accents are created using mirrors.
You should also avoid artificial wood, stone and fabrics. The shabby chic style in the interior accepts only the use of natural materials.
Walls
Unlike “Provence,” with which shabby is constantly compared, the walls in the room are plastered and painted in selected tones.
The most chic thing is the uneven sanding of surfaces. It, like old furniture, creates the impression of a shabby room in which luxury once lived. If there is no time or desire to create authenticity, then the following materials are used:
- paper wallpaper with floral designs (peonies, roses);
- wooden panels with an aged surface or coated with light matte paint;
- stucco molding made as decoration.
Usually the boards are used to make an accent wall, and the rest are made to the same standard.
Floor
Here you can use both natural wood (parquet, boards) and its replacement (laminate). Sometimes they lay tiles and linoleum with light patterns. Rugs, paths, mats always look good. A vintage rug will be the highlight of your living room decor.
Ceiling
No mirrors, tension structures, built-in lights. Only whitewashing, paneling with wooden boards followed by painting. Wood beams and stucco are used as decoration.
Lighting
The premises initially turn out to be light and spacious (despite the abundance of furniture and decor). This impression is created through the use of an extremely light color palette.
To illuminate rooms, devices are used to create general light or define individual zones. Particular attention is paid to the lamps themselves.
- Chandeliers. Crystal, glass lampshades, elegant lampshades will decorate the room.
- Sconce. In the form of candles, with pendants, decorated with frosted glass.
- Floor lamps on bronze ornate legs.
- Desk lamp.
With their help, any room is zoned, areas for reading, watching videos, handicrafts, and cooking are determined.
Cozy bedroom for the modern lady
The most important thing is to choose a high, large bed with wrought iron details and all-white or floral-patterned bed linen. Experts suggest storing things in old shabby suitcases and wicker baskets, homemade boxes upholstered with openwork fabric.
The spacious room should be divided into several functional zones - relaxation and everyday life. The second may contain a work area, a cabinet for books and magazines, albums, a dressing table and a chest of drawers. Local light sources are used in each zone to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Bedroom on the attic floor
A hanging chair will help you relax well and take your mind off vain thoughts. A light screen or theater partition with drapery is suitable as a zoning element. Fountains, baskets with care and decorative cosmetics, figurines, and vases are often used for decoration. To create a festive look and a look for every day, a table and a mirror with a decorative, massive frame will come in very handy.
Furniture and decor items
The selection of furniture for shabby chic is of primary importance. Design fades into the background. The prototype is a junk shop, which contains uniquely shaped items that create an atmosphere of home and comfort. The main condition remains the purchase of household items with a touch of antiquity.
You don't have to buy antiques. Any natural surface ages well using matting, glazing, dry brush techniques, etching (staining), and brushing.
When arranging furniture, the following layout rules are taken into account:
- It is not recommended to install objects symmetrically;
- deliberate negligence is observed, for example, soft sets are not placed along the wall, but are located at different angles in relation to the walls and other objects;
- The entire space of the room is used, especially its central part.
When there is an abundance of things, you must try not to overload the room, leaving “air” in it.
Sofas and armchairs
The presence of scuffs on sofas and armchairs adds a touch of bohemian existence to the design. The effect is achieved using covers that have a faded appearance in several places.
Wooden armrests age in all known ways. The curved legs made in the Venetian style add elegance to the models.
Cabinets and shelving
Cabinet furniture with legs will give the room a special aesthetics. Cabinets and shelving seem to float above the floor. Even the most massive wardrobes seem lighter and more elegant. Shabby has nothing on platforms. Solid pedestals look bulky and do not suit this style.
Transformation of an old cabinet from a Soviet trellis
Textile
Shabby chic furniture interacts with textiles. They are located on sofas, armchairs, tables, windows, floors, walls. The following positions are used in interiors:
- floor-length curtains with a classic cut or lambrequins;
- monochromatic colors to match the general palette, floral patterns are acceptable;
- rugs, homemade runners, wicker mats with ornaments;
- vintage textiles (carpets, silk blankets, ruffled pillowcases, lace napkins);
- pillows of different sizes and in large quantities.
Shabby chic decor
For shabby, it is customary to use a huge amount of decor. Common topics include:
- flower pots, flowerpots, flowerpots (they are made of wood, covered with fabric, decorated with sequins and beads);
- photo frames, family albums (scrapbooking technique);
- vases and decorative bottles (decoupage technique);
- boxes with trinkets, handicrafts, accessories;
- figurines in the form of angels;
- Oil Paintings;
- mirrors of different shapes, in any frames.
Decorative elements acquire a unique look thanks to handmade production, restoration, and alteration. For example, a “grandmother’s” chest is brought to authenticity using the craquelure technique. This is a mixed technology for the appearance of cracks in paint or varnish. There are commercially available products that apply base and top coats. They are called “Crackelure”.
It is not recommended to age the entire surface. In this case, the situation turns out to be miserable and pale. You need to select individual areas and apply a decorative “aged” mark to them.
Shabby chic style in different rooms
The shabby chic interior style is the same in all residential and utility rooms. Modern designers have a lot of designs for rooms of a certain direction.
Living room
The interior contains many cute little things, accessories, vintage items, and decor. The prototype is a cozy grandma’s house with a soft sofa and armchairs, a spacious table for tea with pies, pillows and lace napkins.
There are paintings on the walls, and photographs in original frames on the chest of drawers. Pillows and blankets are scattered on sofas, armchairs and chairs; a floor lamp and rocking chair look great in the reading and relaxation area.
The color scheme is pastel. It is possible to use plant themes. Any geometric prints (checks, stripes, shapes with sharp corners) are unacceptable. An atmosphere of light and romantic “shabby antiquity” is created.
The furniture has a streamlined shape, smooth lines, the facades are decorated with carvings, forged fittings, and dim stained glass windows. A shelf is purchased for numerous figurines, and a buffet is purchased for tableware.
Kitchen
Shabby chic kitchens look especially cute. Tenderness, romance and the smell of delicious food will give your household a great mood. They will want to come home to have dinner with their family.
If the room is large, then the working and dining areas are separated by an island. This is a fashion trend that is now used in all design directions. The absence of dark shades will help create a peaceful atmosphere.
When designing, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances, since the style is attentive to detail:
- complete absence of glossy surfaces;
- old-style ceramic tiles for the backsplash (the mosaic looks great);
- dishes and cutlery from grandma's times;
- homespun tablecloths and napkins with hand-embroidered flowers;
- painted ceramics (baking pots, milk jugs, jugs);
- crystal chandelier or lampshade in the center.
Instead of doors, chintz curtains are often used on furniture. This is one of the style features when fabric curtains are a spectacular highlight of the design.
Bedroom
The central place of the bedroom is occupied by a forged bed. If it is not possible to find a similar one, then you can install a wooden one. In this case, it is necessary to take care of improving the bedside space.
For example, put an antique screen at the head, a chest-like bedside table next to it, and hang an oil painting on the wall. Artificially aged furniture and vintage design details will bring the interior as close as possible to the desired design.
Children's
A children's room in the shabby chic style is a Klondike for those who like to dream up. The girl will feel like a real princess, and the boy will be able in his dreams to go to fairy lands in search of lost treasures.
For this, a caring mother will put up a large chest, and everything else will come up with on her own. Designers believe that these interiors contribute to the development of creativity in children.
Bathroom
Another corner of heavenly pleasure within the house is organized in the bathroom. Interior solutions depend on the area of the room and the presence of a window.
In a country house, creating decoration is simple: move the bathtub away from the wall, install it in the center, install a dressing table near the window, hang framed pictures on the walls, install the sink on a “time-weary” chest of drawers.
Ceramic tiles are suitable for finishing the “wet area”; it is better to paint the remaining walls in a single color.
The style is suitable for creative people who love to do things with their own hands. The peculiarity is that they are unique. This is the main value of this design direction.
conclusions
The “shabby” chic style is quite specific, as it contains various elements of antiquity, and this is not to everyone’s liking. But by giving preference to it, you can achieve uniqueness and individuality, which is very rare in modern times.
When organizing a room yourself, you need to take into account many points that will affect the final result as a whole.
- For the best effect, it is worth combining different textures, even if they contrast with each other - delicate cotton lace with rough burlap, ostrich feathers with hemp rope, etc.
- An abundance of handmade items will become a relevant addition to the overall image of the room.
- If it is not possible to purchase truly antique furniture, there is always the opportunity to age the existing one with your own hands.
- Do not overdo it with decorative elements; it is important to know when to stop. Having been inspired by the idea of transforming any room into a shabby style, you can achieve a good result by spending a minimum of money, but this requires a lot of effort.