Have you ever seen a home decorated in shabby chic style but aren’t quite sure how to pull it off successfully in your own space?  Look no further! We’re going to educate you on what pieces and motifs are considered shabby chic and how to incorporate the style into your home without going overboard.

Shabby chic is all about creating a natural, inviting environment with soft, feminine colors and designs. Clean whites and calm pastels are welcome and the “distressed” look is the star of the show. Soft cottons and linens as well as a recurring theme of roses give this style its unique look. Pieces that have seen a little wear and tear over time are prized for their aged look and imperfections. Natural elements and colors as well are all part of the flow this romantic style creates throughout a space.

What separates this method of decorating from being classified as simply “vintage” is the fact that not just older items are used but newer pieces can be manipulated to mimic styles from time gone by. Modestly constructed furniture can be transformed through performing painting and sanding methods that resemble an old-fashioned finish without the antique price.  Vintage hardware can be added to complete the look.

Crystal chandeliers, touches of lace and vintage mirrors are all great ways to add a shabby chic touch to your home. Touches of ballet pink, baby blue and mint green accents throughout the room add a gentle touch of character. Floral patterns, chenille bedspreads and decorative containers placed throughout will add charm to the space while staying on theme.

Vintage clocks, wall sconces and candlesticks can be easily added without great expense. A beautiful embroidered tablecloth with vintage china and linen napkins would be a real showstopper in any dining room if you commit to this decorating style.

When it comes to flooring that can help achieve this look, there are so many options depending on whether hardwood, laminate, tile, luxury vinyl fit your needs. If you are considering luxury vinyl plank, this guide to the best vinyl plank flooring may help. Feel free to ask us if you need more guidance.

Whether you want to add little touches here and there or go all out with this theme, do what works for you in the space. You want your home to be beautiful as well as functional, so only incorporate pieces that will still allow you to enjoy your living space without having to worry about disturbing its overall look through everyday use. 

Creating Your Space

A quiet place to read a book is a luxury with today’s busy lifestyles. Finding space in your home to create a library can mean turning a spare bedroom into a library and/or den. Perhaps you don’t have a spare room. A library can be in a shared space like a dining room, hallway or living room.  All you really need to make a home library is a place for books, a good light and a comfortable reading chair.

This photo shows how you can create a library with unused space under the stairs. The warm wood floors and cozy red chair set the tone for an afternoon of escape into a good book!

A library nook can be carved out of a larger room like a family room or living room.  A formal dining room that isn’t used all that often can be turned into a library that is also a dining room. Built-in shelves along one or more walls can instantly give a room the feeling of a library.  Even a pair of bookshelves or glass front bookcases can make a space feel like a library.

Having a good reading light is a must for a library.  Floor lamps are a great choice next to a comfortable reading chair. Lighting along the bookshelves can make it easier to find your favorite book.  Next to lighting, the reading chair is a must. Find a chair that works for your taste and style. Leather club chairs and wingback chairs are classic choices for a library, but any comfortable chair will do.  Continue the traditional library style with a warm, textured or patterned area rug.  An area rug, antique, vintage, or new, can provide a place to sprawl out with your books. Great for family reading time too.

The holidays can be a very stressful time trying to get the decorations up, rushing around buying presents for everyone, baking holiday cookies for your kids, preparing for family to come into town, getting ready for Christmas dinner. Not to mention all of the added complications that the pandemic has brought. The list is endless when it comes to this time of year and it can sometimes feel like you just want to throw your hands up in the air and run away from it all.

Finding ways to step back and de-stress might seem impossible but it’s not if you keep a few mental exercises in mind while preparing for the holidays.

Try to keep perspective throughout this stressful time. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what the holiday season should look like get in the way of your execution. Traditions can be hard to change, but think about the ones that matter most to you and your family. Do away with the tasks and traditions that are only holding you back and draining your time and energy. This season “shouldn’t” look any certain way so allow yourself to let go of those expectations and do what truly makes you and your family happy and holds true meaning.

Be sure to plan out your holiday season carefully. Keep in mind all that you will have to do yourself for the season and then take a hard look at the different holiday events you’ve been invited to. Choose the events that are worth your valuable time and energy.

There are no rules this holiday season! Leave your decorations up as long as they bring you joy! Be sure to be mindful of live greenery drying out after an extended period of time.

Make time for the hot chocolate and egg nog. Try to keep yourself from being so busy that you don’t make time for the simple pleasures.

These are just a few ways to help you mentally prepare yourself for the holiday seasons. Don’t let your anxiety and stress drain the meaning and happiness that this time of year is supposed to offer. Allow yourself to enjoy this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!