How to Get the Shabby Chic Look for Less

It's the look that brings to mind lazy days at the beach--kind of funky and very eclectic. It's the Shabby Chic look created by Rachel Ashwell. Original pieces by Rachel can be quite expensive but with a little bit of searching and imagination you can acquire that shabby chic look for a lot less and have some fun, too!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A little imagination

1. Shop at Target. They actually have a department called "Rachel Ashwell's Simply Shabby Chic for Target" where you can find lots of Rachel's designs that have been created just for them.

2. Scour flea markets. The shabby chic look is all about slightly worn, funky pieces, and where better to find these items than at your local flea market.

3. Head to your nearest Salvation Army or second hand store. There are tons of items to be found there that would work quite well with this look.

4. Check out garage sales. People always try to sell their old candelabras, rugs and other assorted knick knacks that may just complete your shabby chic look. Also, if you live in a big city, take a look around your neighborhood and see what people are throwing out with their trash. It may sound a little gross but remember--one man's trash is another woman's shabby chic treasure!

Tips & Warnings

• Check out Victoria Magazine--they have a lot of great decorating ideas that definitely work with the shabby chic look (see Resources below).

Resources

• Simply Shabby Chic at Target
• Victoria Magazine

[NADIA911]

on 10/20/2008 I HAVE JUST DONE MY KITCHEN SHABBY CHIC,OVERHEAD CABINETS POWDER BLUE UNDERCOAT AND WHITE TOP COAT,FILLED THEM WITH OLD CHINA TEA CUPS AND SAUCERS AND BROUGHT MY OLD WARDROBE DOWN PAINTED IT AND PUT CHICKEN WIRE ON TO USE AS A LARDER,MY OVERHEADCABINETS ALSO HAVE CHICKEN WIRE FRONTS I JUST NEED NEW KNOBS AND I AM DONE,THING IS I AM ABSOLUTELY STUCK ON WHAT TO PUT UP THE WINDOW,IT IS A MAIN FEATURE LONG AND TAKES MOST PART OF THE 1 WALL ON LEFT SIDE OF KITCHEN,ALSO THE KITCHEN IS NARROW,SO I WAS THINKING OF PUTTING UP SOME WHITE LACE CURTAIN WITH MATCHING SWAGS AND TIE-BACKS,BUT THEY ARE VERYSTARK WHITE,I COULD ALWAYS SOAK THEM IN A BREW OF TEA,ANYBODY GOT ANY IDEA,S BIT STUCK