How to "Shabby Chic" Decorate a Kitchen
The "shabby chic" style of decorating can be described as elegantly neglectful. Though its focus is vintage or "found" items with their flaws evident if not accentuated, it also brings a clean, crisp feeling to any room in your house. The more natural light, the better. And a kitchen's countertops, shelves and table space are ideal for showcasing the functional knickknacks that help bring shabby chic to life. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Paint
- Sandpaper
- Shelves
- Used and found items
- Light fixtures
Instructions
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Use the shabby chic color scheme, which is predominately white, ivory and pale gray, on your walls, cabinets and furnishings. The shabby chic palette also includes light shades of blue, green, aqua, teal, pink, rose, ivory, grassy green and sunny yellow. Don't worry about the colors "matching," as the palette is light enough to naturally blend together.
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Decide whether appliances, cabinets, tables, chairs, stools or other pieces need to go and choose weathered replacements from antiques stores, secondhand shops or estate sales, or purchase new-but-old-looking items. Take measurements of existing pieces, floor area, wall space and windows so that you have this information when you shop.
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Replace your kitchen floor, if necessary, with hardwood or a neutral ceramic tile, both of which are considered shabby chic-appropriate. If you don't wish to make such a drastic change, rag rugs or floral wool area rugs (preferably worn or faded) can cover enough of your existing floor to satisfy your shabby chic design.
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Give existing cabinets or other furnishings a weathered look by painting them with two coats of shabby chic color; the top coat should be slightly darker or lighter than the first. Once dry, lightly sand the item where paint is most likely to wear away naturally: around corners, near knobs and pulls, on regularly used surfaces. This allows the first coat of color to show through.
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Display embroidered linen towels, antique salt and pepper shakers, porcelain jugs, old cookbooks, vintage cookie jars and other goodies. You may already have these out in the garage or in the attic. Hang shelves to display these items if necessary. Hang prints of vintage advertisements for kitchen goods or food items in weathered frames.
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Hang a wrought iron chandelier for an instant shabby chic feel, and don't forget wall sconces.
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Hang lace, pastel floral or neutral-colored damask curtains or valances. Other possible patterns, for window treatments and tablecloths, include stripes, checks and small paisley. Keep the colors subtle and remember that nothing has to match exactly.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
