Shabby Chic Thread?

Seakay

Shabby chic is pretty much anything that you want it to be; it incorporates country chic, French country chic, retro (especially but not exclusively '50s and 60s) 80s painted and probably more. Really, if you love it then we want to share your joy!

I once tried to knit a rag rug out of t shirt strips, gave up as it shed everywhere. Possibly if I'd used wider strips so that they curled right over at the edges then this might not have been a problem, but I'm not sure.

Lelc

I've read right through the whole thread and I'm completely hooked. My house is simply shabby at the moment and I thought it would cost a fortune to redecorate and furnish it. What I realise, looking through the thread, that I can make it look good, comfortable and inviting without spending a fortune, and just costing my time.

I've now started looking at the house with fresh eyes and can see loads of potential. So I'm going to start this weekend by having a go at the entrance hall. I'm really excited about it.

I just want to thank you all for sharing your inspiration and enthusiasm.

NEgirl

i agree with seakay - its all about what you want it to be To me its more country style open shelves, white furniture, feminine girly bits like the roses round the mirrors etc - i dont go for all this 'old' stuff my granny use to have and dont like the missmatch of other stuff but thats just me and my interpretation of it all - everyones is different and thats why it works for everyone

oldMcDonald

NEgirl wrote: »

i agree with seakay - its all about what you want it to be To me its more country style open shelves, white furniture, feminine girly bits like the roses round the mirrors etc - i dont go for all this 'old' stuff my granny use to have and dont like the missmatch of other stuff but thats just me and my interpretation of it all - everyones is different and thats why it works for everyone

However for me it is 1940s / 1950's furniture and fabric, alongside huge rose printed fabric, loads of enamelware and pretty china. Very little in my home is new, mostly all the furniture is at least 50 years old, but I love to see and feel the history in it. I love the stuff my granny used to have and don't go for the girly stuff!

It really is what works for you and what you enjoy - as NEGirl says, everyone is different so it works for everyone

Bibbitybob

Just wanted to drop back in...I've been lurking but not posting lately. I picked up a lovely round dining room table and 4 chairs for my new flat (which is taking FOREVER to complete!!) which are orange pine and due for a rub down and F&B treatment, and I've been inspired by the nest of tables featured a couple of pages back and will be painting mine up and putting fabric or wallpaper and glass on the top of them!

Everyone's projects are looking lovely, and have just commented on your blog viv

jamtart6

ooh I really want a project for my kitchen, but I havent even got a house yet!! you are all so talented!

Discount-Diva_3

Bibbitybob wrote: »

Just wanted to drop back in...I've been lurking but not posting lately. I picked up a lovely round dining room table and 4 chairs for my new flat (which is taking FOREVER to complete!!) which are orange pine and due for a rub down and F&B treatment, and I've been inspired by the nest of tables featured a couple of pages back and will be painting mine up and putting fabric or wallpaper and glass on the top of them!

Everyone's projects are looking lovely, and have just commented on your blog viv

That will be a project and a half, please post before and after pics and pass on a bit of that inspiration....I love the pics

maypole

Lelc wrote: »

I've read right through the whole thread and I'm completely hooked. My house is simply shabby at the moment and I thought it would cost a fortune to redecorate and furnish it. What I realise, looking through the thread, that I can make it look good, comfortable and inviting without spending a fortune, and just costing my time.

I've now started looking at the house with fresh eyes and can see loads of potential. So I'm going to start this weekend by having a go at the entrance hall. I'm really excited about it.

I just want to thank you all for sharing your inspiration and enthusiasm.

I love vintage/eclectic but in our small bedroom where we have this computer, we have had fitted furniture in to maximise the space. http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagrannynow/2314738699/ It looks a bit modern but at least it keeps the place tidy, not like before. I have been wanting to "cosy" it up a bit and have seen lots of ideas on here too. So it does help you to look with fresh eyes.

EDIT oh my link hasn't worked, drat! will try again. here it is again

elaine373

Hello everyone. As someone else said, we all have our own interpretation of shabby chic /oldy worldy/vintage. Today i went into our local charity shops and found an old style glass lampshade. It may not be spot on for shabby chic but it goes with the older look i am trying to achieve for my kitchen. I have been looking at chandeliers but this looks just as good and at 3 quid , alot cheaper.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24458405@N07/2361057483/
My next aim is a large crochet blanket to drape over my settee in my kitchen diner.The ones on ebay go for alot more than i want to pay.

mary43

Thats quite a project elaine.......crocheting a throw for the settee..........or is it something you're quite a wiz at ? I knitted small squares and stitched them together as a throw for my bed some years back...........by the time Id finished it I'd gone right off the colours..............lol

Finished my little cupboard and OH put it in its new home between the sofa and arm chair.Its taller than the little table that was there so now the lamp (one of grandads old wine jars with a lampshade on it.....lol) is higher and makes it easier for me to read. Plus I've got a drawer as well as a cupboard for storing magazines, books etc.

The little table that first was there my son made at school..........very basic with tiles on the top and I've always had a sort of small 'blanket' type cloth on it. That now sits snugly next to the sofa in the kitchen but I've re-discovered the magazine rack he made at school and now scratching my head to know what to do with it/where to put it ............

Also need to pick someones brains about what to do with a 1950's style plant trough.........very narrow on thin black legs set at an angle. First hubby made it for my Mum so I really want to keep it but its becoming a regular 'hot spot' -so far its home to three brollies, packet of tea lights, some first aid stuff and I dread to think what else. The only use I can think of is to clear it all out and fill it with artificial greenery (no point putting real plants in.........they'd not survive. So, ideas please ??