Shabby Chic Thread?

code-a-holic

Haribojunkie....exactly what i wanted to hear, thank you very much. Im thinking a creamy eggshell paint needed for the doors but going to look at some piccies for ideas.
Thank you

maypole

Just been looking at your website. You mention you were doing your sitting room before christmas, did you get it done and are you going to post your pictures of it in your website. Would love to see it. :j

kingshir

triage999 wrote: »

:eek: Well I certainly hate clutter, but then I hate the look of a house that has a clinical appearance with no character too.

The way I look at shabby chic is a few carefully chosen pieces that I like to display, some people have a dresser that holds lots of pretty china and pottery etc alongside minimalist rooms which works well too, I have a bookcase full of cook books and shabby chic themed books :rotfl: .

I think Shabby Chic is definately not Chintzy or Country style which involves lots of heavy colours and quite a bit of clutter.

That just about sums me up too!:beer:

kingshir

triage999 wrote: »

Now another quick question!!! One thing that really annoys me is how to cover up the tv!

I have tried desperately to find a corner tv cupboard to house it in but with little success as I want it to look like a quirky piece of furniture rather than a TV unit, they appear to be limited finds now with the invention of those monstrous wall mounted things!

And when I do find them they want in excess of £500!!

I am not a tv watcher in our house and never have it on when OH and kiddies are out, I would love to disguise it!

I recently got a second hand (oak I think) tv cabinet, washed it down with sugar soap and painted it in Antique White. Then I put a little lace curtain behind the glass bit (where the video etc goes) and changed the brass knobs for glass and though I say so myself, it looks fab. I did it for my daughter's house and she is chuffed to bits with it. Total cost was £25.

EmptyPurse

I've been having such fun reading this thread - even though I'm at work It's been a terribly dull day with very little to do so I've made my way as far as page 28 already!

You're all so very talented. I'm deeply jealous. You should see some of my attempts at crafts - positively hopeless! But I keep trying anyway.

Sadly I live in a fully furnished, rented flat so there's virtually no scope whatsoever to do anything really exciting. And *if* I end up with my boyfriend long-term I'll be living in Army quarters for the next 15-20 years <sighs deeply>. I can't imagine a time when I'll ever have a home that's really "me".

chinatown_2

EmptyPurse wrote: »

I've been having such fun reading this thread - even though I'm at work It's been a terribly dull day with very little to do so I've made my way as far as page 28 already!

You're all so very talented. I'm deeply jealous. You should see some of my attempts at crafts - positively hopeless! But I keep trying anyway.

Sadly I live in a fully furnished, rented flat so there's virtually no scope whatsoever to do anything really exciting. And *if* I end up with my boyfriend long-term I'll be living in Army quarters for the next 15-20 years <sighs deeply>. I can't imagine a time when I'll ever have a home that's really "me".

In my opinion the accessories can make a home just as shabby chic as furniture can. Choose throws, cushions, various vases/jugs/storage pots, baskets, flowers etc etc. You could do loads, just take your time getting small bits at a time and that way it wont cost a fortune. Plus when you're renting contracts normally state that you should decorate every so often to keep it nice so a cheap lick of paint could do up your home nicely.

chinatown_2

Out of interest how old are you shabby chic'ers and where you from?
Im 26, married, have 2 children and live in Tyne and Wear.

EmptyPurse

I know what you mean about the furnishings, Chinatown. I've filled my flat with lovely treasures that I've picked up over the years. Mind you, I'm having a few problems now that I've acquired a boyfriend :rolleyes: The silly so-and-so doesn't seem to appreciate rose-scented bathroom accessories and can't cope with the 'flounce' of my French linen Oxford pillowcases. Honestly. Men!!!

moanymoany

Katiekoo, It is nice to have a house that is 'vintage', but there is no reason your box can't be shabby chic - and as said before, that view is to die for. Accessories are easy to get and 'fix up', and they can make it look shabby chic. It is a great start as they can transform quite modern and ordinary furniture.

Check out the sites. TKMaxx is great for cheap and suitable bits and pieces.

kisto

katiekoo wrote: »

And yes, Kisto, Northam Burrows below us....beautiful on a nice day - scary on a windy one.

Lucky you :T I must admit it can be quite grim there during the winter - but amazing in the summer.
I'm in Torrington and my living room/kids bedroom has a lovely view down over the commons towards Rosemoor Gardens....not quite as nice as a sea view mind