Shabby Chic - Anything but Shabby
The term Shabby Chic first appeared in “The World of Interiors” magazine during the 1980’s. We take a look around a Timaru apartment that has managed to encapsulate the look.
Words: Denise Tuson Photography: Dorothy McLennan
Shabby Chic is a popular decorating style that embraces the look of timeworn furnishings showing layers of paint and distressed finishes. Curtains and soft furnishings are made from faded floral fabrics and washed-out prints. Rooms are light and bright, featuring white to light pastel hues of pale blue, green or yellow. Although the look is often very French, the term actually originated in Britain where the look became very popular. The term Shabby Chic first appeared in “The World of Interiors” magazine during the 1980’s.
Have you ever lingered longingly over the pages of a Vogue Living magazine featuring a beautiful French country cottage completely decorated in the delightfully coined ‘Shabby Chic’ style? With inviting layers of vintage floral linens, distressed antique furniture, and soft pastels, the results are romantically feminine. Done properly, the look is relaxed, effortless and simple.
Part of an outwardly inconspicuous Art Deco building, our featured Timaru apartment is a much loved treasure trove. Filled with old furniture, large and small, each piece has a history - a story to tell. Everywhere you look there is a priceless memory; every nook and cranny calls for closer inspection. If you prefer minimalism, then shabby chic isn’t for you. It is for those who love to spend hours scouring antique shops, flea markets and garage sales. It’s for those of us who want our homes to reflect our personality and (sense of) uniqueness. It is a look that doesn’t happen overnight but added to as time goes by. Friends and family will also be a great source of items such as handmade quilts and other heirlooms.
Strangely enough, it is the mix of mismatched, well-worn and pre-loved furniture that creates a sense of calmness and harmony. Clusters of ornaments and miniatures such an interesting small antique horse are real conversation starters.
A good way to begin any home decoration project is by instinct. The owner of this apartment suggests placing artwork and mirrors around the walls on the floor until you see it is balanced. Then hang your artwork and everything else will follow. Mix smaller pictures and photos in-between the larger paintings. Making life easier is a picture rail that runs throughout this apartment. This saves a lot of time and holes in your walls!
In the lounge we noticed an old couch and variety of chairs placed to create ‘conversation corners’, rather than facing a large screen TV. In fact, the TV being small is barely noticeable. A kauri fire mantle salvaged from an old farmhouse after the Christchurch earthquakes and an old dresser from Temuka via England are lovely additions. The owner has acquired antique light fittings over the years from various locations.
To create the look shown here in your own lounge, try Old and Pretty Things in Timaru for loose linen or cotton upholstery covers. Throw on a selection of soft cushions in brocade, lace and velvet fabrics, place treasured old mats and rugs under foot, fossick around antique shops in places such as Port Chalmers or Geraldine for interesting old baskets, wrought iron accessories, mirrors, chandeliers and antique light fittings and you will be well on your way. Mix wood, wrought iron and painted tin ware. Try to find silver and gold leaf picture frames, as “a little bit of gilt goes a long way.”
Venturing into the French-styled kitchen, we discover a gorgeous old cabinet rescued from a henhouse, perfect as a larder for everything that isn’t displayed. Another recycled set of shelving is home for an extensive collection of pre-loved Blue China. A wooden ladder leans nonchalantly against the wall holding tea towels, an old brass rail holds cooking utensils and pots and pans sit in an antique French kitchen rack.
Bedrooms and shabby chic seems a decorating match made in heaven. The blend of vintage and antique décor is elegantly feminine and tranquil. Building off a white background makes it easy to add pale pinks and blues to create a calming and restful ambiance. Add your own colours as well, just ensure they are muted, light or washed out.
Even though the apartment is on the second floor, it has a charming view of the garden full of Iceberg roses and an old willow tree. Old glass bottles, jugs and vases are filled with roses and herbs.
Shabby chic is fun and something anyone can achieve on a relatively a small budget. Fossicking around in garage sales might become your new obsession for 2017 and you are sure to love every story you uncover!