Shabby chic isn't a style?
As a designer I get asked this question quite a bit, so I will start with definitions as defined by Dictionary.com ...
shabby
| 1. | impaired by wear, use, etc.; worn: shabby clothes. |
| 2. | showing conspicuous signs of wear or neglect: The rooms on the upper floors of the mansion had a rather shabby appearance, as if they had not been much in use of late. |
| 3. | wearing worn clothes or having a slovenly or unkempt appearance: a shabby person. |
| 4. | run-down, seedy, or dilapidated: a shabby hotel. |
| 5. | meanly ungenerous or unfair; contemptible, as persons, actions, etc.: shabby behavior. |
| 6. | inferior; not up to par in quality, performance, etc.: a shabby rendition of the sonata. |
chic
| 1. | attractive and fashionable; stylish: a chic hat. |
–noun
According to a letter I received from them, Shabby Chic® is only a brand of furnishings, stores and books and not actually a design style. The term cannot be used to define a style or describe a product that is not approved by them. (Thank you for clearing that up.)
I got caught up in the romantic country version a few years ago, like many others, until I took a look around in January and felt like I was living in my grandmother's house. I have come full circle and I am back to where I began as a designer and I am hoping to bring another generation and convert others to a cleaner more simplistic design style, Chic Home style and that brings us to my blog.... I am sure you have noticed the change, I have been bringing you room pics, tips, diys and product ideas that are more in line with my design style and I will keep in mind that many of you still lean towards the romantic country, cottage chic style (words supplied by the brand regarding her style)and will continue to try to keep you inspired as well.
Giveaway News!
This time we used a random number generator ( my granddaughter) she picked 13, which means that Anna Marie Bader, you are the winner of the Shabby Rose giveaway.....
Congratulations Anna!!!
I have included an extra couple of surprises for you, just email me your address and I will send it on its way!
Have a wonderful week and enjoy your moments...
~ S ~
| 2. | style and elegance, esp. in dress: Paris clothes have such chic. |
| 3. | stylishness; modishness: the chic of the firstnighters |
According to a letter I received from them, Shabby Chic® is only a brand of furnishings, stores and books and not actually a design style. The term cannot be used to define a style or describe a product that is not approved by them. (Thank you for clearing that up.)
I got caught up in the romantic country version a few years ago, like many others, until I took a look around in January and felt like I was living in my grandmother's house. I have come full circle and I am back to where I began as a designer and I am hoping to bring another generation and convert others to a cleaner more simplistic design style, Chic Home style and that brings us to my blog.... I am sure you have noticed the change, I have been bringing you room pics, tips, diys and product ideas that are more in line with my design style and I will keep in mind that many of you still lean towards the romantic country, cottage chic style (words supplied by the brand regarding her style)and will continue to try to keep you inspired as well.
Giveaway News!
This time we used a random number generator ( my granddaughter) she picked 13, which means that Anna Marie Bader, you are the winner of the Shabby Rose giveaway.....
Congratulations Anna!!!
I have included an extra couple of surprises for you, just email me your address and I will send it on its way!
Have a wonderful week and enjoy your moments...
~ S ~
Posted by Modern Home at 9/1/2009 12:03 PM 
Categories: Interior Design
Tags: interior design decorating shabby chic
Categories: Interior Design
Tags: interior design decorating shabby chic
Bravo my dear. Well spoken!
Reply to this
Dear Sandra,
I won!I am so excited. Thank you, thank you! What a great prize from Shabby Rose and I cannot wait to use it. I am redoing my office in Shabby Chic and it will be a beautiful addition. Love this moment!
Annamarie
Reply to this
Hi,
Nice blog! I actually think what's happened is that the lovely white painted very sophisticated look (very Scandinavian) has over the years been incorrectly labeled 'shabby chic'. I thought for a while that shabby chic was that French rustic look (exposed plaster, original distressed paint etc) and was surprised to learn that this wasn't true shabby chic. Of course the Rachel Aswell school of shabby chic is anything but shabby as the name implies!
I don't think shabby chic works in my house, which is a stereotypical English cottage, but I do love it! :-)
Sian x
Reply to this
Hi Sian, I think a lot of different styles have been mislabeled shabby chic, romantic country, English cottage, French country to name a few. Scandinavian is sleek and white where shabby chic as described in RA books is chunky and white and definitely more shabby than chic. I have strayed from the chippy, peely painted furnishings of the original concept and opted for a cleaner, modern form of shabby chic. Shabby now representing the vintage furniture as opposed to the paint job and chic representing new furnishings. I love the warmth of the English cottage style but I would not give up my whites for anything. When my hubby asks what I will do when he goes, I always reply with; add more white of course....lol
Reply to this
I think people took what was actually a very pared down, serene, and simple style (Rachel Ashwell's) and ran with it, till it was a lacy, fluffy, cluttered pink nightmare. All that is missing are the plastic flowers. You are right, looks like Grandma's house. And not even a nice grandma, it's the kind of grandma that won't even let you sit on the furniture or will hit you with a
fly-swatter (pink of course) if you touch one of the billions of knick-knacks.
Reply to this