Shabby chic is an interior design style that embraces a worn, lived-in look. There's something comforting yet beautifully curated about shabby chic. Throw in soft colors, a mix of vintage and new decor, and feminine accents, and a picture begins to emerge.

Today we're exploring shabby chic and its history, sharing a collection of beautiful photos in the procedure. Peradventure you have a business firm understanding of this love design style, or peradventure y'all've found yourself asking, "Exactly what is shabby chichi?" Keep reading to discover inspiration for your side by side pattern project, as well every bit where to shop for furniture pieces, throw pillows, or wall art that fits the manner.

Shabby Chic Manner

The term "shabby chichi" originated in the 1980s. In design, this was a time when opulence and decadence were taking center stage. From elegant penthouses to corporate lobbies filled with gleaming marble and contumely, sleek style was piece of cake to find.

It makes sense that an culling expect would sally, filled with history-rich pieces that showcased chipping paint, besides as vintage finds boasting feminine style. Shabby chic was born!

RELATED: 50 Delightfully Fashionable And Soothing Shabby Chichi Bedrooms

Shabby chic living room style via HGTV
Shabby chichi living room fashion via HGTV.com

In that location are a variety of elements that help narrate shabby chic style. For starters, worn furniture creates an antique await. Some of the effects are true antiques, revealing layers of paint equally the outer coats begin to peel.

In other cases, the furniture is distressed, which involves sanding and other techniques that give the article of furniture an aged look. Special glazes and finishes can besides create a piece with a sense of history.

Shabby chic tablescape via Lonny
Shabby chic tablescape via Lonny

Comfy fabrics are pop when it comes to the manner, with cotton wool and linen being top choices. Feminine, floral patterns are ofttimes showcased, and vintage fabrics can serve as beautiful accents. Slipcovers are also a key trait of shabby chic style, and they were popularized by Rachel Ashwell, who nosotros'll learn about in the adjacent section.

Slipcovered sofa from Shabby Chic Couture
Slipcovered sofa from Shabby Chichi Couture

Soft huesreign in the shabby chic interior. Vivid white and biscuit are ever-pop, as are pastel colors such every bit pinkish, lavender and light blueish. Yet brilliant shades like turquoise can besides be institute, especially when it comes to painted furniture.

Soft hues in a shabby chic interior [photo by Dreamy Whites]
Soft hues in a vintage interior [photograph by Dreamy Whites]

Don't forget almost the role vintage accessories play in shabby chic spaces! Whether they are true vintage and antique items (chandeliers, china, etc.) or make new items that look vintage (napkins, glassware, and more than), the overall effect is charming yet accessible..

True vintage china from Shabby Chic Couture
Truthful vintage china from Shabby Chic Couture
Indigo cotton napkin from Shabby Chic Couture
New indigo cotton napkin from Shabby Chic Couture

Rachel Ashwell

It'south hard to talk nigh shabby chichi without acknowledging the role that Rachel Ashwell played in its rise to popularity. While the style began in England in the 1980s, Rachel Ashwell opened her start shop in California in 1989. Information technology was here that she popularized her famous slipcovers, which were placed over flea market place furnishings.

Bringing the unique way to the forefront of the blueprint community, she as well brought an array of flea marketplace finds into the public eye, creating a second-hand decorating style that was undeniably elegant. Yet relaxed. And therein lies the magic!

RELATED: 50 Resourceful and Swish Shabby Chichi Living Rooms

Rachel Ashwell [photo via The Chromologist]
Rachel Ashwell [photograph via The Chromologist]

In this 2011 interview with Inc., Ashwell describes the Shabby Chichi formula every bit "cozy, comfortable, vintage, and pretty". Coming from the adult female who revolutionized the style, that's a formula we're willing to trust!

Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie [photo via Sotheby's International Realty]
Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie [photo via Sotheby's International Realty]

Rachel Ashwell has seen her business boom, file for bankruptcy, and savour a revival, which has included the opening of Shabby Chic Couture stores, every bit well as an ongoing collaboration with Target.

Rachel Ashwell for Target
Rachel Ashwell for Target

Not to mention, in 2011, she opened The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell, a bed and breakfast in Round Meridian, Texas. Below y'all volition find photos of this beautiful B&B that emphasizes the cottage style:

The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell in Round Top, Texas
The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell in Round Elevation, Texas
Shabby chic style at The Prairie
Fragile white defunction at The Prairie
Accommodations at The Prairie
Accommodations at The Prairie
The Prairie is an event venue, as well as a B&B
The Prairie is an event venue, as well as a B&B

Shopping for Shabby Chic

If you lot're wondering how to get a shabby chic expect, yous can start by post-obit Rachel Ashwell'due south to a higher place-mentioned formula: cozy, comfy, vintage, and pretty! Mix erstwhile with new, but make sure furnishings are comfy. Bring on the slipcovers!

Estate sales, antiquarian shows, and flea markets are great places to find the "old". And as far as the new… information technology never hurts to browse Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture site! Here are some of our favorite offerings:

RELATED: 50 Fabulous Shabby Chichi Kitchens That Basin You Over!

Shabby Chic Couture's Pirouette Chandelier in Aqua
Shabby Chichi Couture'south Pirouette Chandelier in Aqua
Simple Chair and 1/2 from Shabby Chic Couture
Simple Chair and 1/2 from Shabby Chic Couture
New Prairie Mug from Shabby Chic Couture
New Prairie Mug from Shabby Chichi Couture
Shabby Chic Couture's Pink Tinsel Christmas Tree
Shabby Chic Couture'southward Pink Tinsel Christmas Tree

And of course, don't forget virtually Ashwell'southward collaboration with Target! In fact, yous can observe shabby chic decor at a range of retailers, as the style has different looks. Some renditions are more French country, while others border on bohemian. We finish today'due south postal service by showcasing glassware selections from Anthropologie:

Glass tumblers from Anthropologie
Glass tumblers from Anthropologie

Happy decorating! There'due south nothing similar exploring a popular pattern style that has experienced a rebirth in recent years. One thing is articulate: Shabby chichi has staying power!