A fairly new direction in interior design is gaining more and more popularity - shabby chic. In this article we will tell you how to create a shabby chic style in the interior of a kitchen; photos and videos will clearly demonstrate its features. The joy and good mood of all household members will serve as gratitude to you if you decide to decorate the kitchen in this style!
Shabby chic literally translates from English as “shabby shine”, this very precise term is attributed to the authorship of the designer Rachel Ashwell, it dates back to the late 80s of the twentieth century.
Since the advent of this trend, more and more fans have appeared every year. Kitchens decorated in the shabby chic style look especially nice, and we will discuss them in our article. But first, let's look at history.
English origin
British Rachel Ashwell was born into an unusual family, where her mother collected and restored antique dolls and other toys, and her father was a second-hand bookseller. Since childhood, the girl grew up surrounded by vintage things, knew how to handle them carefully, restore them and appreciate the special charm of antiquity. As Rachel grew older, her hobby became finding antiques at flea markets and lovingly restoring them.
Over time, the hobby turned into a profitable business, now Rachel Ashwell has become the owner of a chain of stores of goods and furniture in the shabby chic style, the author of many books about this style and a real living legend in the world of design.
In the collections created by this amazing woman, you can find new aged furniture for the home, delightful home textiles - from pajamas to exquisite bed linen, candlesticks and lampshades, seat cushions and elegant interior accessories.
Curtains and other textiles
Designers give preference to natural fabrics, usually cotton or linen. There should be a lot of textiles in the kitchen: tablecloth, curtains, serving napkins, chair rugs. Romantic floral patterns or plain materials predominate. Handmade items, such as knitted napkins or sewn curtains, deserve special attention. But geometry and straight lines are best left for minimalism, because shabby chic does not like rigor.
Plain or floral-patterned curtains are perfect for the kitchen. As a rule, they are sewn from expensive natural fabrics, beautifully draped, and decorated with lambrequins. Ideally, curtain motifs are combined with patterns on the tablecloth, oven mitts or towels, thereby creating a cohesive picture.
A distinctive feature of curtains in the shabby chic style is multi-layering . The shape of the curtains is not limited: they can be crossed, hinged, classic curtains. Particular attention is paid to the frills, which are located at the bottom or at the top. Ruffles and ribbons are used as additional decoration. Other accessories include pink bows, brooches in the shape of angels, satin and lace ribbons.
What's so great about shabby chic?
Let's talk about its distinctive features. The very essence of the style is the use of truly antique or artificially aged objects in the interior. What are the main characteristics of shabby chic?
- the use of delicate pastel shades in the interior;
- natural materials, no plastic;
- the effect of wear and patina will come in handy. Another paint can shine through a layer of paint, as if the item has served for decades and been repainted more than once;
- abundance of handmade textiles;
- lack of large geometric patterns;
- a large number of lamps.
Ideally, things should pass from generation to generation, last for decades, and acquire a history. Great-grandfather's favorite rocking chair by the window, an embroidered napkin from your grandmother's dowry - all this will give the interior a unique atmosphere.
But what to do if the antiques have not been preserved, and due to numerous moves, what little was also lost? The shabby chic style comes to the rescue, allowing you to plunge into the comfort and tenderness of antiquity.
Advantages and disadvantages of shabby chic
Shabby chic, like any other interior, has its advantages and disadvantages . The advantages include the ability to use it to visually enlarge a small kitchen, since the direction is based on white and light colors. Shabby chic also allows you to make original decorative elements from old things, while spending a minimum of money. Using decoupage and sewing techniques, the interior can be easily updated, and the space takes on a new life.
One of the disadvantages is the fact that shabby chic requires a lot of attention. Textiles and light surfaces require regular care, so the style is only suitable for those who have a lot of free time and a desire to take care of the interior.
"Shabby shine" of the kitchen
The kitchen is one of the main places in our home, the most beloved and cozy. Here we meet the dawn before a long day filled with work, and see off the sunset, gathering with our family for an evening meal.
When buying a house, the decisive factor for many is often the presence of a spacious kitchen, because this is where we spend a lot of free time. If you like shabby chic, you might want to incorporate some of its features into your kitchen.
You might be interested in: Country-style kitchen interior - harmony of country comfort in a house and apartment
Shabby chic implies the complete opposite of the minimalist style in the interior. An abundance of decor and old furniture are welcome here.
This style does not require capital investments in the form of an exclusive stretch ceiling with 3D effects or handmade parquet from selected wood. If the ceiling, walls and floor have signs left by time (cracks, scuffs, cracked paint), but at the same time the dilapidation is sweet, elegant and bohemian, then you have hit the nail on the head.
What materials can be used in the kitchen if you decide to decorate the kitchen in this style? Wood, ceramics, textiles, metal - everything is your choice, don’t limit yourself. Avoid plastic in the interior.
Shabby chic is attentive to details - antique ceramic tiles on the backsplash, hand-embroidered patterns on napkins and tablecloths, dishes from the times of our grandmothers - all those cute milk jugs and jugs with tea roses, pretty baking pots, hand-painted flowerpots...
You can choose the simplest apron for the headset - white tiles, for example. A kitchen decorated in a shabby chic style is replete with little details, so a neutral-colored backsplash and furniture would be appropriate.
Use overlapping materials in the interior, so you will ensure that the item looks nobly aged, but at the same time perfectly preserved.
It has already been said above that shabby chic gives preference to pastel colors in the interior. Which colors should I choose? The range of the palette is wide - from the color of baked cream to sky azure. Choose according to your taste.
The kitchen will be very bright, harmonious, somewhat reminiscent of a rosebud. Neither you nor your guests will want to leave this kitchen. The space will breathe comfort and warmth.
Finishing materials for kitchens in shabby chic style
The main requirement for finishing is the presence of abrasions and an antique effect. Let's consider further what materials designers recommend using to decorate a space in the shabby chic style.
Shabby chic ceiling
For the ceiling, whitewash or plaster is most often used. They are affordable, and you can use them to decorate the ceiling yourself, without the help of professionals. In addition, if there are scratches or unevenness on the ceiling, this is even appropriate, because shabby chic welcomes such “flaws”.
The ceiling is also painted with acrylic or water-based paint. Use white or ivory. Most modern compositions are environmentally friendly, without a pungent odor and dry quickly. What is important is that such paints do not fade under the sun, are not afraid of moisture and are easy to maintain. You can also decorate the ceiling with wood. Covering from boards is one of the traditional options.
Important ! Often, stretched fabric is used to decorate the interior in the shabby chic style. It can be plain or with a light floral pattern. In addition to white, delicate blue or pink shades are appropriate. The canvas with the effect of cracked paint looks especially impressive.
Shabby chic flooring
The floor is made using solid wood or aged parquet. Wood is generally recognized as one of the best materials for flooring; with proper care, such a floor will last 30 years without losing its chic and attractiveness.
The wooden floor is not afraid of wet cleaning; it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot. They complement the interior with small soft rugs that harmoniously combine with curtains and other interior elements. Less commonly, the kitchen is decorated with ceramic tiles or stone.
Interesting ! Shabby chic is often compared to Provence. Many people think that these directions are the same. However, if you look closely, you will notice several significant differences. In Provence, classic wooden furniture predominates, and shabby chic is characterized by the presence of old antique furniture. Also, shabby chic involves the use of copious amounts of decor, while Provence is more restrained.
Shabby chic walls
Roughly processed and unevenly painted surfaces look great. This effect is achieved with the help of vinyl wallpaper (fortunately, designers offer a wide selection of materials to suit every taste). At minimal cost, the desired effect is obtained, and there is no need to specially remove the paint or create abrasions. A fresco in the form of painting on plaster will help give the kitchen a special atmosphere.
Another option is to paint the walls white. Other decorative elements look great against its background, be it wall clocks or vases. Wooden panels on one wall, a light-painted floor, and available means to create a worn-out effect will also help give the walls an interesting look.
Textiles in the spirit of shabby chic
This style is good for those who like to decorate the interior with their own hands. Craftswomen will love the task of decorating their beloved home with unique products of their own production.
Curtains, tablecloths, covers for chairs or pillows for them, napkins, potholders, towels - all the textile variety can be solved in a single style, for example, using the same pattern of a bouquet of roses for decoration. It can be woven or fabric with floral decoration can be used.
Imagine how grand a dining table will look if covered with a tablecloth, the pattern of which is partially repeated in other interior details. Guided by your own taste and sense of harmony, create a space that is unique in beauty and grace, which will delight all household members for many years.
When choosing curtains or curtains, give preference to draping models, or options with ruffles and folds. Laconism is inappropriate here; fabric should be in abundance. Choose a material of natural origin - linen or chintz will do just fine. Lambrequins, flounces, hanging tassels will decorate the curtains.
Curtains can be lace, patterned, plain or hand-embroidered - any of these options is a win-win for a shabby chic kitchen. Choose both model and color to suit your taste. The length of the curtains depends on the size of the kitchen: if the space is small, give preference to short or medium lengths; if the kitchen is a living room, then long models are appropriate.
Instead of cabinet doors, opaque fabric curtains are often used in shabby chic - this is one of the features of this style, it looks unusual and impressive, try it - perhaps it will become the highlight of the interior design.
Style Features
To properly create an interior, you should pay attention to the following things:
- finishing materials;
- kitchen furniture;
- accessories;
- the right combination of shade textures;
- lighting;
- textile.
The kitchen interior should consist of items representing different eras
The interior of the kitchen should consist of items representing different eras. Even modern household appliances, small details and accessories that create a feeling of antiquity and disguise modern items will fit perfectly into the interior.
Advice! A popular artistic solution is unnatural aging of objects. Even a modern environment can be easily adapted to this direction.
A shabby chic kitchen requires the maximum amount of light shades. Diluted pastel colors add romance and airiness to the kitchen space. It is impossible to imagine an interior of this style without pale blue, light pistachio, delicate pink and ash. Designers usually focus on white and cream tones.
Designers usually focus on white and cream tones
But you should definitely add some bright colors so that the kitchen design does not seem faded. Red or blue will do. The room will take on an expressive look. But color accents don't have to be pretentious. They are usually slightly muted. Shabby chic in the kitchen interior is impossible without the use of original floral patterns, checks, stripes and sophisticated ornaments.
Before starting repairs, you need to carefully inspect the room; you should not carry out repair work in places where:
- worn parquet surface;
- cracked finish on the walls or ceiling;
- delicate pastel colored wallpaper;
- floor tiles that have cracks or chips in the apron.
This weathered finish will give the room a special charm. You can replace only the trim or baseboards, and place stucco on the ceiling
This weathered finish will give the room a special charm. You can replace only the trim or baseboards, and place stucco on the ceiling.
Furniture and lighting
What attracts this style, besides grace and comfort? The fact that it is easy to reproduce in your kitchen, incurring moderate financial costs. Perhaps you won’t have to purchase some things—furniture, lamps, accessories—at all, but it will be enough to restore those you or your relatives and friends have. Shabby chic gives a second life to things that seem to have gone out of fashion or have expired.
If you do not have antique items, and also do not have the opportunity or desire to purchase them for subsequent restoration, take a closer look: some collections in stores are made in a retro style that will look natural in a shabby chic kitchen. Not only furniture, but also some lines of household appliances are produced in a deliberately classic design of the second half of the twentieth century.
If you don’t like old furniture, you can always choose a laconic design, for example, a white or natural wood kitchen set, and give it the desired look with your own hands. images of flowers or birds on cabinet doors, also repeated on lamp shades and decorative jars displayed on a wooden shelf, will look great
In general, the shabby chic style has similar features to the country style, but unlike Provence, for example, there are more pastel colors and an undoubted emphasis on the use of antique items in the interior and some canons, such as the obligatory tablecloth on the dining table and elegantly shaped furniture.
What kind of furniture is suitable? Bent carved legs of tables and chairs; it is possible to use different chairs within the dining area, always with seat cushions or covers. Round tables are suitable (especially if the room is spacious or your house has a kitchen-living room), cabinets - to your taste, with open shelves, glass doors or with curtains instead of doors. “Shabby shine” will not burden your wallet, but will give you an indescribable feeling of warmth and comfort.
If you like to use benches rather than chairs for the dining area, then do not forget to decorate them with embroidered cushions. It will be both comfortable and stylish. Guests will not want to leave your cozy home!
If someone likes decorating their home with sheep skins , this will fit perfectly into the “shabby shine” of the kitchen. Snow-white fur on the benches and floor will give the house a Scandinavian flavor.
If we talk about lighting kitchens in the shabby chic style, then it is worth saying that the issue of light in the kitchen must be approached competently. No twilight, a well-thought-out system of overhead and additional lighting. Lampshades for overhead lamps can be vintage or fancy.
Preference is often given to exquisite candelabra chandeliers. Within one room there can be two or three different types of overhead light lamps - the main thing is that you like it.
Additional light is required in both the working and dining areas. Sconces, lamps - everything is to your taste, if you like lampshades upholstered with ornamented textiles, take it without a doubt; if you have long dreamed of lamps in the form of antique lanterns, this style is just right. Such sconces will create pleasant soft lighting.
Speaking about lighting in the shabby chic style, we cannot fail to mention the most romantic option - candles . Candlesticks of the most exquisite shapes will fit perfectly into the interior, and the flame of a burning candle will bring peace to the hearts.
Departing from the canonical style created by Rachel Ashwell, modern fans of shabby chic love to decorate their kitchens with garland lanterns . They create a feeling of a magical holiday even on working days. Try to try on this lighting option, perhaps your household members, especially the younger ones, will like it.
Furnishings
[ads2] The main requirement for furniture in the kitchen interior is that it should look aged and have signs of wear.
The abrasions should be minor and remind you that the furniture was made in the last century.
Markings like these indicate that the items are old, but not yet antique. A pattern may appear through the abrasions.
Today, many manufacturers produce furniture with a similar design. So you don't have to worry about wasting time searching for antiques at flea markets and paying a lot of money for antiques.
The main features of furniture products include:
- lack of bulkiness;
- pastel colors;
- vintage details;
- three-dimensional drawings.
Typically, kitchen units are made from natural wood; the facades are painted in light colors, making them matte. There should certainly be light scuffs on furniture surfaces.
The use of a pastel palette makes it possible to visually expand the boundaries of the room; thanks to this technique, the kitchen seems more spacious and bright, the atmosphere is filled with positivity.
Shabby chic has similar features to the Provencal style, so some people confuse these trends. But they naturally have differences. In the first case, elegant furniture is used, often made or restored with one’s own hands using expensive materials.
The interiors, designed in the Provence style, are furnished with massive wooden furniture with simple shapes.
The upper part of the set is often decorated with facades with inserts made of frosted or translucent glass. In some cases, part of the set is designed like a display cabinet. Such furniture will definitely appeal to romantic people who value comfort.
The closet contains cute little things, presentable kitchen utensils, and unusual accessories.
The color scheme of the headsets is usually white. Snow-white shades are chosen as dominant in interior decoration, and the kitchen is no exception. Gray and noble beige shades are also welcome.
If you want the interior to look brighter, give preference to a pink or soft blue set.
Advice. Country and rustic style furniture and classic furniture fit perfectly into a kitchen with shabby chic decor, so there shouldn’t be any difficulties with choosing furniture.
We recommend choosing a wooden dining table decorated with carvings. Tables made from untreated wood are especially popular - if you want to meet fashion trends, give preference to this option.
If your kitchen table doesn't fit into your shabby chic decor and you don't plan on buying new furniture, cover it with a tablecloth.
The table can be equipped with standard or figured chairs made of wood or colored plastic.
Forged and wicker chairs, furniture with leather or textile upholstery will also fit perfectly into this decor. If desired, chairs can be replaced with benches.
An important component of the kitchen interior is household appliances. In a kitchen environment designed in the specified style, it is usually disguised. The equipment is built into the furniture; small items are placed in the closet and taken out for the duration of use.
Professional designers recommend purchasing retro-style equipment for such interiors. But such equipment is quite expensive; not everyone can afford such a purchase.
Therefore, the most common technique is to disguise modern models of kitchen helpers.
In the design of one apartment or private house, you can combine several style solutions that have similar features. For example, decorate the kitchen in a shabby chic style, choose a Scandinavian design for the living room, and minimalism for the bedroom. All of the listed styles, although they seem different, allow you to create a light and uncomplicated design.
Read about what features are typical for eco-kitchens and what are the main secrets of successful natural design in an eco-friendly style - details about eco-design with photos and examples.
The best options for finishing a kitchen in the loft style are described here.
Features of kitchen interior design in Provencal style are described in the article at:
Decor options
If we talk about items that can be used to decorate a shabby chic kitchen, it should be emphasized that this style is extremely attentive to detail. Their possible abundance will delight the owners - it’s so wonderful to decorate the interior of your own home with memorabilia from trips , family heirlooms and homemade products.
Dishes
There are no strict rules when choosing kitchen utensils for a “shabby shine”. This can be expensive, exquisite dishes made of porcelain and glass, or ceramic plates of your own production, painted by you personally.
In any case, dishes are not only everyday items, but also decoration for a shabby chic kitchen. On open shelves or in cabinets there should certainly be milk jugs, jugs, jars, and teapots for brewing.
Flowers
No kitchen decorated in shabby chic style would be complete without decorating with flowers. If you don’t like caring for live plants, dried flowers or artificial flowers will do.
An abundance of beautiful vases, fancy bottles for beautiful flowers and a tin watering can will transform the kitchen. And if you choose to use fresh flowers in the interior, give preference to lushly flowering plants. The floral aroma will reign in the kitchen and you will not want to leave your home.
Watch
An antique wall clock with its ticking will inspire calm and create a cozy atmosphere. Remember that the birthplace of the shabby chic style is England, where both watches and meals are treated with special respect. The famous five o'clock is not to be missed, drink a cup of aromatic tea in your amazing kitchen.
Mirror
A mirror in the kitchen is not a necessary piece of furniture, but how wonderful it will look in a heavy wooden frame. And if the mirror is of the same collection as the clock hanging on the wall, then your kitchen will receive praise from the most discerning guest.
Wicker baskets
A convenient storage option is wicker baskets of various shapes; they can be placed on cabinets, hung from the ceiling, or placed on shelves. Wicker products will give your home or apartment a special coziness.
Paintings and photographs
Heavy carved picture frames will decorate the walls; don’t neglect this interior decor option. If you like using photographs from the family archive, select suitable frames, or better yet, make a collage; black and white photographs of your ancestors will create a special atmosphere.
Porcelain figurines
On open shelves, a collection of cute trinkets will delight you every day. If you are a fan of porcelain figurines, the kitchen is a great place to contemplate them.
As you can see from our article, a shabby chic kitchen can be decorated in abundance to suit your taste. If you are afraid that there will be too many accents in the kitchen, then we hasten to reassure you - “shabby shine” is unthinkable without a huge number of interior details. But at the same time, the design feels thoughtful, there is no feeling of clutter. Shabby chic - grace, comfort and beauty!
Shabby chic kitchens are unique, as some people love the simplicity of old, good things, while others love the exquisite design of antique items. So, when planning to decorate a kitchen in this style, you should not be afraid that the house will lose its individuality.
Shabby chic in the kitchen – accessories
To make the interior look impressive, we must not forget about the accessories in the kitchen, in this case a lot of small trinkets that should decorate old sideboards or comfortable sofas. Which add-ons should I choose?
First of all, pillows and even more pillows! Natural materials from linen or jute and floral elements. Lace, ruffles or hand-embroidered hearts. Of course, different types of figurines will also work, such as angels or birds, as well as lanterns of different sizes. Lighting is also important in this style - we must not forget about the lamps that should decorate small chests of drawers and kitchen furniture. These few elements are enough to make it cozy and romantic.
Photo gallery
Simple or luxurious, your kitchen will retain the charm of antiquity and fill the hearts of your household with warmth and comfort. We wish you a great mood!
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Color scheme in shabby chic interior
It is preferable to use light and natural shades for finishing the headset. Pastel tones of ivory, light blue, milky, pinkish are welcome. There should be no contractual transitions or inappropriate pretentiousness.
If dark colors are used, they only complement the overall picture, creating a quiet atmosphere of a country house. It is advisable to use drawings.
Light shades are mainly suitable for the style.
The only common pattern is floral. Light, light flowers, petals, and angels combine beautifully. Geometry is not allowed. The exception is small thin lines.
Who are these styles suitable for?
Both styles are liked more by women than men because of their range and romance. But if Shabby is perceived more as a girl’s bedroom, then Provence in the kitchen is also accepted by men.
If your life lacks lightness, romance and bright ideals, a house in the Provence and Shabby chic styles can become a place of spiritual relaxation for you.
Photos: brissi.com, ilan-design.com, room-ideas.com, homestyler.com, theartoftheroom.com
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Finishing and decor elements
The basic decoration of these interiors is also similar: wooden floors, white plaster, floral wallpaper. The only thing is that the parquet layout should be more elegant in Shabby. For example, a herringbone pattern or whitewashed boards. And no wooden beams under the ceiling - this is typical of Provence.
In both cases, the ceilings can simply be plastered; it is better to choose a color with a tint of gray or yellow. But if in Provence plaster can be applied to the walls: if cracked, it will look authentic, then in Chebbi it is better to use wallpaper.
Stucco molding under the ceiling will be characteristic only of Shabby chic, as well as bronze or gilded chandeliers.
Textiles in these styles are united only by their quantity in the decor and, in many ways, by the ornament. The fabrics of Provence are linen and cotton, which do not exclude the local use of lace and more elegant fabrics. In Shabby chic, all fabrics are thin and airy, higher quality cotton, expensive silk, a lot of lace and ruffles. But even satin in such an interior should not shine, but look faded and washed out.
Sculptural elements are of great importance in the decor of both styles: plaster or stone, with traces of long life and peeling paint. But you won't find angels or classical Greek and Roman figures in Provence.
Flowers are the basis of both Provence and Shabby chic decor. In Provence, the emphasis is on lavender, in Chebbi - on roses.
