I had a fantastic day shopping with my dear friend Xavier yesterday! She is having her first baby and is in the midst of decorating the nursery. With her inspiration photos in hand, off we went to the local antique stores along the historic waterfront of New Westminster known as Antique Alley.
I can imagine the smell of home made bread being cut on this table!!
Xav found some beautiful pieces in my favorite shop Urban Treasure owned by my pal Rick. Not only is his store jammed packed with antiques and vintage pieces, he also uses old building materials like doors, windows, mouldings etc. to create one of a kind furniture such as the cabinet and shelf Xav bought. When we were at the till, Rick made a comment about the two pieces being Shabby Chic. Xav had no idea what that was so I've decided to dedicate today's entry to my dear friend and her new found love of Shabby Chic!
I love the wrinkles and over sized bed skirt! Courtesy of Cottage Chic Store.
What an amazing Armoire filled with vintage glass wear!!
It's all about casual comfort!
Shabby chic items are often heavily painted with many layers showing through obviously worn areas. The style is imitated in faux painting using glaze or by painting then rubbing and sanding away the top coat to show the wood or base coats. Fabrics tend to be cottons and linens, with linen being particularly popular, inspired by old French linens. Whites and worn or bleached out pastels are favorite colours. Fabric is often stained with tea to give it the look of old fabric. Bleached and faded are terms often applied to the style. The essence of shabby chic style is vintage and antique furniture painted white (or another soft pastel color) and distressed at the corners by sanding. Popular decor items are pillows made of vintage barkcloth fabric, vintage linens, chenille bedspreads, vintage chandeliers, and anything with roses on it. It is a soft, relaxed feminine romantic way of decorating that looks comfortable and inviting. Also called cottage style.
Another beautiful bed available at Cottage Chic Store.
Worn, chipped paint is the name of the game!
An amazing example of true Shabby Chic decor! What a Mish Mash!! 
Rachel Ashwell is our modern day guru of Shabby Chic! The words 'Shabby Chic' are registered trademark of hers!! She has amazing stores located in Los Angeles, New York and London filled with furniture, bedding, linens and other fabulous finds. You can follow her amazing stories about Shabby Chic on her blog here.
Love you Xav!!
1 comment:
Oh Dawna! That was so special...
I cant thank you enough for sharing with me some of your secret little spots! I feel inspired and I only have you to thank for that my friend.
Xavier
xxoo
Post a Comment