A "shabby chic" bedroom offers the ultimate in comfort. The furniture looks "lived in," easy-care fabrics that are worn and distressed furniture put to good use. The line between indoors and out is blurred with the introduction of wicker and older pieces brought in from the porch. "Shabby chic" speaks not only to decor but to a lifestyle.
Instructions
1. Rescue occasional pieces like small wood dressers and tables from flea markets, junk shops or from the curb on trash day. Look for pieces that are sturdy yet worn, with solid construction, no damage and no missing elements. Condition them and then paint them white or pastel shades.
2. Add an overstuffed easy chair. Look for good lines and a solid frame. Cover the chair with a chintz or linen slipcover and add throw pillows to soften the look. Select an ottoman to pair with the chair.
3. Create a bed by attaching a vintage painted door to the top of the bedroom. Position the door vertically and bolt each side of the bed frame to it. Leave the doorknob on the door for extra character.
4. Make a "headboard" by attaching a section of wood fencing to the wall. Paint the fence white and then distress it fine grade sandpaper. Attach the bed to the either side of the lower portion of the fence. Encourage an ivy to grow from a night table and vine its way along the "fence."
5. Buy a new, unfinished rocking chair. Sand it and spray it all over with a light coat of green or blue paint. Follow with two coats of white enamel, allowing each coat to dry well and distress it.
6. Bring a wicker chair, plant stand or side table into the bedroom. Use vintage wicker as it is or use the distress technique on new wicker. Add a lamp or two with fabric shades trimmed in ribbon or ball fringe.
7. Pickle a hardwood floor or sand and paint it white. Paint the walls a subtle gray-blue, bottle green or pale yellow with bright white woodwork and doors.
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