area - Home Couture

Photo: miinu.de
SHABBY CHIC
stylish living
character
and intrigue
IN AN ATTEMPT TO CREATE AN EDGY AESTHETIC,
SHABBY CHIC DISREGARDS WHAT IS FASHIONABLE,
POLISHED OR NEW. IT’S NOT ABOUT OVER-PRICED
ANTIqUES, CUTTING EDGE MODERNISM OR OVER-
EMBELLISHED DESIGNER CLUTTER. SHABBY CHIC
IS A FORM OF DESIGN THAT EVOKES EMOTION,
FEELING AND ATMOSPHERE.
BY MARK MCCAFFERTY By Mark McCafferty
ironically it is the opposite of
what is considered as chic: Shabby Chic designs
are not at the forefront of what is fashionable; nor
are they exclusive and unattainable to the majority.
On the flipside, Shabby Chic products are not
shabby either: they exude quality as they have to
be able to stand up to the test of time.
Naturally weathered artefacts make great additions
to the home and truly epitomise shabby chic
ideals. The style was first created in beach-front locations
in California and San Francisco, mainly due
to the abundance of naturally weathered artefacts
being washed up on the shore. Driftwood, maritime
rope and other such nautical items were constantly
being added to bathrooms and outdoor areas in
conjunction with pre-existing modern utilities that
helped to transform the rugged and shabby items
to a level of unique chic.
There is a sense of reminiscence that accompanies
Shabby Chic, especially when using such natural
artefacts. Each weathered object has it’s own
story to tell, filling the chosen room with a sense
of omniscience and wisdom. An object such as
driftwood may look like junk when it is discovered
in its natural environment, but when it is added to a
bathroom complete with modern utilities it obtains
a form of deliberation and purpose – adding character
and intrigue.
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