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I am switching this area to shabby chic and was hoping someone might be able to give me some tips.
1. I have the green matted iris print in the lr, because it went with my last decor, and matches my armoir and some of the couch cushions, but am thinking maybe it doesn't go anymore, thoughts.
2. I feel like I should paint the lamps cream and get new shades, thoughts?
3. Does the area rug go ok? I thought it wouldn't but friends think it's ok?
4. What should I put on the wall behind the chair, round table and couch (I've included a pic of a couple of things I already have)?
5. I've got crinkle sheers for all the windows.
6. Any other tips to create the look I'm seeking? I think the very old valances should go and be replaced with sheers or lace sheers. I have honeycomb blinds underneath which I will keep as they save me lots in utilities in the hot and cold weather.
From my perspective, the lamps are too small . . . I don't like clutter so I would get rid of all vases - and NO DRIED FLOWERS . . .bad Feng Shui . . .I personally do not care for the rug - I think it makes the room look too busy.
On the plus side, I like the couch and the way it is placed - like the entry table - the armoire is cute but would probably be better in another color (black or cornflower blue maybe? or maybe even yellow) . . .as it is now, it looks too Eighties with the color and the dried flowers surrounding it.
I can only add that Rome wasn't built in a day. For shabby chic to look really good, you must carefully assemble a bunch of authentically crummy comfortable things. You want old things with patina, not a bunch of new, made to look like, things. You can paint the lamps white, but they will still be little new lamps for HomeGoods, or wherever, painted white.
I second whoever said to never ever have fake flowers, please.
Crinkle sheers conjures up polyester, which doesn't sound good. Natural fibers would be better. You can get cotton voile sheers from Country Curtains will will look much better.
Last edited by gentlearts; 10-11-2012 at 11:18 AM..
I think as long as you have the dark furnishings and that wall color, you are working against Shabby Chic style. The rug you have looks great with your furniture but it is yet another element says, “I’m not SC”. Unless you can lighten at least one of these major elements (the furniture is the most important), it’s going to look like you have two different styles going on in there.
Assuming you will continue to move toward SC, the rug is apparently the easiest of the three big elements to replace. I don’t think a SC rug would work surrounded by that dark furniture. At best I think you could use a light, brown based solid color rug there…it wouldn’t be SC, but at least it would read as a neutral rather than an entirely different style. Be careful to get the right texture on such a rug. I think the big print is fine. Removal of the valances is a must. Lace or sheers would be lovely but you said you already have crinkle sheers. Are you planning two layers of curtains?
For SC you need more light colored and more patterned things in the room. Lighter lamps would help, as would a SC quilt spread across the back of the sofa. Go find yourself a gorgeous SC print and make no sew table toppers for those round tables…it’s instant PRETTY for a few dollars.
Pardon me if you already know this, but nearly everything in that room is English Country. It would be easier to complete that style than to go to SC. For EC I’d use a pastoral scene in place of the flower print, lace curtains, a quilt across the back of the sofa (toile would be great), maybe paint the white mirror frame, maybe finish the walls with some plates (transfer ware or floral patterns, etc.).
Whether SC or EC, you might consider removing the ivy from the armoire, cutting down to one vase with flowers in it (I love the dried arrangement), cutting down to one doily on the coffee table and one on the dresser, and getting rid of the valances.
I'd refresh the lame with a new shade, perhaps one of the gathered or shirred ones that are available now, but I don't mind the color of the base. If it were to be painted white, it might not stand out. I think this is your call.
I also think your room is pretty full as it is. Remember that there should one or two walls in every room with nothing hanging on them, to give the eye a place to rest.
You have a lovely room. I think you've done it really well.
If the area rug is having a conversation with something else in the room--perhaps the brownish lamp?--it should be OK. In the pic it looks OK to me.
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