Shabby Chic has been around for quite awhile. It started when Rachel Ashwell took old, chipped paint flea market finds and made them fashionable. What I don’t care for is when people try too hard to recreate old patina. It can’t be done. What’s the point of finding an old dresser, stripping off layers of paint, sanding it smooth and re-painting and re-sanding and pretend you found it that way! Why bother?
I love old rusty architectural pieces. I’m drawn to old, peeling paint on iron or wood artifacts. I love the quiet elegant of pieces that wear their age in layers. You can find all kinds of things at flea markets and antique stores. You just have to keep your eyes open to discovery. Look at the sculptural character in an item. Think of the pieces as artwork. Old pieces work in interiors or on the porch. It’s OK to mix and match. A rusty old antique offers a unique contrast in a contemporary setting.
Remember the old adage, “one woman trash is another woman’s treasure”.
Tin crown molding shelf
Part of an old iron register or gate?
Create a wall collage with your vintage iron work by adding old architechturall stars.
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