The Style Series is meant to be an easy to understand guide to popular interior design/decor styles. We’re going to talk about the hallmark elements of each style, so that you can more easily understand the differences/similarities of them and subsequently be able to better understand your own personal style.
So let’s get into it! Today we’re talking about Shabby Chic and French Country farmhouse styles. Both Shabby Chic and French Country have a farmhouse feel to them, use antique/vintage pieces and have a light color palette but there are some distinct differences between them.
Most people think of Shabby Chic style as the precursor to Modern Farmhouse style. Shabby Chic has a more feminine feel than Modern Farmhouse. You’ll see more florals, ornate pieces, as well as fabrics with ruffles, pleats, and lace details. You’ll rarely see wood tones. Metal and wood decor and furniture are frequently painted shades of white, blue and pink with some having a perfect finish but most being distressed and chippy.
Shabby Chic Style
Color Palette: Lots of White! With shades of Aqua, Pink, and Cream.
You’ll know it’s Shabby Chic when you see:
- Aqua/Teal or Soft Pink Furniture
- Chippy/Distressed Pieces
- Ornate Furniture and Mirrors with Filigree Designs
- Hand Painted floral designs
- Fabrics with Lace or Ruffles
- Antique Pieces
- Delicate Metal Candlesticks and Chandeliers
- Gold Rimmed China and Teacups on Display
- Florals…Florals everywhere!!! (Especially Roses!)
With both French Country & Shabby Chic pulling inspiration from country cottages – how exactly does Shabby Chic differ from French Country? Simply put where Shabby Chic is more feminine, French Country is more masculine.
French Country is going to have a more muted, neutral color palette. The lines are going to be cleaner. You’ll see more masonry and natural wood tones. Unlike Shabby Chic, French Country’s antiques will showcase more of the original character of the pieces rather than be repainted.
SO…Let’s say I come across a beautiful bronze antique mirror with delicate filigree at an estate sale. If I’m going Shabby Chic Style, I’m gonna paint it white, teal or pink & distress it a bit. If I’m going French Country, I’ll gonna polish it up & leave it as it is. Make sense?
French Country Style
Color Palette: Cream, Shades of Blue-Gray & Green-Gray (think Slate or Duck Egg), Gray and White.
You’ll know it’s French Country when you see:
- Stone Fireplaces
- Wood Beams
- Chippy or Distressed Pieces
- Ornate Furniture and Mirrors with Filigree Designs
- Delicate Metal Candlesticks and Chandeliers
- Pottery
- Fabrics with Toile or Ticking Stripes
- Antique Pieces
- Hydrangeas in vases or pottery
I hope this brief explanation helped explain the differences between two very similar styles. Next in the Style Series, we’re going to explore Rustic and Primitive Styles! 🙂