Old is New Again

Most of you who really know me, also know that I go through phases where I am focused on one thing, and one thing only. For example, I went through my lotus stage, where everything I bought had to have a lotus on it. I scoured the internet and streets for all things lotus. Then one day, I woke up and realized that the house looked like a lotus museum. All of a sudden, I didn't like lotuses anymore.

I also have been through other phases: belly dancing (I had matching outfits in various designs consisting of floaty skirts to transparent scarves), fighting fish (I had a fish in just about every colour and tanks both at home and at the office), silk camisoles (P counted that I had almost 20 very similar ones), cashmere turtlenecks (ditto), etc. You get the picture.

The current 'thing' that I have recently discovered is Shabby Chic. This is a style of furnishing that where old items are cherished and new items are deliberated aged. The main components of Shabby Chic are white painted wooden furniture, muted floral prints and stripes in creams, pale pinks, faded greens and blues. Hearts are also big in Shabby Chic.

We are living in a perfect canvas for this decorative style: a Victorian cottage built in 1885. I have had to remind myself over and over not to overdo it, so I've bought pieces bit by bit. Our bedroom is the first room that has been completed and here is the finished result. You have seen the quilted bedspread that we got from the flower show last month, but I've added more to the room since then. There are white metal hearts hanging on the walls that hold tea lights and a hand-knitted wool blanket at the foot of the bed. The checked cushion on the floor is Winnie's bed:




I have used an old stuffed dog as a door stop, which I bought in 1995. Being old and worn, it fits in perfectly with the Shabby Chic theme. I am very pleased with the result and think I have created a nice, restful room without going overboard on the florals and frills. Even though P is a manly man, he thinks that it is fantastic and all goes very well together. I am sure he is not just saying that to please me. ;-)

I'm also happy that Shabby Chic items are very reasonably priced. I have bought everything online very cheaply and have just picked up a vintage 1940s French bedside alarm clock in full working order for less than $40.

I am working on the guest room next and will put up photos in the upcoming weeks once it is done.