Design trends come and go, and some end up in the distant past never to arise again. If you thought shabby chic was fated as a long-lost interior aesthetic, you’d be mistaken.
Thanks to the popularity of cottagecore, grandma-inspired everything, and the broader nostalgia-driven shift toward romantic, vintage-inspired interiors, shabby chic is officially back.
The Return of Shabby Chic Design
Perhaps in a lot of ways, the shabby chic aesthetic was always ripe for a return. After all, the charm of vintage finds and the coziness of lived-in, collected spaces are timeless concepts.
Made popular in the late '90s and early '00s, shabby chic hallmarks include lightly distressed furniture, bright and airy color palettes, delicate floral prints, and ruffled fabrics. It’s all very much back. Retail giants such as Target have even leaned into this; it just announced it’s bringing back the “Simply Shabby Chic” line by Rachel Ashwell.
“In my work, I’m seeing a renewed interest in traditional interiors, with a mix of old and new, layered patterns, and warmer colors,” says Vivian Robins, interior designer at Arketa Design Studio. “Shabby Chic fits naturally into that direction. A few thoughtful additions can bring that charm into a home.”
Designer Tips for a Modern Shabby Chic Look
Here’s how to get the shabby chic aesthetic today.
Choose a Soft Color Palette
The Shabby Chic “whites” can be off-white, often with a bit of gray in them, says interior designer Christine Tuttle. She likes Simply White by Benjamin Moore for this. “For paint finishes, go for more matte or eggshell—nothing shiny or high gloss,” she says. “Then layer in washed-out pastels into the scheme.” Soft blues, dusty rose, and sage green are all excellent shabby chic contenders.
Create a Little Distress
It wouldn’t be “shabby” without a little distress. The idea is to capture that “well-loved Velveteen rabbit” sort of feel—a space that’s been lived in and loved. “Pair whitewashed furniture with traditional walnut pieces. The lighter finish adds softness, while the walnut brings warmth and depth,” Robins says.
Layer Soft Textures
Layered textiles and textures are a huge part of this style, with ruffled, quilted, or lacey fabrications taking the cake. Also play with patterns, Tuttle says. “Textiles in homespun-like country cottons are the cornerstone of the look. Assemble a combo of a plain linen plus a floral, plus a smaller scale print like a gingham check.” When in doubt, be sure the background of any print is white.
Let There Be Florals
Shabby chic’s go-to pattern is florals, which you can infuse through wallpaper, quilts, and beyond. Robin also suggests creating a wall grouping of vintage floral paintings, mixing sizes and frames for a more collected feel. For a subtler touch, try swapping out solid throw pillows for faded floral prints that lend a soft, romantic feel without overwhelming the space.
Add Some French Country
Lighting is often in the country French style a la dangling crystals and lots of vintage table lamps in pastel colors. “No recessed or modern lighting,” Tuttle says. “The decor should be little Victorian treasures picked up at country flea markets and antique fairs like baskets, vintage books, and little brass or silver trays.”
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Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it.
