Norma Oliver’s Furniture Rescue:
What is Shabby Chic?

Some think the term is over used; some still aren’t even sure what it is. So I thought I’d take the time to clarify in regards to the furniture end of “shabby chic”. My business pertains to that aspect rather than the fabric, linens, roses, chandeliers and romantic girlie stuff.

To set the record straight, I am NOT a girlie girl. I don’t like shopping, I rarely wear makeup or jewelry, and I have never and will never have my nails done. If someone even would dare to touch my feet, well, it could get ugly. Think missing teeth. Yes, I have very ticklish feet and this is a known fact. I also don’t like fussing with my hair, wash and wear baby that is my style.

So, the definition via Wikipedia: (pertaining to furniture only) – ”Shabby chic is a form of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. Shabby chic items are often heavily painted through the years, with many layers showing through obviously time-worn areas. The style is imitated in faux painting using glaze or by painting then rubbing and sanding away the top coat to show the wood or base coats. The essence of today’s shabby chic style is vintage and antique furniture with the original aged paint, or painted white (or another soft pastel color) and distressed at the corners by sanding. Antique pieces such as pie safes and jelly cupboards are popular in shabby chic décor.”

There you have it, the basics of Shabby Chic furniture. Obviously I LOVE the style of furniture or I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. I love everything about it. The look, the affordability, the functionality, and the practicality, especially for households with kids make this style realistic. It fits in well for families because you can redo things already owned, or can buy affordably at yard sales or handed down items. If a child chips some paint off, or scratches the top, it’s all good. Just adds to the distressed look.

Part of the reasoning behind my business name choice, Norma’s Kentiques is if it isn’t an antique, I can make it look like one, thus, it becomes a Kentique. Norma’s Kentiques.

Today’s featured piece is a demilune table or some call it a half circle table. I have a real attraction to these and think they are the sweetest little things. This can be used anywhere; bedside, near the front door, in a hallway, just to name a few. It would also make a perfect Mother’s Day gift and this color will go with any décor.

This dark piece was pretty beat up, but two coats of Old White chalk paint and selective distressing makes this a prime example of the theme of this article… perfectly “shabby chic”. Only clear wax was applied to keep it bright and clean looking. Dark wax would have worked too, but decided not to this time.

Before

After

Norma Oliver, owner of Norma’s Kentiques, is a happily married empty nester who has raised six children. She loves to hunt down ugly and rejected furniture that is still valuable and sturdy. Each piece is given a distinctive look, often through a professionally applied chalk paint and wax finish process. These bargain accent pieces are then sold at her booth within the Georgetown Peddler’s Mall (inside-far left). See more of Norma’s Kentiques on her Facebook page and visit her blog at www.normaskentiques.com.