If needed, you can scrub it with a small brush dipped in dishwashing liquid and water. * Reviving cane or wicker: Old, dirty pieces can be hosed off outdoors. After the kerosene dries, paint the piece using an outdoor paint. Then sand lightly or rub with steel wool dipped in kerosene. * Removing rust: All loose rust on furniture and ornaments should be removed with a wire brush. Here are tips on restoring your treasures from "Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide": You think you've found the perfect fabric or piece of furniture at the flea market or antiques mall, but it needs some work. The plate, she said, makes her sit down and think where she is emotionally. One of her favorite items is a blue-and-white plate with two lovers embracing in a canoe. This means collecting vases or bowls rather than little dolls or ducks.īut she also allows room for fun. But she emphasized that they should be useful rather than kitschy. Ashwell said linen is better than paper even when it's wrinkled.)Ĭollections also make a home look homey. (Don't want to iron the linen napkins? No matter. It includes plenty of fresh flowers, candles and crisp white linen. "If the vase has a slight chip, is it still able to hold water? You can use nail polish to cover up the chips."Īnother important part of the Shabby Chic look is what Ashwell calls superficial top layering. "Does the imperfection still allow for the piece to be functional?" she asked. Ashwell's favorites were those with character - such as a beautiful doll with a cracked face or some fingers missing. She learned that lesson in her childhood when she went to flea markets with her mother, who bought and restored antique dolls and teddy bears. "What is lovely is when you find old pieces that are made so well that if you tried to duplicate them today they would be very expensive."Īs you go along, you'll learn to appreciate what Ashwell calls the value of "imperfect beauty." "Workmanship is kind of a given when you are buying something old," she said. Weight is also important - the heavier the wicker, for instance, the better. Signposts of quality in furniture include sturdy construction and tongue-in-groove joints. When you do, Ashwell suggested making it beveled to add extra detail. If your image looks distorted, she recommended passing it up unless the frame is spectacular. Let's say you're looking for a mirror at a flea market or antiques mall. "If the piece is rickety, it's too far gone." "There is a fine line between fine and used and funky and junky," she said. Some of the hallmarks in fabric are worn damask, faded velvets, tea-stained florals, washed-out cotton prints and slightly tattered lace. Many of the objects she selects are worn but good quality.
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