Recreate the glory of English countryside manors by shopping at local markets and recycling items that you were just about to chuck. Anjana Vaswani tells you how the Shabby Chic makeover won't cost you much
Recreate the glory of English countryside manors by shopping at local markets and recycling items that you were just about to chuck. Anjana Vaswani tells you how the Shabby Chic makeover won't cost you much
An old wooden chest could become a coffee tableUrban Pulse, a Mumbai-based architectural firm encourages recycling. In keeping with the company's belief that utility and value can be combined to conjure style, a director of the firm points out, "The Shabby Chic decorating style is a great way to engage with the creative side of your personality. You can compliment old furniture and home accessories with new bits and pieces, and devise a unique look." They suggest:
>>Start by visiting Chor Bazaar or the Oshiwara furniture market. Here, you can pick from antique furniture, crystal, glassware, brass and wrought-iron curios and old tiles.u00a0
>>Sanding, cleaning, and repairs can transform old bric-a-brac and furniture items you were planning to chuck, into eye-catching home-du00e9cor accents.
>>Remember that although you can team almost
anything together, you can be disorderly. Less is more.
>>Look around your home and you may find old furniture that doesn't find use anymore. Refurbish such pieces with a coat of white or pastel-coloured paint, or sand them down for a weathered look.u00a0
>>A boring old wooden chest could be transformed into the base of a coffee table, while old wrought-iron balcony railings will make an interesting for a study table.
What is Shabby Chic?An elegant, romantic and old-world ambience is what this form of interior decorating is characterised by. The emphasis here is on comfort, style and affordability, and while vintage accessories are used to accent the look, the idea is to create a relaxed and cozy family space. Floral prints, whites and pastel shades feature prominently in this style that seeks to replicate the look of homes in the old English countryside.
Hunt for style at local flea marketsBargain hunting finds new meaning at the weekly Mutton Street bazaar. Oozing with antiquary-appeal, these paintings were clubbed together for less than what you would pay for a box of chocolates.Price: Rs 500 for three paintingsAvailable at: Abidbhai Jhumawala, 6, Mutton Street, Mumbai. Call: 9833151597Feel the antique-finish touchWith wardrobes like these, you will look forward to dressing up every day. Price: Rs 14,000 Available at: Arbee International, 93/93 A Khara Tank Road, Chor Bazar, Mumbai.
Call: 9322236525,u00a0 9821074878Shine and styleSatin pillows in powder pink and champagne, like these fibre-filled ones, can be used to revamp old bar stools or add style to old sofas.Price: Rs 150 per pieceAvailable at: Modern Mattresses Mart, 40, Pinjara Street, off Abdul Rehman Street, Mumbai. Call: 23437075Whiff of summer
Set your cup of tea down on these dirt cheap coasters; the rose motif serves as a subtle reminder of summer in the countryside.Price: Rs 100 for set of 6Available at: Manoj Kumar's stall, Abdul Rehman Street, across Toy World.Rare spells classEach of these ceramic, porcelain and chinaware tea sets is the only one of its kind, and this store does offer a small selection of one-off tea sets like these as well as gorgeous vintage-style serving platters and trays.Price: Rs 600 for 6 cup-and-saucer setsAvailable at: Sparkling, 215, Bhatuadekar Building, RRMR Road, Prathna Samaj, Mumbai.
Call: 23885126Serve romance on a platterYou can lay out a few napkins in this gorgeous vintage style tray on a shelf in your bathroom, or else simply use it to pamper your guests with country-like hospitality.Price: Rs 450 to Rs 550 (available in two sizes)Available at: Details The Great Indoors.Pick up one-of-a-kind furnitureUnique, yet simple furniture and furnishings set the mood. This rocking, bamboo day-bed offers a package deal of inimitable style and comfort.Price: Rs 15,500 Available at: Details The Great Indoors, 12, Homi Modi Street, Fort, Mumbai.
Call: 22042128Vintage curios are a mustWe spotted this ceramic butter dish hidden away on a low shelf. You can find rare pieces like these at boutiques, and if you look carefully through your grandmother's almirah, you might stumble on one there. Price: Rs 2,750 Available at: Bungalow Eight, Grants Building, 17 Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, near Radio Club, Mumbai.u00a0
Call: 22819880, 22819881Spring can last forever
Nothing says "countryside" like a vase filled with flowers. These synthetic flowers also prove more economical than fresh alternatives, in the long-run.Price: Rs 1,350 (wooden pot); the flowers cost Rs 565 per stalk Available at: Details The Great Indoors.
