Shabby Chic or the art of transforming someone else's junk into a prized possession

Shabby Chic started around 1990 but has become more prevalent these days because of the recession

. It's the definition of comfort, the beauty of imperfection, the allure of time-worn objects and the appeal of simple, practical living. It represents the appreciation for what is useful, well loved for those things that might be perceived as being too tattered to be of use or value. If one doesn't look at chips, stains, cracks, dents and irregularities, the charm of a piece can be returned to a functional, weathered, brand new life. With the downturn of the economy, everyone is looking to reduce costs and someone else's junk can become a new creation for very little money.

If you can use your imagination to look at a piece that you once would have qualified as junk into retransforming its usefulness, you can refurnish numerous products for your garden or patio into a very unique vision that will be uniquely yours.

Don't look at an old dilapidated wrought iron side table as no longer useful. The intricacies of the ironworks could indicate the piece's age. The curvy shape of the legs, the casters, could all be indications of old quality; examine the flowers for their intricacy and realism, for the delicacy of the edges and curves. Iron works from the forties and earlier are usually more detailed than later works. Depending on the dcor you want to achieve, you could restore this small table by spray painting it any color you want, putting it on your patio or deck with a potted plant on it, a candle or a lantern. Some French iron garden furniture can bring a special mood and instead of adding a predictable piece of glass to a table top, a mirror could add a whimsical touch; old windows and door moldings make great frames for pictures and mirrors; old metal or lead basins can be repainted and can house several flower containers together. Recycling an old bird cage can make an interesting new bird feeder; spray paint it black or green and hang it on a tree in your yard. An old bicycle can become a planter where you can put a potted plant in the basket and on the seat. Look for clay rabbits or birds and after spray or painting them in different colors, place them in your fountain as if they were drinking the cascading water. A weathered wooden milk bucket becomes a handy container for all kinds of tools on your workbench. In iron works, be it fixtures, gates, frames, tables or chairs, look for fine detailing and steer away from pieces that are too clunky or crude. If you can find an old gate, spray paint it and put it against a brick wall or white concrete wall for a special effect. If you are lucky to find an old wrought iron bench at a flea market, transport it home, spray paint it black or white, place it as a focal point in your yard and surround it on each side with pots filled with cascading flowers.

Salvaging wicker furniture is very rewarding as wicker is fairly hardy despite its frail appearance; weatherproofing it is a good idea if the furniture will be exposed to the ravages of sun or rain for extended periods of time. Adding a coat of paint is one way to lengthen the life of wicker.

The creativity of Shabby Chic is in the imagination of finding something to place in a negative space. Certain pieces will stand out as you learn to distinguish between trash and treasure. You can restore, revamp and complement an entire look and make it a focal point. Perhaps, in your yard, you have a vacant space in front of a wall, a corner which is too far from a door to be functional, or a long bed that needs a break to shorten its length; use some recycled objects to transform a common setting into a charming and unexpected scenery.

My business is http://www.theyardbench.com which is a one-stop shopping experience for creating your own personalized landscaping oasis, whether in a large yard, or a small corner of a deck, or a welcoming patio.

Shabby Chic or the art of transforming someone else's junk into a prized possession

By: Colette

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