Shabby Chic Kitchens - how to

Hello,

on Friday my kitchen top broke and I'm really not happy considering that it has only 6 yrs. To cheer me up I decided to look for shabby chic kitchens inspiration. Unfortunately it won't give me back my kitchen (not shabby at all :-( ) but it made me think about something else.

Here some tips on how to create one from Ehow and a nice selection of pictures.

How to Create a Shabby Chic Kitchen

1. 
   
   
   Step 1
   Take a good gander at your kitchen. Consider the existing style in terms of wall color, cabinets and other details. Also take notice of the size and unique layout of the room. Determine if there is enough floor space to accomodate additional pieces or wall space for cabinets or shelves. If not, begin thinking about how you could alter the existing look to achieve a more rustic feel. New paint and certain paint effects along with the right accent pieces will help change the look of the area.
   
2. 
   
   
   Step 2
   Measure the floor and wall space. Also measure windows in case you get new treatments. Write down this information along with a wish list of kitchen items. From canisters to cup towels, think about the types of accessories that will develop the shabby chic feel.
   
3. 
   
   
   Step 3
   Search your house for forgotten home decor items. Shabby chic style utilizes less than perfect pieces, so check the garage for discarded items deemed as unpresentable. They may be the perfect display piece for a shabby chic kitchen. Also consider how a new paint job may give new life to a neglected treasure.
   
4. 
   
   
   Step 4
   Create your color palette. When going for a country cozy feel, consider all white. Shabby chic style allows for mismatched color and follows no hard and fast rules. Typically the cottage feel is defined through the use of lighter colors. Soft pastels convey country comfort, but when it comes to color, there are no hard and fast rules. As long as the exterior finish is worn, any colors may be used.
   
5. 
   
   
   Step 5
   Delve into the details. Incorporate materials like wood with iron, iron with glass and pay no mind to its condition. Chips, cracks and other signs of age are desirable defects. Kitchen linens should look homespun. Display embroidered hand towels and old fashioned oven mitts. Display tin canister sets, delicate sugar bowls and other precious glassware. Without over-cluttering counter tops, develop the shabby chic feel through clever display of hand-picked items. Salt and pepper shakers, coffee mugs and other functional kitchen items are opportunities to play up the rustic motif.
   
6. 
   
   
   Step 6
   Select the right furniture. A chunky French-style wooden table provides the perfect accompaniment to a shabby chic kitchen. Give solid wood tables and chairs another coat of paint, let dry and then sand the piece to show layers of color. Also consider white washing for a country farmhouse feel.
   
   Tips
   

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  Hit garage and estate sales for authentically aged pieces. Look for wrought iron, tin, wood and wicker pieces.