INTERIOR STYLE: SHABBY CHIC

Since dipping my toe back in the world of blogging about interiors when I posted about a new brand I had discovered last week, I have been itching to do something else interior based. Some of you will remember my interior series I did a while back, and I really don't know why I stopped doing it. I have a huge love for Interior Design, and focusing a lot of my final year University work on it made it really blossom. I've been hooked ever since and if I'm quite honest *whispers* I would rather spend money on furniture and homewares than clothes. Gasp!

Anyhow, I don't know how long this will last, but I've decided to try out a new little feature, showing you how to achieve certain interior styles and looks on a budget. I'm starting off with a look that is pretty similar to my own bedroom, which is Shabby Chic. I absolutely hate that saying but I can't for the life of me think of another way to describe it without sounding too pretentious, so forgive me for the great big stench of cheesiness there.

Another reason why I wanted to do this look as the first is because of another great little homeware site I recently discovered, called Gifts From Handpicked. They specialise in all things pretty for the home and garden, and also stock a great range of gift ideas. Their home ranges are perfect for this style, and are also really affordable, which is what I wanted to show through this series. How to ‘get the look for less’ in a nutshell.

So, to get the ball rolling, I clicked onto Pinterest and searched for some pretty images that translated the look perfectly (I would have used images of my bedroom but it's an absolute bomb site right now. Not my fault, honest). I love the contrast of the distressed wood and metal furniture against crisp white walls and modern elements. Thick black angular frames are positioned next to aged, vintage-esque prints, and pops of pastel colours add a fresh, summery feel throughout. Accessories such as bird cages, plants, bunting and candles are also dotted around to create interest and a 'random' feel. Pretty, right? I then popped over to Gifts From Handpicked where I scoured high and low to find the perfect items to recreate this look at home.  

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I managed to hunt down some beautiful pieces from a number of the brands, including the East Of India range at Gifts From Handpicked. The gorgeous typography prints and the Union Jack Bunting are all from this selection, which I adore and are really great prices (I actually spotted number 5 selling for almost double the price at John Lewis!).  I wanted to include some accessories similar to those seen in the pictures that had an eclectic, vintage feel to them, and I think the lantern, birdcage candles and coasters give the perfect look for this. Team things like these against crisp white objects such as the bird coat hanger and the floral detailed square bin and you have a lovely combination. My absolute favourite item though has to be the stags head. This is a great piece to add drama and interest whilst still keeping the feminine, pretty vibe going. There are tonnes of versions of this on the site, and the prints are just beautiful. You all know how much of a sucker I am for a good floral print!

What do you think of this feature? What interior style would you like to see me recreate next time? Have you shopped with Gifts From Handpicked?