Soft. Distressed. Faded. Antique. Elegant. White. These words are used so often to describe the classic chic style and do capture the overall feel of this decor. We envision certain and specific images when we hear these words and that’s what makes shabby chic recognizable and familiar. But there are other important elements that make lassicc chic so interesting. Individuality. Juxtaposition. Creativity.
It might seem odd to pair classic chic design with modern art, but sometimes the most unlikely pairings create the most stunning design. Look at the following image from Topsy Turvy Style. Here a bold, hard-lined modern painting by Ellsworth Kelly contrasts the soft, delicate design work of an antique table.
One modern art piece like the image above makes a statement of creativity and individuality. It’s a juxtaposition of hard versus soft lines and bold versus muted colors and it’s easier to incorporate than you might think. And you can even make it yourself (yes you can!)
Here’s another image from Ellsworth Kelly that we’ll use for inspiration. And yes, he is one of my favorite artists! Look at the design and composition, not necessarily the colors. Your modern art piece can have any colors you choose.
By using (free) paint chips from your local store you can create something very similar. This piece below was created by Mark Montano and he shows you exactly how to make it on his blog. Neat, huh?
So what do you think about mixing modern art with classic chic? Is it something you would consider?
Some of us may have a collection of mismatched plates in our possession. Maybe we just can’t let go of Grandma’s last remaining plate or we’ve picked up a few miscellaneous treasures at a local vintage/resale shop. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it’s a shame to keep them in the cupboard. Your unique plate collection could make a wonderful artistic display for most any room in your home.
Plates can be displayed in so many ways. They can be displayed in color groups, in a symmetrical design or totally random, the choice is yours and no method is wrong.
Hanging the plates is made easy by purchasing pre-made plate hangers that are adjustable to fit most plates. For a diy alternative, Martha Stewart shows you how to create your own plate hangers. I’ve seen some people who have hot glued a loop of ribbon with a D-ring to a plate. Use what you are comfortable with.
If layout is a concern for you, try tracing your plates face down on a sheet of paper and taping them to the wall for placement. Place the first plate at eye level. In most cases you’ll want one-third of the plates above this level and two-thirds below. Some large collections may fill the entire wall as seen in the images below.
As you can see, the result can create a stunning affect. Even the hanging of a small collection of one to three plates can be visually pleasing and bring pleasant memories of the past.
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