What’s Chic?
The word Chic is used by fashionistas and fashion magazines and we know it has something to do with style, but just exactly what does it mean in the context of interior design and furnishing?
Chic means stylish. That's it! It can also mean fashionable or smart, depending on the context it's used in but you'll get the sense of it from that.
Some people use Chic to try to give themselves an air of superiority. They might say Yesterday's Chic or Baby Chic or Delaware Chic... Sometimes they don't know what they're talking about so don't be taken in.
Shabby Chic is a common term, however, and is quite an interesting concept. Essentially, it refers to furnishings which are old or antique and/or modern furnishings which have been distressed to appear to look old. The accent is on a soft, feminine appearance and there's often a minimalist element.
Shabby Chic is a wonderful concept if you're trying to save money because you can buy old and second-hand furniture and fabric and design a room or youe home around it. It's also great fun, going out looking for bargains. And, done well, it looks absolutely wonderful!
So, knowing that Chic simply means style, you're free to follow your own sense of fashion and design and confidently tell everyone that it's pure Chic.