So what do you do when you want to decorate in the shabby chic style, but it’s in opposition to what your partner wants?  Create your own shabby chic cottage that you can visit any time you want!  The couple in this New York Times article found the perfect solution.  His ‘n’ hers getaway cottages.  Take a look at the beautiful design aesthetic that Sandra Foster employed in her cottage.

image sources via New York Times

It’s summer vacation season again and time for ultimate relaxation!  I’m drawn to the breezy, relaxed style of shabby chic beach cottage decor.  Weather-worn and whitewashed furniture, bright sunlit rooms and ample sitting space on the porch are the signs that say “This way to the beach!”

Beach cottage style emphasizes natural textures and colors.  Pale blues, sea foam greens, and sandy colors abound.  You really don’t need much decoration for this style, and who needs it when the ultimate decoration – the beach is just right outside!

Functionality, as in the kitchen above, and a relaxed conversation space are all that is needed.

…and a comfy place to sleep and dream…

images and sources can all be found on my houzz page as well as some other great beach cottage style images.

Much of the appeal of creating a shabby chic home lies in finding one of a kind vintage treasures.  Flea markets offer a perfect opportunity for you to dig around and uncover a neglected piece of furniture, just waiting to be dusted off, freshened up, and debuted in your living room! (If you haven’t experienced flea market shopping, be forewarned, it’s quite addicting!)  

If you’re already addicted or even if you’re just curious about flea market style, then you’ll want to be hanging around your local magazine rack in the spring of 2010.  A new magazine, entitled Flea Market Style will be debuting.  It promises to give you advice on collecting, it will highlight vintage style decorating, and even include some projects for you to try.  

The designers who started this magazine are Ki Nassauer and Matthew Mead, and Linda MacDonald of the Restyled Home chronicles it all in the Flea Market Style Magazine Blog.

Flea Market Style Magazine