Shabby Chic in Disguise
By ModHomeEcTeacher
Am I crazy or isn't Swedish Country just Shabby Chic tidied up a bit, pink fuzziness removed from the photographs and tighter fitting white slipcovers? From every photo and blog I've seen touting Swedish Country, it looks to me like Shabby Chic.Marketing decorating styles has become very similar to selling fashion. If it's renamed and given a little twist, it can be resold to an entirely new demographic. For some reason this reminds me of the genius of Disney.
I'm neutral on the style, I'm just waiting for someone to acknowledge this obvious switcharoo.
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DIY Journal is the weekly column I write for The Indianapolis Star along with periodic DIY photo-tutorials for www....
Elaine
I've never even heard of Swedish Country style, but shabby chic design is influenced by European styles and their preference for quality both in design and workmanship.
I like the top photo, and certainly slipcovers can be more fitted and still be shabby chic. But to me it is a bit formal, and doesn't show the personality of the homeowner. The shabby chic home usually tends to be a bit more quirky, or livable, even for pets and kids, as Bella B said.
I agree with you that decorating has become more like fashion, in terms of marketing. I just like what I like!
ModHomeEcTeacher
I think if you look closely there are some differences but overall, the untrained eye won't know the difference between the Swedish Country and Shabby Chic.
A nice set of slipcovers is a great gift!! They've always been beyond my sewing capabilities.
BellaB
The practical side to white slip covers is that they are durable (I had them made in white denim $4.99 per yard!) and they can be washed in the washing machine so they never have to look dirty! Even with kids and pets they are really easy to care for and you know that you are sitting on actually clean, dirt and dust-mite free furnishings. (Think about how long some people keep their upholstery...I'll bet they NEVER have it cleaned...yuck!)
About the "Swedish Country" theme...I always thought it had to have somewhat of an actual Swedish pedigree or influence, such as light colors, minimalist patterns and a furniture style that was a bit more "fanciful" (aka Gustavian). Shabby chic, I thought, was about learning to love living with things that are "imperfect" (chipped paint on furniture, unironed natural fabrics, natural distressing on furniture and objects.)
Now, about marketing different decorating styles after a sublte tweak...not sure what to think...is it corporate greed at work...trying to touch on emotions that lead to purchases? I don't know. One thing for sure is that the titles they slap on their mass produced unauthentic pieces are just that. Nothing much in that photo speaks of "Swedish Country" to me.
donna
Are all these white things designwed by people with no kids or pets?
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