Decorating Guides
Decorating Styles
Is Belgian Style the New Shabby Chic?
Elegant yet relaxed, Belgian style looks to be a worthy heir by evoking calm, comfort and harmony at home
If you're finding shabby chic a little too shabby and not so chic lately, you may be ready to take a trip to Belgium. Belgian style has the soft comfort, light feeling and worn finishes but presents them more selectively. The style is a balancing act of light items and items with heft — a mix of raw and polished finishes, light and dark hues, antiques and new pieces, rough and soft textiles.
Staples of the style include Belgian linen for draperies, upholstered pieces and accessories. It incorporates items with patina — just some dashes of chipped paint, a little rust, weathered wood. It uses a specific palette that is neutral and often includes warm medium browns, taupes and all shades of gray.
Belgian style is simplified and harmonious, which is what makes it so elegant yet comfortable. If this is all sounding good to you, have a gander at these elegant spaces and see if you're ready for a Belgian makeover.
Staples of the style include Belgian linen for draperies, upholstered pieces and accessories. It incorporates items with patina — just some dashes of chipped paint, a little rust, weathered wood. It uses a specific palette that is neutral and often includes warm medium browns, taupes and all shades of gray.
Belgian style is simplified and harmonious, which is what makes it so elegant yet comfortable. If this is all sounding good to you, have a gander at these elegant spaces and see if you're ready for a Belgian makeover.
Bring in the texture. Because Belgian style often incorporates a limited palette, the richness comes in via texture. Antique furniture and accessories as well as raw wood are very common elements.
Buy scads of Belgian linen fabric for slipcovers, drapes and throw pillows. Simple linen drapes are a staple of the style, usually in off-white, taupe, soft brown or gray. Keep rods simple as well.
Slipcovers are another common characteristic of Belgian style. This designer has also added bergère chairs and some slightly rusty industrial items. The seascape gives the room a coastal feel; Belgian is a great way to go in a beach house.
Slipcovers are another common characteristic of Belgian style. This designer has also added bergère chairs and some slightly rusty industrial items. The seascape gives the room a coastal feel; Belgian is a great way to go in a beach house.
Mix in fresh patterns. No, suzani and ikat patterns have not always been a big part of Belgian style, but if you keep the palette right, you may certainly incorporate just about any pattern you wish.
Check out Benjamin Moore's Linen White paint (seen here). This paint color is a great way to get started on a Belgian makeover.
Incorporate vintage textiles. The window treatments here look like they are made from vintage French flour sacks. These sacks are also great for upholstery and throw pillows.
Incorporate vintage textiles. The window treatments here look like they are made from vintage French flour sacks. These sacks are also great for upholstery and throw pillows.
Start with a neutral base and add accessories. White paint, exposed beams and rafters, wood floors and gallons of white paint are a good base for a Belgian-style kitchen. The details bringing it home include the textured wicker market basket, the Belgian linen pendant shades and the antique pitcher on the counter.
Embrace taupe. This kitchen is actually in Belgium, not just trying to look like it is. Subtle green hues have found their way into the color palette as well.
Don't limit the slipcovers to the living room. Slipcovers extend to these dining chairs, upping the Belgian quotient in this kitchen. The palette, the wood countertop and the window casements also bring in the style.
Mix old and new. Somehow next to all of the modern ductwork and stainless steel accents, chairs that literally have the stuffing coming out of them provide just the right balance. In addition, the cabinets are a very Belgian gray.
Don't bring out the silver polish. Matte finishes win out over shine when going for the look.
Keep floral arrangements simple. Try keeping the colors strict, such as the green and white you see here, and use simple clear glass or antique metal vases.
Take the inspiration outside. This house in the Belgian countryside incorporates the gray, taupe and ecru palette, with lovely details like shutters and clipped shrubs.
If you're excited to go Belgian and are looking to shop this look, two of my favorite stores are Hudson Boston and South of Market.
More:
Bag a French Accent with a Grain Sack
Textural Touches on a Teeny Tiny Budget
Book Tour: Patina Style
If you're excited to go Belgian and are looking to shop this look, two of my favorite stores are Hudson Boston and South of Market.
More:
Bag a French Accent with a Grain Sack
Textural Touches on a Teeny Tiny Budget
Book Tour: Patina Style