Find out more about designing a shabby chic kitchen - a variant of the vintage style that impresses with light colours, natural materials and loving details. Visible signs of wear, pastel colours and handcrafted surfaces are typical. The style combines rustic charm with elegant lightness and creates a cosy, feminine atmosphere.
The shabby chic kitchen tells stories: Furniture and materials may show traces of time and appear deliberately imperfect. The mix of old and new, patinated wood, chalk colours and delicate textiles is typical. In contrast to the more rustic country house kitchen, the shabby chic look is more romantic and lighter.
Characteristic features:
Modern kitchens can serve as a source of inspiration for realising a contemporary style.
The Shabby Chic colour scheme is soft and harmonious. Instead of bold tones, chalk colours such as off-white, rosé, sage green or light grey dominate. They give the kitchen a calm, cosy appearance and contribute to a harmonious, inviting atmosphere. Typical shabby chic colours and their effect in a room:
| Colour tone | Effect in the room |
|---|---|
| Old white | timeless and bright |
| Rosé | romantic and soft |
| Sage green | natural and calming |
| Light grey | elegant and subtle |
| Cream | warm and friendly |
Suitable materials include wood furniture with visible grain, stone slabs or tiles in off-white. Wooden fronts with a wiped finish create the typical patina. Matt surfaces are ideal - they emphasise the used look and feel natural.
Authenticity takes centre stage when choosing furniture. Free-standing cabinets, buffets with glass doors or open wall shelves in the shabby chic kitchen create a cosy atmosphere. It is important that each piece has character.
Typical furniture for the shabby chic style:
Tip: A combination of new and old furniture looks particularly authentic. Individual pieces from the flea market or lovingly restored family heirlooms give your kitchen a unique personality.
The worktop in shabby chic style should look robust and natural at the same time. Wood is the first choice - oiled or matt lacquered. Natural stone or ceramics also harmonise with the style if they have a restrained design.
| Material | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | warm, natural, can be re-sanded |
| Stone | easy to clean, durable, elegant |
| Ceramic | scratch-resistant, resistant to stains |
A matt surface brings calm to the overall picture and harmonises particularly well with pastel colours and vintage furniture. A flush-mounted integrated BORA hob blends in harmoniously and combines modern cooking with shabby chic charm.
Find out more about the combination of classic materials and modern technology in our article on the living kitchen.
Light plays a central role in shabby chic. The lighting should be soft and warm to emphasise the romantic character. Pendant lights made of glass, porcelain or metal with an antique look are ideal.
Recommendations for the lighting concept:
Luminaire systems such as BORA Horizon or BORA Stars create additional depth and divide the room into functional zones that also appear cosy.
Even small rooms can be attractively designed in shabby chic style. Light colours, open structures and the targeted use of decorative elements are crucial.
Tips for small shabby chic kitchens:
Even small rooms appear airy and friendly - ideal for the charming cottage look.
Decorative elements are the icing on the cake in shabby chic. Textiles made of linen or cotton, delicate floral patterns and nostalgic accessories characterise the picture.
Classic decorative elements:
Take care not to overload the room. Less is more - the style thrives on a balance of simplicity and romance.
The matt BORA hobs blend harmoniously into the shabby chic kitchen. Their soft surfaces and clear design create a calm aesthetic with technical comfort.
A shabby chic kitchen is more than just a trend. It is an expression of individuality, cosiness and attention to detail. The style combines the originality of a country house kitchen with a romantic touch and modern functionality. Chalk colours, natural materials and handcrafted structures create a home that radiates warmth - every day.
