What is the shabby and chic cottage style?

I love the shabby style. In fact, I've been decorating that way for the past 30 years. I started going to flea markets and thrift shops when I was in my 20's because I could not afford to buy expensive furniture. I began to get such a feeling of accomplishment when I would take an old beat up table or box and transform it into something that received praise from my friends! I got addicted to that feeling!

Well, someone else came along, put a trademarked name to it and marketed it internationally. Well, it's just the flea market decor many of us have used and loved most of our lives and by now - WE are the experts!

I'll be talking more about this look on my next post.