Get the Look: Shabby-Chic & Vintage

Antiques dealer, Clara DiGiuseppe, shares the rules to follow to get her look.

• Don’t buy anything new. Shop flea markets and antique shops, and always opt for vintage versions of anything you want.
• If it’s painted, it’s better.
• Practicality should be your guiding principle. Make sure you only buy what you can use and have room for.
• Keep everything light. From furniture to textiles to the paint on the wall, keep your color palette light and fresh.
• Always keep comfort in mind to create a truly relaxing and stress-free home. I like comfy furniture that is already beat up so you don’t have to worry about it no matter what happens or what your children do.
• Stick to your budget. I really don’t have anything expensive in my house. If it’s too pricey, I refuse to buy it. Moreover, if you pay a lot, then in many ways you are stuck with it; you don’t feel like you can be creative and alter it or change it out if you are ready for something new.

By Jickie Torres
Photography by Mark Tanner
Styled by Jacqueline deMontravel