5 Shabby Chic Summerhouse Ideas

1. Use neutral colours

Use a palette of neutrals such as white and cream to achieve your shabby chic summerhouse look.

Add textures to maintain interest with white washed or distressed wooden accessories like tables and book shelves then bring in the likes of linen or lace accessories with cushions, throws and furniture to add detail.

Include grey as part of your neutral colour tones within your shabby chic summerhouse. Choose grey accessories, or a grey laminate or vinyl flooring to break up the lighter hues. Dusky soft colours work well for accessories like cushions and throws.

2. Include floral prints in your shabby chic summerhouse

Punctuate the neutral backdrop with a splash of colour. Pink, mauve or vintage blue work well when choosing accessories such as cushions and throws.

Include pretty floral prints to add interest. Pink is less harsh than red, and adds to the romantic feel of a shabby chic summerhouse. Use pink floral prints with your accessories or, for a bolder look, try a floral print wallpaper on a feature wall.

3. Bring in distressed furniture

Distressed furniture is key for the theme of a shabby chic summerhouse. Distressed or reclaimed wood will add to the mood and create beautiful textures too.

You can pick up vintage or distressed furniture cheaply at boot sales or on eBay. Why not try making over a piece of furniture yourself for a shabby chic look? It’s easier than you think, and incredibly satisfying to give a wooden chair or table a new lease of life with a distressed look. Simply follow one of the hundreds of tutorial guides online.

4. Mix and match vintage accessories

A shabby chic theme thrives on vintage or antique items, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. Hunt through boot sales or online sales for pretty mirrors, distressed picture or photo frames, lamps, coffee tables, vases and jugs.

The great thing about a shabby chic summerhouse is that anything goes. Mismatched vases or mirrors give a handcrafted feel. Stick to your neutral colours and punctuate here and there with an accent colour like soft dusky pink or vintage pale blue.

5. Choose soft furnishings

A shabby chic summerhouse needs to be a calm and inviting retreat, and soft furnishings can instantly add warmth.

Add plenty of cushions and warm cosy throws. Long billowing curtains can help add to the country feel, but keep it light by avoiding heavy drapes.

Woven rugs will add texture and cosiness. Again, stick to your neutral tones with an occasional splash of your chosen accent colour.

Looking to create a shabby chic summerhouse? Let the experts at Surrey Hills Garden Buildings help.

A shabby chic summerhouse provides a welcoming, peaceful retreat in a style that won’t date. With some careful thought, this vintage, country theme needn’t be expensive or difficult to achieve.

Why not visit our dedicated show site for inspiration? Our family run team is on hand to give friendly advice on everything from design and installation through to decoration of your shabby chic summerhouse. You’re welcome to get in touch for more information.