Ponder these phrases and let them help you create your shabby chic vision as you select the elements that will comprise your bedding and overall look:

• pillows, feather beds and duvets
• mushy comfort
• crisp, freshly laundered and crinkled sheets
• floppy ruffles and embroideries
• tufted headboard
• covering a mattress with a floral cover
• 30x30 european pillows
• always remember the flat sheet
• bring the natural freshness and fragrance of the outside, inside
• soft color palette

A soft color palette is a given for this style.

You decide if it is going to be whites, creams, soft pinks, blues, peaches, etc. Make that decision before you make any purchases. Have a plan.

The sheets should be most of all comfortable and soft...price or thread count isn't necessarily the measuring stick of your decision.

The pillows and shams you select are key to the shabby chic style, and as stated above, there should be multiple pillows on the bed in varying shapes and sizes. The 30" x 30" European style pillow should find its way to your shabby chic bedding plan, so keep an eye out for this unique size.

Comforter or duvet cover...make sure it is soft and 'mushy'. I think in terms of sinking into the bed covers, surrounded by lots of cushy pillows when I visualize a shabby chic bedroom.

If you are searching for the most 'bang for your buck', start with flea markets, antique shops and garage sales. You might be surprised at the treasures that can be had if you use patience and persistence.

To purchase new, Target offers a Shabby Chic line endorsed by Rachel Ashwell, so you can be confident of the products and their inspriration.

Another inspired source for shabby chic bedding is Layla Grace, a unique, higher end online source for bedding and furnishings for your entire shabby chic our cottage style home.

You'll find links to Layla Grace through some of the images on this page and they will take you directly to the products pictured. Or, simply click on the image below and you can search this fabulous site to your heart's content. But let me warn you...once you see what Layla Grace offers for your home, you'll be hooked!

How about window treatments? Remember the color palette, the softness of the fabric, think of a soft breeze billowing and ruffling the curtains ever so softly...that is the look you want to create.

Then there are the accessories, such as lighting, area rugs and artwork. Above all, put your heart into the selections for your bedroom design and the result will be a room that you will love!

Do you love the shabby chic decor you have created in your home? Why not tell our readers about it! It's simple and easy. Just go to Shabby Chic Decorating and scroll down the page until you come to the box where you can enter your comments. Have fun!

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