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Is Belgian Style the New Shabby Chic?
Elegant yet relaxed, Belgian style looks to be a worthy heir by evoking calm, comfort and harmony at home
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
If you're finding shabby chic a little too shabby and not so chic lately, you may be ready to take a trip to Belgium. Belgian style has the soft comfort, light feeling and worn finishes but presents them more selectively. The style is a balancing act of light items and items with heft — a mix of raw and polished finishes, light and dark hues, antiques and new pieces, rough and soft textiles.
Staples of the style include Belgian linen for draperies, upholstered pieces and accessories. It incorporates items with patina — just some dashes of chipped paint, a little rust, weathered wood. It uses a specific palette that is neutral and often includes warm medium browns, taupes and all shades of gray.
Belgian style is simplified and harmonious, which is what makes it so elegant yet comfortable. If this is all sounding good to you, have a gander at these elegant spaces and see if you're ready for a Belgian makeover.
Staples of the style include Belgian linen for draperies, upholstered pieces and accessories. It incorporates items with patina — just some dashes of chipped paint, a little rust, weathered wood. It uses a specific palette that is neutral and often includes warm medium browns, taupes and all shades of gray.
Belgian style is simplified and harmonious, which is what makes it so elegant yet comfortable. If this is all sounding good to you, have a gander at these elegant spaces and see if you're ready for a Belgian makeover.
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Bring in the texture. Because Belgian style often incorporates a limited palette, the richness comes in via texture. Antique furniture and accessories as well as raw wood are very common elements.
| Buy scads of Belgian linen fabric for slipcovers, drapes and throw pillows. Simple linen drapes are a staple of the style, usually in off-white, taupe, soft brown or gray. Keep rods simple as well. Slipcovers are another common characteristic of Belgian style. This designer has also added bergère chairs and some slightly rusty industrial items. The seascape gives the room a coastal feel; Belgian is a great way to go in a beach house. |
by MuseInteriors
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Mix in fresh patterns. No, suzani and ikat patterns have not always been a big part of Belgian style, but if you keep the palette right, you may certainly incorporate just about any pattern you wish.
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by Justine Hand
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| Check out Benjamin Moore's Linen White paint (seen here). This paint color is a great way to get started on a Belgian makeover. Incorporate vintage textiles. The window treatments here look like they are made from vintage French flour sacks. These sacks are also great for upholstery and throw pillows. |
Start with a neutral base and add accessories. White paint, exposed beams and rafters, wood floors and gallons of white paint are a good base for a Belgian-style kitchen. The details bringing it home include the textured wicker market basket, the Belgian linen pendant shades and the antique pitcher on the counter.
by gregory lens
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Embrace taupe. This kitchen is actually in Belgium, not just trying to look like it is. Subtle green hues have found their way into the color palette as well.
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| Don't limit the slipcovers to the living room. Slipcovers extend to these dining chairs, upping the Belgian quotient in this kitchen. The palette, the wood countertop and the window casements also bring in the style. |
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Mix old and new. Somehow next to all of the modern ductwork and stainless steel accents, chairs that literally have the stuffing coming out of them provide just the right balance. In addition, the cabinets are a very Belgian gray.
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Don't bring out the silver polish. Matte finishes win out over shine when going for the look.
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Keep floral arrangements simple. Try keeping the colors strict, such as the green and white you see here, and use simple clear glass or antique metal vases.
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by gregory lens
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| Take the inspiration outside. This house in the Belgian countryside incorporates the gray, taupe and ecru palette, with lovely details like shutters and clipped shrubs. If you're excited to go Belgian and are looking to shop this look, two of my favorite stores are Hudson Boston and South of Market. More: Bag a French Accent with a Grain Sack Textural Touches on a Teeny Tiny Budget Book Tour: Patina Style |
Comments
Susan Mills Design Great article on Belgian Style Becky, don't forget Restoration Hardware for Belgian Style. They have it all too, the linen from Belgium, the planed untreated woods, the simple textured draperies and oversize chandeliers and pendants all staples of this style. Not only that they deliver!
10 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi Love this style! Thank you, Becky, I didn't even know it existed!
10 months ago · Like
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Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist Nice article. I have lots of clients who are currently gravitating towards this style, although they didn't know it was called Belgian. It's definitely similar to Shabby Chic, only European!
10 months ago · Like
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OliverINK Publishing I think it is more stylish than shabby chic. And I love taupe!
10 months ago · Like
PlanetDwell Awesome article. We love Belgian Style. If you are looking for amazing Belgian imports state-side check out Caroline Verschoor of Ekster Antiques at www.eksterantiques.com. We own a ton of Caroline' stuff. She imports direct from Holland and Belgium and holds sales in the barn adjacent to her Hamilton, Virginia home several times a year. 
10 months ago · Like
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Precedent We love Belgian styling so much, we have a whole furniture collection honoring it! If you loved this article, you will love Parisian Loft by Precedent. See our collection here: http://www.precedent-furniture.com/catalog_results.php?furniture_style=Parisian+Loft&furniture_type=all+types&model_search=+Search+item+%23&results_per_page=12&search_button.x=26&search_button.y=15&search_button=search 
10 months ago · Like
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Amanda C. Great article and images. I didn't know this style had a name. Susan Mills is right- it looks very similar to Restoration Hardware but the images you chose seem much softer and a little more feminine than R.H. I love it!!!
10 months ago · Like
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morgana44 The article was interesting and the houses quite nice. I never liked the shabby chic because it looked messy. But this is lovely and calming...this coming from a woman who lives in a English Country style home.
10 months ago · Like
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Timeless Wrought Iron Very chic! Belgian style is now on my radar.
10 months ago · Like
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gregory lens Of you like the house with the gray at the bottom of the article, have à look at www.interieurconsulent.be and have a look at the inside! :) 
10 months ago · Like
Joanna Zygo I find those photos not in Belgium style. I come from the Netherlands & I have a large collection of books & magazines about Belgian & Dutch interiors. There are different styles, like everywhere else: classic, modern, country style, sea-side style etc. Maybe you chose in this article a certain style/look, but it is not a dominant style at all. People like high quality, natural materials and top comfort. Below I give you some examples of work of Belgian interior designers. 
7 months ago · Like
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Joanna Zygo more photos 
7 months ago · Like
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Becky Harris Hi Joanna, thanks for providing those gorgeous photos - To clarify, this is generally how Americans are interpreting Belgian style for the most part.
7 months ago · Like
Joanna Zygo Becky, thanks, now I understand...
6 months ago · Like
lorirobinson Back in the day, we called it "Danish Modern". This is softer and more romantic, I love it! I always love a mix of old and new it just feels fresh!
5 months ago · Like
windingcreek_creations Now I have a name for a style I love
4 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 18, 2012.
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