Are you looking for shabby chic decorating ideas to use in your kitchen? Here are several easy and fun ideas that I have personally used to incorporate shabby chic decorating in that all-important room of the house—the kitchen.

Start by taking an inventory of keepsakes and newer knick knacks that you like and could be used as shabby chic home decor in the kitchen. Keepsakes that I used in my shabby chic kitchen were an old wooden recipe box, vintage measuring spoons, old tin cookie cutters, a miniature iron, an antique compact, a ceramic rose-design dish with lid and serving spoon, a vintage tea set and a couple of small photos in antique frames.

Decide where you will display your items. I used a tall, wrought iron corner shelf with four shelves to display the above items. On each shelf I draped a small lace doily that hung over the edge of the shelf. What I liked best about this collection was that it was tucked into a corner and out of the flow of traffic, and at the same time it was very attractive. It was a wonderful way to display keepsakes instead of having them packed away in a box.

Shabby chic home decor such as vintage bowls, trays and vases can be displayed on counter tops and then brought to life by actually using them. Your family and guests will enjoy the uniqueness of their past and also their present beauty. For most family holiday dinners I bring out the family heirloom serving bowls and trays. What a great way to remember those good ‘ole days!

Kitchen curtains are an excellent way to add that shabby chic look with a unique twist. In place of the traditional cafe curtains, use a valance scarf made out of beautiful shabby chic cotton. Instead of the usual valance scarf draping over a rod use a scroll-type hook, drape the scarf as usual over the hooks and then thread the scarf through each hook from the back to create a “puffy circular” look to each corner of the window. This is very attractive and unique plus holds the scarf in place. The sides of the scarf hang about half-way down the window for added interest.

A wrought iron chandelier with a distressed finish is a great shabby chic home decor addition over the dining table in the kitchen. It adds flair to the shabby chic decor without being too formal.

Remember, shabby chic decorating can be used in any room of the house. Let your imagination and ingenuity flow to create a beautiful and unique shabby chic look to your home.