Why is the distressed look in everything the new trend?
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Keep it Simple on May 29, 2012My feeling is that people are trying to get back to the days when life was much simpler and people lived much simpler. The"farmstyle" look of painted furniture takes us all back to our grandparents farm. It is a breath of fresh air to feel like you are not going to hurt the finish on your furniture. It evokes a peaceful, easy feeling for me. I love it!Helpful Reply
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KMS Woodworks on May 29, 2012It is just one of many "fashion" trends. There was a time when "black lacquer" was all the rage. I do also believe that people are trying to "reconnect" with a simpler age.Helpful Reply
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Kelly F on May 29, 2012Just because.. Shabby Chic- and I think it's popular now because the economy is so lousy- you can pick up stuff for free/cheap- but a shabby distressed finish on it and use it in your home or garden. Cheap, easy and currently "chic"Helpful Reply
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Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. on Jun 01, 2012To "re-purpose" or re-use something keeps it out of the land fill, etc. It is somewhat "green".Helpful Reply
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Therese C on Jun 03, 2012I reuse and re-purpose any furniture that I can, but I definitely do NOT like the distressed look. It makes me think of furniture that is in sad need of a face lift.Helpful Reply
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Susan S on Jun 03, 2012But that's EXACTLY the point Therese!! Trash to treasure - whether it be the shabby chic, distressed or sleek & sophisticated!!Helpful Reply
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Therese C on Jun 03, 2012Oh don't get me wrong..in the right environment shabby/distressed looks really good. Like with layered French style curtains and such. With me it is because I have spent so many years trying to keep my furniture sleek looking that I get the ambitious itch to redo!...lolHelpful Reply
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Jeff C on Jun 05, 2012I'm with Therese and that's why I asked the question in the first place. I suppose if you have an old farmhouse or like things to look worn and torn, then the look is good. But to me, distressed furniture looks as if it's ready for a new life, despite it getting a facelift.Helpful Reply
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Coalhouse general store on Mar 02, 2015being an antique dealer for over 26 yrs now, its just a trendy thing...when i started selling antique furniture many moons ago, the rage was victorian oak, all original, then they starting demanding it all to be varnished and shiny, then it slowly went to rough primative style, then the art deco period got really in the groove for a short while, then came the mid-century all original, now its paint anything u can get u hands on due to the economy crunch, recycle, upcycle, ect... became all the rage, but honestly its all in what u love and making it ur own, fads come and go, but a good solid piece made from wood will always stand the test of type and style.. black or white will always go anywhere,and u can get the same look with a flat paint as u can a chalk for a lot less money i paint and sell pieces and they always fly when i do it... distressing gives it character and softens the edges for a more comfy look!..Helpful Reply
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Bonny McDaniel on Apr 23, 2015I think comfy and homey describes the distressed look which I love in my informally furnished home. If you are a Traditionalist with polished furniture, then you wouldn't be comfortable with it, I suppose.Helpful Reply
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Barb on Feb 05, 2016It is also a great way to cover up any mistakes you made when you painted it. Not that it has ever happened to me. LoLHelpful Reply
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Sharon Bartee on Mar 21, 2016We all have personal preferences, and mine is to clean up pieces that are still in relatively good shape. Might have to tighten a joint, but other than that I always try to imagine the history of the piece. Of course, it has to be something that appeals to me in the first place.Helpful Reply
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Cherie on May 09, 2016Homey, comfy, informal, warm, welcoming, says. 'we live here". Old, vintage, distressed mixable with other styles if done correctly.Helpful Reply
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