My 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!

It 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.

Just 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"

To "re-purpose" or re-use something keeps it out of the land fill, etc. It is somewhat "green".

I 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.

But that's EXACTLY the point Therese!! Trash to treasure - whether it be the shabby chic, distressed or sleek & sophisticated!!

Oh 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!...lol