Why is the distressed look in everything the new trend?
by Jeff C
+10
Just wondering why turning something from junk into something great and then a little bit like worn junk is all the rage these days?
13 answers
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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!
![Keep it Simple]()
Keep it Simple
on May 29, 2012
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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.
![KMS Woodworks]()
KMS Woodworks
on May 29, 2012
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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"
![Kelly F]()
Kelly F
on May 29, 2012
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To "re-purpose" or re-use something keeps it out of the land fill, etc. It is somewhat "green".
![Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.]()
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Jun 01, 2012
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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.
![Therese C]()
Therese C
on Jun 03, 2012
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But that's EXACTLY the point Therese!! Trash to treasure - whether it be the shabby chic, distressed or sleek & sophisticated!!
![Susan S]()
Susan S
on Jun 03, 2012
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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
![Therese C]()
Therese C
on Jun 03, 2012
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I'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.
![Jeff C]()
Jeff C
on Jun 05, 2012
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being 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!..
![Coalhouse general store]()
Coalhouse general store
on Mar 02, 2015
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I 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.
![Bonny McDaniel]()
Bonny McDaniel
on Apr 23, 2015
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It is also a great way to cover up any mistakes you made when you painted it. Not that it has ever happened to me. LoL
![Barb]()
Barb
on Feb 05, 2016
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We 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.
![Sharon Bartee]()
Sharon Bartee
on Mar 21, 2016
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Homey, comfy, informal, warm, welcoming, says. 'we live here". Old, vintage, distressed mixable with other styles if done correctly.
![Cherie]()
Cherie
on May 09, 2016
Keep it Simple
on May 29, 2012
KMS Woodworks
on May 29, 2012
Kelly F
on May 29, 2012
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Jun 01, 2012
Therese C
on Jun 03, 2012
Susan S
on Jun 03, 2012
Jeff C
on Jun 05, 2012
Coalhouse general store
on Mar 02, 2015
Bonny McDaniel
on Apr 23, 2015
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