Be the first to comment! Enter your comment in the form below.

Shabby chic--no way!!!! I am not into the "rummage sale finds", I want clean couches--never been used others pets and children. Unpainted, scratched, dented are not a style but a mess.

Posted by Jan – July 25, 2008 12:57 PM

Kim speaks and carries herself with confidence. Speaking out about Shabby Chic has gotten more blog space than anything else. Amazing to see so many people refer to Shabby Chic as a "Southern" thing. My first association with the design element was in arrogantly shabby cottage homes on the shore in the North. The furniture has been in famlies for years and are true treasures among "wealthy" people who delightin the time worn shabby look. Keep entertaining us Kim! Thanks HGTV for worthwhile decorating shows...not so keen about the boring real estate shows.

Posted by Garnette Lewis – July 24, 2008 3:41 PM

FYI, the design teams didnt really get the true shabby chic look, they really dont know much about it. Orange wall? No,No alot of the look was not shabby chic. Shabby chic is mostly elegant with touches of faded color, mostly, pale mint, pink, white, baby blue. NOT orange, Matt did a great job using architectural pieces.
As designers if your client wants shabby chic , then you need to know shabby chic...

Posted by Kim – July 21, 2008 1:43 AM

I also do not like Shabby Chic whatsoever. Kim, you're doing a great job on your show. Keep up the good work.

Posted by Ginger – July 18, 2008 11:12 PM

Call it trashy cheap instead of shabby chic.

Posted by Linda Pidgeon – July 16, 2008 11:56 PM

lol "shabby chic..." is that the hip way of calling "grandma tacky" these days? come to a trailer park near you, i'll show you authentic shabby chic

Posted by jy – July 14, 2008 11:03 PM

I called the winners of both Design Stars. They are still doing great jobs. I also have enjoyed Kims Blogs. I am not a computer person but this show has got me hooked. I like Kim's, how did that gal call it "Rats Nest" hair do. That is my favorite of her looks! She impresses me more everytime I listen to her. Being a full figure gal myself, I like the way she dresses. She carries it off well. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing more of Kim and also David in the future. I have to say I'm on the fence with the current show. I agree with the eliminations so far but nobody has really stood out as a true well rounded star so far!

Posted by Edie S – July 13, 2008 1:06 PM

I agree 100% with your observations Kim! I do not like shabby chic either, and agree with Redhead001. However, as a designer in a competition, one needs to be versatile and make good use of a measuring tape! Glad you won Kim! Although you did not measure, you clearly have what it takes! Can't wait for episode 6!! :O)

Posted by Daughter Nature – July 12, 2008 11:39 PM

I like shabby chic in some instances. I think every person and each room can have their own design and element. Kim I love what you do with so much less resources than many other designers. You show the audience that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a nicely designed and pleasant room. Keep up the good work. My daughter and I both rooted for you and watch your shows (as well as all the other HGTV shows).. We're addicted to HGTV!! It's nice to have good wholesome TV!!

Posted by Connie – July 12, 2008 7:00 PM

Hi Kim, I hope you read this.I am such a big fan of you and also David Bromstad. I think you are wonderful and it is very inspiring to see your work. I too have a passion for designing and seeing your work encourages me to design as well. I am not in the Interior design field, but I would LOVE to design one day. My 9 yr old daughter loves you as well. She would love for you to design her room . I wish you the best and keep up the GOOD WORK.

Trina

Posted by Trina – July 11, 2008 4:31 PM

Shabby chic is friggin sick

Posted by Shanna – July 11, 2008 3:39 PM

Who said designers have to like every style out there? Kim was being honest about her opinion. I hate Victorian; anyone here want to take on designing a room in 1970's "Colonial"...probably not. Designers DO NOT have to like or design whatever their clients what...they can reject a client if they are not on the same 'design' page

Posted by redhead001 – July 11, 2008 1:05 PM

Oops! In my earlier comment, I said Matt did a nice room with Trish and Tracee... I meant Mikey V. So sorry!

Posted by Selene – July 11, 2008 2:18 AM

Kim, I have been a fan of yours from your first episode on Design Star, and was overjoyed that you won. Myles of Style is fun to watch and I am learning some helpful design tips from you. Shabby Chic is not my personal style, but I do think Trish, Tracee, and Matt designed a nice suite that exemplified Sarah's style. After all, isn't satisfying the person(s) you're designing for the priority???

Posted by Selene – July 11, 2008 2:07 AM

I like "Sarah Evans" chic. It is very comfortable and appealing to the eye. I also love old (not shabby) things. I thought the rooms were well put together and successful for what was happening. As designers, we need to be open and accepting of different styles and ideas. I don't care for Kim's show, but I believe she will improve with experience. She has a great personality and TV presence. I love HGTV and appreciate having a learning experience with almost every show. Kim, you go girl!

Posted by Sue A. – July 11, 2008 12:33 AM

Kim, Just read some of the blogs...ouch and unnecessary! Love your show and room makeovers....keep your hair and makeup...you look like great! I like a little shabby chic..but not too overdone. The door headboards did look great...but we've seen that done quite a bit on hgtv. Overall, I think the time window is a little too tight for some of the projects. We have to remember the contestants haven't worked an HGTV show yet.

Posted by Carol – July 10, 2008 3:32 PM

I don't care for shabby chic either! I do think that they did it correctly, though. Trish is my favorite.

Posted by M N Skladanek – July 10, 2008 2:28 PM

Hey Kim, from one designer to another, ignore the idiots and focus on your style, hair included. But on the side, can you tell me when and where I can go to Nashville to view the "design for the public" design star final two. I can't find it anywhere online. I figured if anyone would know, it would be you.

Thanks girl!

Posted by Melissa – July 10, 2008 8:55 AM

I find it interesting that anyone would believe it is classy to personally attack television hosts based on opinion only. I find it so petty to comment on personal appearance. Also, a good hair stylist is aware of style trends, design, and color principles.

Posted by Nick – July 9, 2008 5:14 PM

Kim, I hope you read these. Sorry, but you desperately need a serious makeover. When you appeared on Design Star, your hair was styled and neat. Also, you were careful about your make up looking nice. Now, your hair looks like a rat's nest, and you need to resume with a full make up treatment. Your clothes are nice, but they are too tight for your full figure. And really, you need to cover up your b--bs. We really don't want to see them. Since you are a beautician by trade, would you please take better care of yourself? And yes, you need to be more humble and natural, and stop acting so hard. Maybe you will gain more fans if you do.

Posted by Rachel – July 9, 2008 4:21 PM

Kim was very fortunate to have won last year. She only had one good room, that was the one in Hawaii. That being said, I do not have a problem with her saying that she disliked shabby chic. What's the point of blogging if you are not going to be truthful? I hate shabby chic also. I have lived in the South all of my life. Location is no excuse for tacky.

Posted by apple – July 9, 2008 10:51 AM

I believe that Kim was very fortunate to have won last year. She had one, count them one, good room last year. However, I don't have a problem with her saying that she doesn't like shabby chic. What would be the point of her blogging if she was going to lie? Shabby chic is tacky. I have lived in the South all of my life, that's is not an excuse for that crap.

Posted by annie woodson – July 9, 2008 10:10 AM

I'm with Julie Bifaro. There is NOTHING chic about shabby. Growing up a coal miner's daughter, all we had was worn and chipped, often dragged out of the town dump. I yearned for the day I would be grown up and hopefully work and actually buy something new sometimes. Now at age 74, I don't have a lot, but what I do have looks as nice as I can make it. As for Kim Myles, she was merely stating her opinion (this is still America). If she had a client requesting shabby chic, she would do her utmost to give them style they could be proud of. Lighten up, guys! Joyce Allard

Posted by Joyce Allard – July 8, 2008 10:53 PM

Love Kim, love her show. Do I like all of her designs - no way, but hey that is what makes each of us individuals. I don't hate shabby chic, but don't love it either. There were elements in each room that I liked and some I hated. I have yet to see a completed room on this season that makes me sit up and go wow.

Posted by Dee – July 8, 2008 10:18 PM

I agree with most in this blog...don't admit that you hate a certain look. As a designer you look at those requests as a challenge. Who knows after researching this look you may come to like something about Shabby Chic.

Posted by Bridges – July 8, 2008 8:57 PM

Kim you do a great blog. Relaxed genuine and honest. I, too, do not like shabby chic. It looks old, dirty and wormy. I wouldn't want it in my home. As for roughing up and painting over beautiful wood.... I can't believe people do that.
On the other hand, I have seen pickled pine which looks dreamy and beachy.

For me the crackle glazing is bizarre. When I was little I used to see junk thrown in the street. Some of it was furniture which had been painted badly. Maybe it was flat paint over oil paint or vice versa, but every time I see crackle glaze I think of garbage in the street.

Posted by Demeter – July 8, 2008 6:21 PM

Personally,I am not a fan of Shabby Chic (aka Deleriously Dilapidated). Decorating with Shabby Chic in a high end hotel, just doesnt make sense. In a Bed and Breakfast it would have made perfect sense. They could even have gotten away with it in the haunted mansion. It was nice to see Tracee finally come through with something, but it feels like too little too late. I am anxious to see the next challenge.

Posted by Jayson – July 8, 2008 5:25 PM

KIM MYLES IS A VERY CLASSY LADY WITH HER OWN OPINIONS. FOR A DESIGNER NOT TO LIKE A CERTAIN STYLE IS TYPICAL. NONE OF US LOVE ALL STYLES AND SHABBY CHIC IS JUST THAT SHABBY

Posted by NICENSOFT – July 8, 2008 1:35 PM

I don't mind shabby chic but I disagree with how it often gets mixed with "prim". The headboard doors were prim (primitive) - too shabby to be shabby chic IMHO. Old doors equal shabby chic; peeling paint equals primitive.

I was brought up in the era of 'Danish'. Blonde wood to this day gives me the absolute creeps; but if I were a designer I think I'd keep my opinions to myself so I too was a bit taken aback by Kim's comments.

*make note to self - do not hire Kim to update my mother's shabby chic home*

Posted by Di – July 8, 2008 4:46 AM

Can we assume that Kim would be honest enough to pass on the job if the client requested Shabby Chic? Somehow I think the paycheck would win and the room would be a disaster! It's in the bag!!

Posted by Jan Mc – July 8, 2008 1:08 AM

It's a BLOG people. This is KIM being REAL. Having her look all glam, like a TV show, would not fly with the REAL factor of the blog. Her admitting she hates this look is REAL. Designers are real people, that all have their own tastes. It's nice to get an inside look and hear what Kim actually likes...

That being said. I have to agree with her...Shabby Chic makes me feel like I'm in an old abandoned barn. Just bad. It's really NOT chic at all. Just the look of those crusty, old doors...makes me feel grimy. LOL!

Thanks for sharing your dish Kim! You're not affraid to step outside the glam and show us a REAL part of you! Thanks!

Posted by Milehighguy – July 7, 2008 11:34 PM

I love shabby chic. Is supposed to be an unstudied look of comfort and of faded elegance. I don't think it will ever be out of style here in the south. My grandmother's were both "shabby chic" before it was given a name and I have inherited many of their beautiful old things now and am carrying on the tradition...

Posted by jenngga – July 7, 2008 10:19 PM

Shabby Chic is taking vintage items combining them with new items to give a more modern look to your vintage furnishings. It doesn't mean flaky, chipped pieces falling everywhere. I loved Trish's teams room because it did have a modern feel to it, the headboards were great but should have been sanded down removing all loose paint and then painted.Too much distressing for today's shabby chic. They needed to paint out their items in whites or creams for a cleaner look. Shabby Chic is not passe and is actually on it's way back in but not with the old attitude. It is much more sleek and chic with a contemporary feel. I actually don't find either of the past design star winners shows very interesting or enlightening so I don't watch them. I am not sure the winner that they pick this year will be any better. I think the judges are out of touch with what their audiences really want to see. I absolutely hate red but I would never tell my clients that or avoid using that color if that is what my client wanted.

Posted by Sandra – July 7, 2008 10:02 PM

Like Kim, I dislike shabby chic; nevertheless, that is what the client wanted, and both teams did a pretty good job of delivering it (except for Team Jennifer's couch choice problems). Kim is a very talented designer, who demonstrated that talent in every challenge last season, and I'm quite sure she could do shabby chic if the client so wanted. Remember that her own show has a theme, and that is to create high style on a practically nonexistent budget.

Posted by Syl – July 7, 2008 9:48 PM

I have a room that is very hard to decorate. It only has two walls and four doors, plus a fireplace. What would you do.

Posted by Trudy – July 7, 2008 7:52 PM

Shabby chic is over, really over. Been there, done that. Those Southern Belles need to move forward a century or two. What an awkward situation for young designers to be in.

Posted by annie – July 7, 2008 6:56 PM

I like shabby chic.... but I think the term is mistakenly thought of in broad terms, when really it more like an exact science. Neither room strictly adhered to a true shabby chic. Sherpa stools looked out of place and the headboards were just too obvious. The look should be worn yet still beautiful and comfortable. I think peeling paint, rusty objects, rickety furniture are way over done. A little goes a long way. Sans the headboards, the winning bedroom looked best.

Posted by Jan S – July 7, 2008 4:54 PM

I am not a fan of Shabby Chic but I also found elements to love about the rooms. The 'homey items' hit the mark as well as the comfy sofas and beds. The most important thing is that the designers gave Sara Evans what she wanted, not what THEY wanted to design for her. Now THAT makes them good designers! And the fact that it took Shabby Chic for Tracy to be on track makes me want her off the show even more.

Posted by Susanne – July 7, 2008 4:34 PM

I love Shabby Chic!! And I LOVE Trish's team's rooms!! Way better than the other team! I would love to have a living, dinning and bedroom exactly like that!! Best rooms I have seen so far on Design Star!

Posted by Linda Wilson – July 7, 2008 4:25 PM

kim you rock and i agree with you all the way.

Posted by sandy merlino – July 7, 2008 3:59 PM

Talk about not liking Shabby- Kim is the poster child for Shabby and Not Chic as well. A little too close to home, Huh? What a hoot!!!

Posted by Lynn – July 7, 2008 3:29 PM

Yes! Finally a designer who admits that she is not a fan of shabby chic. There is nothing wrong with her making that statement either. I thought that Team Trish did an outstanding job on their room. They really listened to everything Sara said she likes about shabby chic and made sure to incorporate each element into the room. And it really showed. The other room did not quite feel complete. There were a lot of empty spaces. And I just knew it was a mistake when Team Jennifer chose a leather couch for the room. But I was still saddened that Stephanie had her show canceled. Can someone please explain why Tracee is still in the competition?

Posted by Kim – July 7, 2008 2:39 PM

I loved the rooms and Kim admitting she does not like shabby chic is a very honest answer and I am sure if she had a client that wanted that look she would do her best to please them and do a great job is'nt that what it is all about. The 2nd team really listened to what Sara Evans wanted and captured that just that much more than the 1st team. We'll see how they do next week.

Posted by Brenna – July 7, 2008 2:39 PM

Kim is correct shabby chic is passe, and certainly not interesting enough to do a revival of the style in another decade or two.

Posted by qbear – July 7, 2008 2:16 PM

I think we all need to remember that Kim is a hair dresser and not a designer. While she may have won last season, I think she struggles with pulling off quality designs. Her show is right up there with DESIGN ON A DIME. I do not care for either.

Posted by sky – July 7, 2008 1:56 PM

I love the shabby chic look and have to admit that Trish's team completely nailed it. The suite was perfect in every way. I felt Stephanie was the logical choice to eliminate this week. Trish may have done well with the hosting portion, but she has a cold practiced smile--no sincerity, no warmth. I hope my favorites do better in the next challenge.

Posted by Iris – July 7, 2008 1:41 PM

I CANNOT BELIEVE that Kim would dare to say that she doesn't like shabby chic. Sorry folks, but ALL of her decorating is very, very SHABBY, but NOT Chic!!!!! Also, What has Kim done to herself? She looks awful!!!! Obviously like many, I am NOT a Kim fan!

Posted by Rachel – July 7, 2008 1:07 PM

I like shabby chic to a certain extent. When it is too crumbly and may look tacky then I don't like some people just love it. I think Kim was just expressing that it is not her taste but I believe if she had a client who wanted it and she agreed to do it she could bring it home for them as a professional would. She didn't say it was wrong to love it.

Posted by Mel – July 7, 2008 12:39 PM

As someone who grew up in the era where shabby chic was the norm because no one had any "money,", I shutter when I look at this because it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Believe me, if you had this because there was no choice, and you couldn't afford a can of paint to "clean it up", or didn't realize that sandpaper can smoothe out roughness, you would not find this attractive. having said that, I liked what the two teams did, but I wouldn't live with it.

Posted by Julie Bifaro – July 7, 2008 12:28 PM

I love shabby chic! The rooms felt comfortable and inviting not cold and stark. These were my favorite rooms from all three seasons. I have already started to plan how I can make one of my bedrooms look like team Trish's. My daughter has been shopping for shabby chic things for weeks. Now I see what she loves about it.

Posted by Kerianne – July 7, 2008 11:15 AM

I was taken back by Kim's remarks about "Shabby Chic." That was a BIG professional mistake. A good designer will find the challenge with a personally, unlikable style and create a fantastic look. The one team certainly gave us a beautiful suite that reflects what can be stunning and "Shabby Chic." Bottom line, all the elements were there including comfort and good style.

Posted by Linda – July 7, 2008 10:52 AM

I think it was fine for Kim to admit she doesn't care for a particular style. The way she did it was cute. She's not out to get business here; she's critiquing. I think she was just trying to be honest to show that her feelings about the style might influence her comments. There is no way every designer likes every sytle. Normally, with a customer, I'm sure Kim would be very tactful and would give them what they want. You don't have to like it to be able to do it successfully. She's in a different role here though, so being open about her preferences is fine, even refreshing.

Posted by Eleanor – July 7, 2008 10:51 AM

Shabby Chic is very popular and it takes a good eye to do shabby without going too tacky or rustic while also being able to add just the right amount of chic without going gaudy. Kim Myles does not seem to have natural design talent but rather a stiff learned talent. I suspect that she finds Shabby Chic difficult for her to do and therefore does not like it.

Posted by bloggrbabe – July 7, 2008 10:32 AM

It's hard to imagine any professional designer saying that they "hate" any style that a potential customer may hire them for..there goes any job that Kim may have gotten in Shabby Chic.
Personally- I love it ... and have a cottage that is perfect for this design theme. The room created last night was so tasteful...so comfortable and relaxing. My favorite of all the design rooms on any season so far!

Posted by Sue – July 7, 2008 8:10 AM

Too me Personally as a designer you should be versiltile whether you hate the look or not; Your Goal is to please your client. I thought I was not that big on shabby chic but after seeing team trish suite tonight I absolutely loved it.

Posted by Jenine – July 7, 2008 3:38 AM

Well considering she's more shabby than chic, I don't think she has the right to say boo here. I mean I don't prefer the style at all and agree it's not the best unless your the kind of person that likes it but I don't believe Kim Myles is the one to speak out about it, I mean it's like a double standard, someone with no style complaining about a certain style? Give me a break!

Posted by Darksidehearts – July 7, 2008 2:07 AM

I find things to love in all design styles. As a designer, it is not about me. Unless it is my room. It is about my customer and what makes them feel good in their own home. They may enjoy the cozy feeling of shabby chic or country cottage. Or they may feel calmed by the minimalism of the currently popular lean modern. Living in the opulance of faux European may make them feel successful and secure. It is my job to improve their life, each and every day, by giving them the luxury of surroundings that make them smile!

Pamela

Posted by Pamela Ables – July 7, 2008 12:01 AM

there's a reason it's called "shabby"! It has no business in ANY design. If someone wants it for themselves, it should be done by that person. Don't make a designer do that.

IMHO

Posted by Mike – July 6, 2008 11:07 PM

YES!!!!!!Shabby-chic envokes happy thoughts of yesterday and cozy days ahead! It is so much more creative than just going in the store and buying what anyone can buy-you have to have a discerning eye and be able to create new images from well-loved vintage and antique elements!

Posted by paris*flea – July 6, 2008 10:38 PM

I, too, am not a fan of "shabby chic"; however, there were elements of the winning teams design that were fantastic! I didn't like the stenciling but loved the coffee table. I did like to faux paint on the bar. I did not like the "door headboards" but somehow they worked. I thought they were a bit tall. When I saw the second suite I knew that Sara Evans would love it. It was everything she spoke of and more. What's more was the pleased look on Sara's face when the design was revealed to her. Great job!

Posted by Shannon J. – July 6, 2008 10:18 PM

I am not really a fan of shabby chic but if a client wanted that I could pull it off by throwing in some of my "flava" and updating the shabby chic look to help put the emphasis or chic rather than shabby. Tracy had the right idea on this project and I have to admit I am rooting for her now.

Sincerely,
Zoë

Posted by Zohar Peltzman – July 6, 2008 10:18 PM