What is shabby chic and why has it become so popular?

Shabby chic: A design style used to describe a softer, opulent cottage style

Shabby chic is used in interior design to describe furniture and furnishings that have the appearance of aging and the signs of wear and tear or is used to describe newer items or new items of furniture that have been distressed or treated to achieve the appearance of being antique or what has become to be as known as ‘shabby chic’. Shabby chic items are often very heavily painted over many years, with many layers showing through with obvious worn areas. The style is enhanced by using a glaze or by painting then rubbing and sanding away the topcoat to reveal the wood or base coatings, this is known as "distressing". Furniture pieces that are not genuine antiques or vintage items are usually selected due to their resemblance to older furniture styles. The style evokes the type of decoration found in large country houses in the UK where there are worn and faded old pieces of furniture that have a certain style and elegance and a lasting appeal