DECOR CRUSH: Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie, a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque" refers to a recurring theme in European artistic styles since the 17th century which reflects Chinese artistic influences. I've been head over heels with this style ever since I bought my first set of kitschy vintage Chinese wall dancers in my 20's and obsessed over just how many pagoda style lamp shades I could get my hands on while browsing local antique stores. More recently I've been smitten with it's buttoned up resurgence. Chinese influences paired with french feminine lines have been popping up on the runways and all over the interior world (magazines, blogospere, trade shows). Although the pairing sounds a bit limiting as far as decorating goes, as you'll see here, it's rich neutral color palette and classic detailing are super versatile.
Here are a few of my favorite seasonally appropriate inspiration shots along with some "GET THE LOOK" ideas.
One of my all time favorite examples of opulent Chinoiserie paired with a few clean lined modern pieces. The mural wallpaper and pagoda style daybed are to die for.
Chinoiserie inspired looks on the runway. LEFT: Burberry Prorsum RIGHT: Oscar De La Renta Fall 2013 runway.
DETAILS:
Whether on a lantern, a simple bedside table or an intricate patterned bamboo wallpaper, these trellis inspired motifs channel Chinoiserie and look super fresh and current without looking "trendy".
"Chinese Bamboo lattice" wallpaper from designer Bob Collins adorns the walls of this gorgeous Chinoiserie inspired bathroom.
Coleen & Company offers some of the prettiest examples of modern Chinoiserie lighting. Their designs are elegant, super feminine and simplified for a more polished feel but warning...these are not for the penny pinching type!
Check out this Ikea bedside table that has been updated with gold overlays from myoverlays.com . They offer super easy and cost effective ways to update and transform simple pieces of furniture into high end designer looks.
Furniture overlay from myoverlys.com pttern
Xandra 7" X 22.5" X 1/4"
INSPIRATION ROOM:
This bedroom is a great example of how Chinoiserie in the bedroom can feel classic, cozy and rich . Of course this bed is a little over the top for most people's liking an the antique Chinese couch is a bit elaborate but the "get the look" versions are the perfect paired down translation.
GET THE LOOK:
1. Metal pagoda style "Maison" canopy bed from PBteen 2. Rolled arm "olivia" sofa from ZGallery 3. Classic swing arm sconce from Circa Lighting 4. White painted "sete nightstand" from Overstock.com 5. Faux fur throws from Restortion Hardware 6. "Ayanna Black" white sheets with black grossgrain trim from Bliss Living
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