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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Chinoiserie Chic

dChinoiserie, a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque", refers to a recurring theme in European artistic styles since the seventeenth century, which reflect Chinese artistic influences. It is characterized by the use of fanciful imagery of an imaginary China, by asymmetry in format and whimsical contrasts of scale, and by the attempts to imitate Chinese porcelain and the use of lacquer like materials and decoration.
(Wikipedia)

Chinoiserie Chic is a blog solely dedicated to this amazing design style.
The majority of the pics shown were found there.

Mary McDonald

This is a classic example of Chinoiserie design. Toile patterns, black furniture (normally lacquered) and hints of Asian architecture.  I have always ear tagged these types of dining rooms in the glossy magazine.  I have a folder filled with chinoiserie inspired rooms.

Chinoiserie is such a good blend of french and traditional design. 
I think it adds whimsy and an eclectic touch to a room.

Here a Greek key design is built in to this bamboo mirror.
Animal prints are always thrown in for good measure.
YUM!


Chinese Garden Stools are another must have!

Really?  I could die and go to heaven from this pic!
Symmetry at it's best.



This is my lame attempt to add some chinoiserie to my home.
I have a long way to go but I am seriously inspired to go all the way now.

I am thinking of painting the furniture black and finding some really cool bamboo piece(s).
I have been searching for new art for the walls.  This could get out of hand!

If you want to read more about Chinoiserie visit Posh Interior Design Blog for some great info!
What are your favorite design styles?  Do you like stepping out of the box?

I am anxious to hear what you have to say.

I am sharing this post with It's a Hodgepodge Friday!
Enjoy!

9 comments:

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Love this post! I have been researching this same style lately. I recently purchased a Chinese art styled tray plus my console table has the bamboo legs, which I'm attempting to paint black. So it got me to thinking about Chinoiserie. I don't want a room full of it, but like you, I enjoy a touch of it here and there.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Lacy,
I think what you call your lame attempt, looks gorgeous, you just have to grow it a lil at a time. I'm with you on that room, it is really gorgeous, I love that blue and white. It is just so elegant!!
Good decorating takes time. I have learned that unless I love it I don't bring it home, cause any time I have ever settled, I usually wanted to kick myself for not waiting till I found exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes you don't know but when you see it you know it!!
Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos, yours included dear!!
Blessings, Nellie

Vanessa said...

I think we may have been separated at birth Lacy! :-) I LOVE all of those inspiration pics and they are very similar to ones that I always go back to in my dog-eared magazines. Your "lame" attempt is gorgeous and I love that you love symmetry too. You are a girl after my own heart! :-)
Vanessa

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi lacy, The blue and white toile room with the zebra bench is absolutely fabulous. I like your idea of painting the chest black and you have a great start on your chinoiserie chic bedroom.
Hugs, Sherry

lila Braga said...

fabulous post...Iam sure you will get there,after all Rome was not built on a single day! good start so far!!

Beth Connolly said...

Thanks for the mention-Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

xinex said...

So much inspiration here, Lacy. I love the rooms, love both Asian and French decor. Thanks for sharing...Christine

Unknown said...

Thanks for mentioning Posh Living! I think there is no "too much" when it comes to Chinoiserie, if you are truly a fan. Best of luck with the bedroom project!

Lisa Montsion said...

I wish my rooms in my home looked like these.

lisa