For this weeks Trending post we're going to discuss the look of Chinoiserie and how to incorporate it in your own home. In case some of you are wondering what is the definition of Chinoiserie is its: “A style in art reflecting Chinese influence through use of elaborate decoration and intricate patterns.” We are sure you have noticed many interiors that fashion the Chinoiserie look or features one bold Chinoiserie piece. These elaborate items are sure to make a statement in any room with Asian inspired brass hardware or intricate hand drawings. Cabinets and screens are very popular items that you may see...
A Chinoiserie cabinet like this one from 1st Dibs is very practical since they make great storage units, dining room buffets or TV units for your flat screen. Screens such as these from Lamps Plus are a nice way to divide spaces or create floating walls if you live in a loft or open space. Chinoiserie accessories including wall art, lamps, rugs, wallpaper, textiles and of course home furnishings are just a few items you can use in your own home.
For vintage inspired Chinoiserie pieces look that have a less decorative looks search for Ginger Jar Lamps, Pagoda Chandeliers like this one from Pieces, or Foo Dogs like these from CB2. Gold Vintage Asian inspired mirrors are very common painted in gold like this one from 1st Dibs or cabinets like this one that has some Asian inspired detailed but isnt overly decorated from Vintage and Modern inc.com.
Tips for buying Chinoiserie:
Look for pieces that are in good shape. If the hardware is missing or the hand painted detail is badly chipped its nearly impossible to replace or could be very costly to repair. Check that the doors and drawers open easily. If you see an item that needs some work perhaps you may not care that it has its own patina or is not perfect.
Where to buy Chinoiserie:
If you are looking to buy affordable Asian inspired or Chinoiserie pieces from Ebay or Craigslist some key words to go by is Hollywood Regency, Blanc de Chine, Ming, Oriental, vintage Asian, bamboo, Faux bamboo, foo dogs, James Mont, Billy Haines, Tony Duquette, and vintage Japanese and Chinese.
Chinoiserie Wallpapers:
These beautiful wallpapers from Second Hand Rose would definitely make a statement in a bedroom placed behind a bed. We love the rich red colors of this wallpaper that would also look great installed behind a sofa to create a bold living room. Florence Broadhurst, a painter (among other professions) and designer, created a line of textiles in the early 1960’s from her influence of living in South East Asia and China. Her exquisite line of wallpapers can be purchased at Walnut Wallpaper.
Books on Chinoiserie
Designers that use Chinoiserie:
If you have a favorite Chinoiserie or Asian inspired piece in your home, please share it at our Apartment Therapy LA Flickr Pool. We would love to see how you have incorporated the look in your own home. Or If you know of some other great resources you would like to share, please add them.
Vanessa De Vargas is the owner of Turquoise, a Los Angeles furniture and interior decor business.
I just received the fabric for my next project: draperies and pillows for the den in Schumaker's Chiang Mai Dragon.
http://www.fschumacher.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=173273
view bepsf's profile
Well, this is actually japanoiserie, but I love origami paper. You can use it for decoupage very easily because it comes in easy-to-handle squares.
view Lisa Hunter (Montreal)'s profile
LOL, I am watching those blue ginger jar lamps on eBay... that pattern is called prunus & cracked ice, if anyone likes it and wants to look for other things.
view marie516's profile
So why is it that when it's a Chinese room, usually only Chinese stuff gets displayed (sometimes Korean stuff gets mixed in), but when it's Japanese room, it's almost always an equal mix of Japanese and Chinese? Is it really that hard to tell the difference? (That is an honest question. I grew up in Japan so the difference is obvious to me.) I think the only time it's confusing is when it comes down to writing/calligraphy, but definitely nothing else.
AT, I would really love a post dedicated to Japanese stuff sometime, rather than just "China" or a mix ("Asia").
view Mrs.Mack's profile
I agree with Mrs. Mack to stop grouping all the "oriental" items.
view madamelai's profile
Chinoiserie traditionally incorporated/mixed in various cultures, as it was the European interpretation of what they imagined the "Orient" to be. It was French for "Chinese-esque", so the interpretive nature was there from the start in the late 17th century, making this post not really about the real deal, but a specific style that has historical and current merit (especially with its incorporation into the renaissance of Hollywood Regency in recent years).
MrsMack: I think we currently cover a great deal more about Japanese design than China already, despite our desire to hunt out and post from other parts of Asia (I've posted from sources in Korea, the Philippines, HK, Singapore). In this particular case, the style of chinoiserie is exactly in regards to that Western reinterpretation of asian motifs. But if you know of any leads to places/people/designs in Japan we could highlight, please send them our way...I've always appreciated the Japanese aesthetic and would love to cover it more.
view gregory's profile
Sad thing is, it's all covered in lead
view john m's profile
I added a bunch of asian pieces in my home to the flickr pool. I've mixed up textiles, art, and casegoods with contemporary elements.
view kimg924's profile
Hellooooo, 1988. Been there, seen tooo much of that.
view paintitbright's profile
Unfortunately, I don't have any leads...which is why I was hoping to see more here. :(
Japanese decor is sometimes mentioned here, but not as often as you think (I've been obsessively reading AT since August when I discovered this site so I've been paying attention), and when it does it's not always true Japanese decor, as I mentioned above.
There are lots of posts that are design *inspired* by the Japanese, but it's not very Japanese looking (it looks very modern, and the traditional Japanese look is not modern).
Too bad so sad for me, I guess. :(
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Thank you Vanessa and Gregory for the mention! We have a great selection of Asian-inspired furniture and more over at LampsPlus.com. Design tips and ideas at our LightPost blog, too.
Apartment Therapy is a favorite of ours ... thanks again!
view AdamG's profile