Veronica Solomon
Sep 22, 20214 min
If you've followed me for a while, you may be aware of my love for Chinoiserie. In almost every room I have completed, I have incorporated some element of the enduring classic of Chinoiserie in one form or another.
If you are not familiar with what Chinoiserie is, you may have guessed that it has something to do with China just from the word itself. It does, but it also has a lot to do with Europe.
Chinoiserie is a style in art reflecting Chinese influence through use of elaborate decoration and intricate patterns.
The word Chinoiserie is a French word, and the motif itself is often a European take on it, reflecting the way they imagined life in the far east. Often the scenes depicted are fanciful and whimsical Oriental details with Chinese people in elaborate costumes. Animals like monkeys were included in the sceneries, as well as grand pagodas and fretwork.
Chinoiserie also made its way into furniture like the very popular Chippendale style, and architectural details and elements like fretwork and greek key.
The term itself is very recognizable and the motif very distinct whether it is the European or Chinese. Much of Chinoiserie furnishings is manufactured in China today.
The motifs that are popular now are more graceful with birds, flowers and Chinese scenes.
I have a whole curated collection of Chinoiserie decor in my Amazon storefront. Check them out HERE
Now that you know what Chinoiserie is, how about some great ideas of how you can incorporate it into your home decor?
1 - Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to go bold with Chinoiserie. This one requires a commitment, so you must love it to go this route. Not only is it a bold statement, but it can be a significant investment.
These beautiful refined and classic wallpapers make a timeless statement in your home, so they will last a very long time and still feel fresh and up-to-date.
They often come in individual panels, each being a part of an overall scenery that continues around the room.
You can see with this "the Mural source" paper called Picardy Emplastro the pattern repeats after 20 panels that are 36" wide.
The sceneries are meant to tell a story, and so are perfect for rooms like a dining room, powder bathroom, even a nursery.
2 - Framed Wall Panels
Wall panels or wallpaper framed as art can be a less expensive route to go if you love the look of the murals but may find them to be out of your budget range.
You still get the great Chinoiserie motifs on a large, statement-making scale, for less.
3 - Collection Of Ginger Jars
Ginger jars are pretty popular these days, so they are very easy to find. This is a great way to incorporate Chinoiserie into your home in small doses. Maybe add one or a few in your book shelf styling or on table top
Here we used these ginger and temple jars as actual functional vases with fresh hydrangeas on the kitchen island.
Check out my Designers Picks collection HERE, where you can find some great ginger and temple jars you can bring home.
4 - Pillows
Pillows are a great way to incorporate Chinoiserie into your decor without a major commitment. A low investment for major impact. The strong pattern works very well with geometric patterns
These are a few great options from one of my favorite pillow sources, Arianna Belle
Peacock Garden Turquoise | Blue and Taupe Chinoiserie | Chiang Mai Dragon
Plus check out 101 of my favorite Chinoiserie-inspired pillows on Etsy HERE
5 - Antiques + Reproductions
I love an interior space that feels storied and collected-over-time. Antiques are a great way to achieve that authentic feel in your home.
Incorporating pieces in the Chinese Chippendale style is a great way to incorporate Chinoiserie.
Check out your local flea markets, Facebook marketplace and antique shops for some great finds. Here are a few current options from 1st Dibs to get you started. These are typically one of a kind pieces, so act fast if you love what you see.
Chinese Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chair | Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Chairs | Chippendale Style Wall Brackets | Chinoiserie Vitrine | Chinese Chippendale Burl Three-Drawer Chest | Flamed Hardwood Chippendale Style Coffee Table
6 - Fretwork Panels
Incorporating fretwork panels into doors, furniture, stairs is a subtle way to introduce Chinoiserie into your decor.
Here are some great patterns from My Overlays. Some applications you can actually do as a DIY weekend project.
My Overlays was first known to me several years ago as a way to level up Ikea furniture.
People would share simple Ikea furniture that they added these overlays to and painted to look like unique, high-end furniture.
Check out their website to see some examples of finished work using their overlays. Very inspiring.
7 - Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the elements that don't have to match the exact style of your space.
Remember I mentioned a storied and collected looking space is ideal? Well, I love incorporating really elaborate and ornate mirrors with a more modern space for a more eclectic feel.
The ones below are pretty ornate and gorgeous Chippendale style.
I could see them over a fireplace mantel or in a dining room or an entry way.
Reach out to us directly for more information about these mirrors.
8 - Other Decorative Elements and Chinoiserie-Inspired Furniture
Adding an accent piece in your decor is another great way to incorporate Chinoiserie. Even in a modern space, a Chinoiserie inspired piece of furniture will become a treasure or conversation piece.
Black Lacquer Trunk | Oriental Coffee Table | Oriental Mother Of Pearl Headboard
Look how gorgeous this folding screen is!
9 - Chinese Calligraphy Brushes
A few years ago, Chinese Calligraphy brushes burst on the scene as the newest trend.
I have to say that I fell madly in love with them. The wonderful detail of the handles in various materials like jade, ceramic, bone, stone, and lots of colors, was very intriguing to me.
And so my collection began.......
I now own quite a bit of calligraphy brushes. Now you can too. Check out my Designer Picks for my curated collection HERE
Now that you have 9 great ways to incorporate Chinoiserie in your home, what will you be starting with? Leave me a comment below.
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Wishing You Beauty And Inspiration!
Veronica
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