Everything You Need to Know About Chinoiserie
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Even if you don't know it by name, there's a good chance you've seen the Chinese and East Asian-inspired Chinoiserie designs. The term is derived from the French word chinois, which means “Chinese,” and it's been a popular style in interior design for ages. In fact, Chinoiserie dates back to the 17th century, and it was essentially the Western European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian traditions and lifestyle. It spans the full range of decorative arts, including wallcoverings, furniture, pottery, textiles and garden design, and after its debut in France, the aesthetic became a fascination of European society over the next century, as trade with China and East Asia grew.
As a style, Chinoiserie is similar to the Rococo style. Both are characterized by fanciful decoration, and a stylized nature and subject matter that focus on images of nature, leisure and pleasure. Although it has been around for hundreds of years, the charm and allure of all things Chinoiserie endures today.
In my opinion, every home should have a piece of Chinoiserie (or two!). When carefully placed, a Chinoiserie piece adds color, character, and a refreshing element of whimsy to a space. One statement piece in a room is probably sufficient, especially when combined with other furniture and lighting that represents other styles. It's all about the mix!
The most common colors in Chinoiserie painting are black and red. This chinoiserie painted chest adds just the right touch in this chic entry:
Like a bright red lipstick, this mirror will enhance any room. And properly placed (for example, in a small entry, as a side table, or even in a bathroom,) this little chest oozes with style!
Personally, I am drawn to the “off-beat” colors in Chinoiserie decoration. As soon as I spotted this showstopper of a piece, I knew I had to have it. This 19th-century Georgian secretary has been painstakingly hand painted with wonderful vignettes and details. It boasts so many little nooks and crannies and has a wealth of secret hiding places as well. Its terracotta color with gold leafing detail has aged to spectacular soft patina over the years and could work well with almost every color palette. One could decorate a room around this gem!
How charming is this little vignette in another orange piece?
This striking armoire in a rich teal caught my attention. Its depth of color and wonderful shape would add instant character and personality to a room!
If you want to make a statement somewhere and don’t have either the funds or the space, these unique, large cabinets could to the trick! These unusual cabinets masquerading as urns would look fabulous in an entry or flanking a fireplace.
On cannot think about the arts of Chinoiserie without considering the timeless beauty of hand-painted Chinoiserie wallcoverings. The first company to import Chinese wallcoverings to the US was Gracie, founded in 1898, and still thriving today. Here's an example of one of their designs in a bathroom Eddie Lee designed. What's amazing about Gracie's work is how the company creates such timeless designs within a centuries-old style.
Another very sought-after creator of Chinoiserie paper is the house of de Gournay. All of their papers are hand-painted works of art—the haute couture of interior design. One of my favorites is de Gournay’s Pink Aquazzura de Tropical: A perfect combination of old and new, serious and playful!
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