Chinoiserie Chic

I'm A Giant Challenge - The Reveal Redux

2012-02-01T08:30:00.002-05:00

Since the I'm a Giant Challenge dollhouse reveal was extended to today, here is another look at my Chinoiserie Chic dollhouse. Below are the links to my original posts on each room if you would like more photos and the details. Stay tuned later today for my new surprise reveal.

The Singerie Entryway
The Luxe Living Room
The Orange and Turquoise Dining Room
The Black and Gold Lacquered Kitchen
The Hollywood Regency Dressing Room
The Pink Chinoiserie Bedroom
The Spa Chinoiserie Bath
The Zebrine Office
The Rooftop Pool and Garden

The Singerie Entryway

The Luxe Living Room

The Orange and Turquoise Dining Room

The Black and Gold Lacquered Kitchen

The Hollywood Regency Dressing Room

The Pink Chinoiserie Bedroom

The Spa Chinoiserie Bath

The Zebrine Office

Exterior Front

Rooftop Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, and Garden

Rooftop

Exterior Front

Exterior Rear

Rooftop Pool, Hot Tub and Cabana

I'm A Giant Challenge, Michelle Nussbaumer, and Paul Montgomery Studio

2012-01-31T17:00:00.004-05:00

What could the three things in my post title possibly have in common? Well, one of my all time favorite Chinoiserie rooms is this one by Michelle Nussbaumer for the Greystone Estate-Veranda Show House in 2009. The twins daybeds are show stoppers as is the hand painted "Fairington" wallpaper by Paul Montgomery Studio. This also gives you a little preview of one of my inspirations for my new I'm A Giant Challenge dollhouse reveal tomorrow. As you may recall, on December 15th, the date of the reveal, Emily Henderson, the creator of the dollhouse challenge, extended the date to tomorrow, February 1, 2012. As I had already revealed my dollhouse, I decided to have a little surprise for February 1st. I am excited to see what Emily Henderson and the others have done with their dollhouses. I will show my new creation tomorrow as well as a recap of my original Chinoiserie Chic dollhouse.

Greystone Estate and Luxe - Favorite Rooms

2012-01-31T16:30:00.001-05:00

Michelle Nussbaumer

Mary McDonald

Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield

The Chinoiserie Collection at CurtainsMade4U

2012-01-31T16:00:00.004-05:00

Here in DC, spring is in the air with it 65 degrees outside right now. It has me thinking ahead to home decorating projects I am itching to accomplish. If you are like me, curtains may be on your to do list. If so, you need to check out the Chinoiserie Collection at CurtainsMade4U. In three steps - choose your style, chose your fabric, enter dimensions, you are done! In 3 - 4 weeks, your curtains will ship to your door with free shipping, unbeatable prices, and outstanding quality. What could be easier or more fun?

Chinoiserie Chic on Pinterest

2012-01-31T13:30:00.004-05:00

Can't get enough of Chinoiserie Chic? Come join the fun over at Pinterest by following my boards - click this link:

https://pinterest.com/chinoiseriechic/

Chinoiserie Chic Giveaway

2012-01-31T08:30:00.001-05:00

Arthur Court Designs has offered the chic dragon photo frame above (4"x 6") as a giveaway on Chinoiserie Chic to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Each of the following gives you one chance to win, with four total chances possible. For each one you do, leave a comment on this post. Comments close midnight EST on Friday, February 3, 2012 with the winner announced 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 4, 20102. Best of luck!

*Leave a comment on this post with an idea for a topic you would like to see covered
*Follow Chinoiserie Chic by clicking the Google Follow tab at the top left
*Subscribe to Chinoiserie Chic by email - subscription box is in my sidebar
*Follow my boards on Pinterest

Arthur Court has a beautiful collection available at fine retail and online department and specialty stores. I especially love the elephants, monkeys, and faux bamboo. Visit their site here to see their entire collection and to locate a store.

Gold Faux Bamboo Bar High/Low

2012-01-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

This gold faux bamboo server by Baker is one of my favorite all time Chinoiserie pieces - fabulous but also fabulously pricey. It is pictured here in the first three photos. The bottom photo is my new great find at a fraction of the price. It is somewhat smaller, but still a great size for a bar. Both have the gold bamboo frame and the mirrored shelves.

High - Baker

Low - Lamps Plus

Sunday Inspiration - Miles Redd

2012-01-29T08:00:00.014-05:00

Miles Redd

This Chinoiserie bedroom by Miles Redd is utter perfection. I love bedrooms that include Chinoiserie wallpaper, a wrought iron canopy bed left undressed, white bed linens, leopard carpet, a mirrored piece of furniture, and a great pair of lamps. This has it all -
*Canopy bed by Oscar de la Renta Home for Century Furniture
*Leopard carpet by Stark
*Chinoiserie wallpaper by de Gournay
*Bed linens by Schweitzer Linen
*Yellow double gourd lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller
*Mirrored chest
*Antique settee

DIY Foo Dogs

2012-01-28T11:00:00.002-05:00

These vintage gold foo dogs are on sale today on One Kings Lane for $1,165.00. The retail price is listed at $2,300.00. Why not take a very similar pair like the ones below at Z Gallerie at $39.95 for a pair and paint them gold? Just make sure to select a gold paint suitable for glazed surfaces.

Weekend Sale at The Pink Pagoda

2012-01-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

The Pink Pagoda is having a weekend sale with 15% off everything in the store through midnight Sunday with code WEEKENDCC15OFF at checkout. Check out all of her new additions including this blue and white floral Chinoiserie vase giclee. This wonderful collection of chic and affordable Chinoiserie art is even more affordable this weekend.

Saturday Inspiration - Katie Ridder

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

New Chic Accessories from Z Gallerie

2012-01-27T09:00:00.004-05:00

Blue Foo Dogs

Black Lacquer Faux Bamboo Pagoda Mirror

Blanc de Chine Camel

Blue Faux Coral

Modern Blanc de Chine Elephant

Zig Zag Vase in Yellow

Zig Zag Vase in Black

Coming Up on Chinoiserie Chic

2012-01-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

As we head towards February, we have some fun things on tap coming up-
* A Chinese Year of the Dragon giveaway
* DIY David Hicks The Vase wallpaper
* Valentine's Day Chinoiserie
* A new surprise for my I'm A Giant Challenge dollhouse (some of you may not know that on the day of the reveal December 15th, Emily Henderson without notice extended the deadline to February 1st after many of us had revealed our dollhouses - I have something amazing up my sleeve!)

Faux Bois

2012-01-27T08:00:00.004-05:00

A common conundrum is what patterns combine well with Chinoiserie wallpaper and fabrics. A favorite of mine is faux bois (from the French for false wood). Its subtle organic quality makes it a perfect choice as shown in this gorgeous Chinoiserie dining room by Andrew Raquet with its Gracie wallpaper and Quadrille's faux bois - Alan Campbell's Meloire Reverse on the chairs. Here is a wonderful and very affordable choice - faux bois window panels from West Elm. These would be lovely by themselves or layered under curtains.

Copy That Look

2012-01-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Vintage faux bamboo mid century modern brass and glass nesting tables like these are readily available at thrift stores, Etsy, Craigslist, flea markets, and the like. I picked up a beautiful set of three in mint condition for about $75. I never thought about using them opened up as a coffee table instead of stacked as a side table. This is another wonderful idea from the Vanessa De Vargas apartment.

Faux Bamboo

2012-01-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

A lovely little silver plated faux bamboo clock, perfect for the bedside table or anywhere at all. Use code 46SF-37QM-QQKZ for an additional 15% off your order.

Copy That Look

2012-01-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

I was so inspired by this idea in the Vanessa De Vargas apartment I posted about on Monday. Take a glass or lucite side table and stack books underneath all the way up. I especially like the price and styling of the Peekaboo Nesting Tables from CB2. Great for book storage too! Add a vintage blanc de Chine figure available for a song on Etsy and a Chinese lamp (check out HomeGoods) and you are done.

The Elephant Console

2012-01-25T10:00:00.022-05:00

Do you recall my post on the elephant console table? Somebody should start manufacturing these I got so many emails on how to find one. Tracy of the fabulous shop Circa Who has caught the pachyderm fever too after my post found this gorgeous vintage desk version above which has unfortunately sold. Check out the post and the wonderful Chinoiserie filled store here.

Pink Lamps at Duchess Fare

2012-01-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Have I gotten everyone in the mood for pink? Check out these beautiful pink Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency lamps and much much more at the fabulous Etsy store Duchess Fare.

More Palm Beach Chinoiserie

2012-01-25T08:30:00.003-05:00

My post earlier today on The Pink Pagoda's new pink dragon giclee has gotten me in the mood for the Palm Beach preppy Chinoiserie look. This Toile Shanghai Bermuda fabric from CurtainsMade4U's Chinoiserie Collection is perfect.

Pink Dragon at the Pink Pagoda

2012-01-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

To celebrate the Chinese New Year (the year of the dragon), Valentine's Day, and our love for preppy Palm Beach pink Chinoiserie, The Pink Pagoda has created this wonderful dragon giclee. Have you entered her amazing giveaway? Details here.

Lacquer Trays

2012-01-24T07:45:00.001-05:00

From yesterday's post, I love the white lacquer tray filled with books and blanc de Chine. I copied this look in my own home with trays from West Elm. Check them out here.

Gray Chinoiserie at Target

2012-01-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

A gray Chinoiserie room can be so elegant, understated, and sophisticated as these two gorgeous rooms by Mary McDonald and Andrew Raquet demonstrate. These very chic gray foo dogs are $9.99 each at Target stores. Fabulous for bookends or as decorative accessories.

Mary McDonald with Chinoiserie Screen Panels by Paul Montgomery Studio

Andrew Raquet

The Pink Pagoda Giveaway

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Pink Pagoda has a wonderful giveaway that I know you won't want to miss - a $100 gift certificate for her very chic Chinoiserie art and stationery. Enter to win here.

A Chic Chinoiserie Apartment on a Budget

2012-01-23T08:30:00.001-05:00

I just came across these photos in my files of this great apartment of Vanessa De Vargas featured in 2009 in Lonny. Many of the rooms have different versions - I'm not sure if these are the rooms as they have changed over time or whether they were staged for the Lonny photo shoot. Either way, there are wonderful ideas for decorating with Chinoiserie on a budget. I especially love all the vintage finds.

Chinoiserie Chic by Email

2012-01-22T09:40:00.005-05:00

Would you like to have Chinoiserie Chic delivered to your emailbox every morning? Just enter your email in the box in my sidebar and you won't miss a single post. It's free and you can unsubsribe at any time. Just be sure to look for the confirmation email to confirm your subscription.

Blue and White

2012-01-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

The Blue and White Chinoiserie Kitchen

2012-01-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

This is Meg Braff's blue and white butler's pantry from the 2011 Hampton Designer Showhouse featuring one of her own wallpapers - Sasa. I also love the other Chinoiserie touches including the two white faux bamboo chandeliers and the white orchid. If you haven't seen Meg's entire line of wallpaper including lots of Chinoiserie, see it here.

Sunday Inspiration - Meg Braff

2012-01-22T08:30:00.001-05:00

Looking for an alternative to the blue and white Chinoiserie palette? This bedroom by Meg Braff features kelly green grasscloth wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries set against lots of crisp white including the Chinese Chippendale chair.

Today's DIY

2012-01-21T20:30:00.001-05:00

Duralee Imperial Journey

This is the black and white toile that was used for the Ikea file cabinet Chinoiserie DIY. Enjoy!

Orange & Blue Chinoiserie

2012-01-21T10:00:00.003-05:00

David Netto

Chinoiserie 2012 - Work Space DIY

2012-01-21T09:00:00.003-05:00

Do you all remember Mary McDonald's very clever DIY Chinoiserie file cabinet featured below? Here is my original post on it with all the details. Above is another DIY version featuring the Ikea Helmer. Find the full info here. A great idea if sprucing up your work space is on your list of things to do this new year.

Saturday Inspiration - Chinoiserie Dining Room

2012-01-21T08:30:00.003-05:00

Ann Getty

Nick Olsen

2012-01-20T08:40:00.002-05:00

Have you seen Nick Olsen's apartment and interview featuring his use of West Elm parsons tables? I especially love the colors in his bedroom and this wonderful yellow and black Chinoiserie lamp.

More Pink and Black Inspiration

2012-01-20T08:30:00.003-05:00

Everyone loved my post Wednesday on decorating with pink and black Chinoiserie. Wouldn't these giclees from The Pink Pagoda be perfect? The one above is the Chinoiserie Chic Limited Edition Pink Pagoda that Jennifer created for my pagoda series.

Paul Montgomery Studio in Paris

2012-01-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that Paul Montgomery Studio will exhibit beginning today through Monday at Maison & Objet in Paris. Distributors and designers come from all over the world to exhibit the best interior products available anywhere in the world at this show. This should be on the to do list of any follower of Chinoiserie Chic who will be in Paris this weekend.

Chinoiserie Laundry Room Inspiration

2012-01-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

Thibaut Chinese Laundry

Jennifer at The Pink Pagoda is participating in a one room challenge where a group of bloggers have each chosen a room in their home to redo in six weeks. Jennifer has chosen her laundry room. In her post yesterday, she asked for ideas. Just below is a picture of her laundry room as it exists now. I thought it would be great fun to wallpaper the entire room or perhaps just one wall in this whimsical wallpaper by Thibaut called Chinese Laundry. I especially like the colorway above that picks up the red and blue in Jennifer's laundry room. If she chooses to stay with the blue walls, I would brighten the room up with some of her own giclees in yellow as an accent color. If she chooses to go with wallpaper, I would use bamboo matchstick blinds for the window treatment. With the blue walls, a roman shade in one of Quadrille/China Seas wonderful Chinoiserie patterns would be fabulous. Add a yellow Chinese garden stool for a pop of color and a place to stack laundry or perch the laundry basket. I would love to see the ceiling fan switched out for a red lantern. On the counter next to the washer and dryer, add two monogrammed Williams - Sonoma Home apothecary jars. One will hold powdered laundry detergent with a stainless steel scoop. The other will hold a stack of dryer sheets. Add a few very chic laundry room accessories from The Laundress.

Jennifer's Laundry Room Now

Thibaut Chinese Laundry

The Pink Pagoda Giclee

Katie Rosenfeld - Red Washer & Dryer, Matchstick Blinds, Yellow Stool

China Seas Fabric

Yellow Chinese Garden Stool

Windsor Smith - Red Lantern

Williams - Sonoma Home Monogrammed Apothecary Jars

The Laundress

Pink and Black Inspiration

2012-01-18T08:30:00.003-05:00

Jonathan Berger Entryway in Pink and Black

You know if you follow my daughter and my fashion and style blog Style Redux that I adore the combination of pink and black. Yet it is such an underutilized combination by interior designers doing rooms with Chinoiserie. It is such a natural with all the gorgeous pink Chinoiserie wallpapers out there combined with Chinoiserie elements like black and gold lacquered Chinoiserie furniture, gold mirrors, gold bamboo framed art, and blue and white Chinese porcelain. I hope some of these photos inspire you to try this stunning combination in your own home this year - fabulous for an entryway, powder room, teen girl bedroom, or any bedroom. Men secretly love pink and with black it gives it a sophisticated edge.

My Blog Style Redux in Pink and Black

Me in Pink and Black

My I'm a Giant Challenge Bedroom with Pink de Gournay Walls and Black Leopard Carpet

Pink and Black Bar with Zebrine Wallpaper and Pink Lacquered Chinese Box

Parish Hadley Entryway with Pink Chinoiserie Wallpaper and Black Iron Chandelier and Black Floor Insets

Mary McDonald Entryway with Pink Walls and Chairs, Black and White Zebra Rug, and Blue and White Chinese Porcelain

Elizabeth Bauer Bedroom with Zebrine Wallpaper on Walls and Ceiling and Pink Lampshades

Lilly Pulitzer Store Dressing Room in Pink and Black - Great DIY

Albert Hadley Black "Pagoda" Bookcase and Pink and Black Chair

Joe Nye Flair Table Setting in Pink and Black

Joe Nye Flair Tablescape with Black Chinoiserie Screen, Pagodas, and Pink Flowers and Bags

Joe Nye Pink and Black Tablescape

Coral Pink and Black

2012-01-17T21:30:00.001-05:00

Kelly Wearstler

I just love this combination of coral pink and black. Check out the coral pink door!

Chinoiserie 2012 - Tangerine Etsy Finds

2012-01-17T15:00:00.002-05:00

A fabulous pair of vintage tangerine lamps

Tangerine elephant giclee from The Pink Pagoda

Blue and White Bedroom

2012-01-17T14:00:00.002-05:00

This is the same blue and white Brunschwig & Fils pagoda wallpaper as in the dining room post below used here in a bedroom.

Blue and White Dining Room

2012-01-17T13:00:00.001-05:00

A traditional dining room with a very dramatic blue and white pagoda wallpaper.

Blue and White at The Pink Pagoda

2012-01-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

Some of my blue and white favorites from The Pink Pagoda - such a gorgeous collection!

Blue and White at Paul Montgomery Studio

2012-01-17T12:00:00.003-05:00

Rose

I adore blue Chinoiserie wallpaper in the blue and white Chinoiserie dining room or bedroom. Here are two lovely examples from Paul Montgomery Studio. But the wonderful thing about his collection is the level of customization that can be achieved by changing the colors and paper grounds of any of the designs based on your ideas. I have shown you some of the beautiful blue grounds that are available.

Bamboo and Birds

Blue and White at CurtainsMade4U

2012-01-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

Burnet Ink

Curtains are such a focal point in a room. CurtainsMade4U has a wonderful selection of blue and white fabrics perfect for the Chinoiserie home. Here are some of my favorites.

Yosca Blue

Nassau Vine Toile Porcelain

Selby Blue

Sultana Lattice Luna

Kandar Indigo

Kalah Blue

Hendrix Cobalt

A Blue and White Chinoiserie Apartment

2012-01-17T08:30:00.006-05:00

I continue to be in a blue and white Chinoiserie mood after my blue and white posts yesterday here and at The Pink Pagoda. Did you know that yesterday January 16th is considered the bluest (as in most depressing) day of the year? I came across some pictures of Tinsley Mortimer's old apartment (and a couple of the new) with lots of blue and white Chinoiserie including a Scalamandre Chi'En Dragon headboard, skirted table, and dressing room, the de Gournay dining room, foo dogs, and blanc de Chine. Now that was a great apartment!

Scalamandre Chi'En Dragon

Blue and White Monday Here & At The Pink Pagoda

2012-01-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

Fabric - Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon

After more than 1,300 posts on the subject of Chinoiserie, I know how much everyone loves blue and white rooms. Did you know that Jennifer at the blog The Pink Pagoda has a Blue and White Monday post every Monday where she posts on her favorite blue and white inspiration? Today I am excited to be guest posting over there on some of my favorite blue and white Chinoiserie. Check out my post here on Chinoiserie Chic for some great blue and white Chinoiserie ideas for 2012, then head over to The Pink Pagoda for my guest post for more inspiration.

Fabric - Scalamandre Chi'En Dragon

Wallpaper - Meg Braff Brighton Your Pavillion

Wallpaper - Clarence House David Hicks The Vase

Paint - Farrow & Ball Parma Gray (really a blue)

Paint - Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light

Book - A Passion for Blue and White by Carolyne Roehm

Book - Blue and White Living by Stepanie Hoppen

New idea - mix in blue and white coral - Mark Sikes

New idea - use blue and white Chinese porcelain in the kitchen

Classic Chinoiserie for the blue and white room - blanc de Chine - Ruthie Sommers

Classic Chinoiserie for the blue and white room - blue and white Chinese porcelain

Art - a blue and white giclee from The Pink Pagoda

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-15T08:00:00.005-05:00

I am not generally a fan of all white rooms but for this I could make an exception - love the lucite desk and the Chinese Chippendale chair.

My Chinoiserie New Year's Resolution

2012-01-14T08:30:00.008-05:00

Katie Rosenfeld

I have only one home related resolution this year - to redo my laundry room. Of course, I would like to have a bit of Chinoiserie in the space. These are three Chinoiserie laundry rooms I have bookmarked for inspiration. I love all of these ideas - Chinoiserie wallpaper, bamboo matchstick blinds, Chinese red lacquered washer and dryer, and a Chinese garden stool.

Draza Stamenich

Scandinavian Chic

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Dining Room

2012-01-13T08:45:00.002-05:00

Katie Rosenfeld

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Entryway

2012-01-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

Celerie Kemble

I love the lacquered walls, the skirted table, and the way the Chinoiserie elements of the pagoda and the pair of double gourd vases are reflected in the mirror.

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Entrway

2012-01-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

Lonny

This entryway is a perfect example of how just a touch of Chinoiserie can really jazz up a space. This entrance is quite traditional and monochromatic with its white walls, white ottomans, white framed art and mirror, neutral sea grass carpet, and brown woods of the floor, stairs, and console table. The pair of blanc de Chine foo dog lamps with their brown lampshades stay with this palette, but interject whimsy, character, and style. Imagine this space without them.

Miles Redd

2012-01-12T22:30:00.001-05:00

Town and Country

Chinoiserie 2012 - Dining Spaces

2012-01-12T14:00:00.005-05:00

I of course love Chinoiserie in every room of the house, but perhaps no space more than the dining room. Maybe it is because there are so many choices - Chinese Chippendale chairs, a faux bamboo chandelier, Chinoiserie wallpaper and art, blue and white Chinese porcelain vases and ginger jars, Chinoiserie china and tabletop accessories, and Chinoiserie fabrics for curtains or chairs. Here are some lovely dining spaces from Lonny, both formal and informal, indoors and alfresco.

A Chinoiserie Dining Room

2012-01-12T09:30:00.004-05:00

Bennison

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Pink Pagoda Art

2012-01-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Chinoiserie artwork is such a great way to perk up any room in your home for the new year. The Pink Pagoda specializes in affordably chic Chinoiserie art. For inspiration, here are wonderful examples of her giclees framed in an entryway, dining room, bathroom, and nursery.

Chinoiserie 2012 - Eclectic Mix & Color & a Question

2012-01-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

Everyone has loved the February 2012 cover of Veranda with its eclectic and colorful mix of a formal neoclassical console table, Chagall art, chairs covered in ikat, gilded Louis sconces, a cherry objet d'art, and of course, the Chinoiserie element, the pair of blue and white Chinese porcelain vases. Just below is a closeup shot. Intestingly, I was able to find a photo of the same space from the portfolio of the interior designers from before the Veranda photo shoot that is shown at bottom.

The original console table has been changed, which was too high for the chairs and out of scale. The too heavy magnolia branches in the Chinese vases were switched out for the more delicate and more colorful pink cherry blossoms. The Chagalls have been rearranged and a new one has appeared. The cherries are also a new addition.

I personally think the original space was uninspired and it was the photo shoot that created a knockout space for these interior designers. I wonder how many other rooms published in shelter magazines we we would feel the same way about if we saw them before the photo shoot? How many of the interior designer rooms we have fallen in love with are more a product of the staging for the photo shoot than the talent of the interior designer? I have seen a myriad of examples of this phenomenon from going through the online portfolios of interior designers. In this example, one can't say either that the designer was deferring to the wishes of the client because this is the home of the interior designer herself. Thoughts on this? Don't you prefer the after version as well?

Chinoiserie Courage

2012-01-10T08:10:00.001-05:00

This is from the apartment of the late and oh so great Mark Hampton. Legend has it that he took this hand painted wallpaper and scrunched it into tight wads before hanging it to give it age and surface texture. No guts, no glory.

Chinoiserie Inspiration

2012-01-10T08:01:00.001-05:00

Greystone Show House Gala

Chinoiserie 2012 - Seashells and Chinoiserie

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

A lovely dining room by Thad Hayes with Gracie wallpaper. Haven't we been seeing lots of interior designers mixing seashells and Chinoiserie? Here and here are two excellent examples. Seashells are not just for beach houses - they work beautifully in formal settings as these gorgeous rooms demonstrate.

Chinoiserie 2012 - Paul Montgomery Studio

2012-01-09T09:30:00.005-05:00

Mary McDonald

I am excited to welcome the new year with a new Premier Sponsor of Chinoiserie Chic - Paul Montgomery Studio. For over thirty years, they have been providing hand painted wallpaper, murals, and panels to the top interior designers and most discriminating customers around the world. Paul has worked with interior designers like Mary McDonald, Michelle Nussbaumer, and William R. Eubanks. Above is Mary McDonald's bedroom from my favorite showhouse of all time, Greystone Mansion, also featured in Veranda, with its Calloway hand painted screen panels in Gardenia White on Charcoal Silver Ground.

Their work has appeared in such magazines as Architectural Digest, Veranda, and Luxe, among others. Along with de Gournay, Gracie, and Fromental, Paul Montgomery Studio creates some of the world's most exquisite wallpapers. A small and dedicated company, Paul is especially proud of their attention to detail and customer service. I am very impressed with their level of customization - their ability to change colors, paper grounds, and designs to create a truly unique result. For example, the choice of grounds includes silk, antiqued silk, striea silk, pieced paper, painted metallics, metal leaf, and pearl.

Below please note that they will be exhibiting in Paris at Maison & Objet from January 20 - 24, 2012. I have posted here some of my favorite Chinoiserie designs from the collection. Please visit the website to view the entire collection, more examples of their work, or to request a brochure or order a catalog.

Paris, January 20-24, 2012, Maison & Objet

New installation at Henry Bertrand in London

Fairington

Taihu

Hemmerling

Halsing

Kew

Aspens

Canton

Meng Hui

Tropical Views

Birds and Bamboo

Chinoiserie 2012 - Luxe

2012-01-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

Many of you loved yesterday's post shown below with its glamorous combination of black and gold with blue and white. It reminded me of this dining room above that again combines these colors with black and gold Chinoiserie boxes, a gilded Buddha, gold framed art, a magnificent gilded mirror, and a collection of blue and white Chinese porcelain. I love the added glamour of the leopard on the chairs and the crystal ship chandelier.

More Sunday Inspiration - Blue and White from The Pink Pagoda

2012-01-08T11:00:00.005-05:00

This is gorgeous! The Pink Pagoda's tangerine and hot pink Chinese New Year dragon giclee has been joined by this cobalt blue version that I totally adore. It is available in 8" x 10" or 11" x 14." Both were inspired by Lilly Pulitzer's ultimately preppy Chinoiserie fabric Tail Lights. What better way to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon than adding one or both of these to your home?

Sunday Inspiration - Blue and White

2012-01-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

A stunning combination of a black and gold Chinoiserie cabinet filled with blue and white Chinese porcelain and a collection of blue and white seashells. The use of blue coral is absolutely inspired.

The Elephant Console Table

2012-01-07T16:30:00.003-05:00

I know that everyone wants to know where they can get the Ruthie Sommers elephant console table in her pool pavilion. The scoop is, it was a vintage piece she got from Assemblage and painted. Here is another one remarkably similar sold by Circa Who. Did Assemblage get it from Circa Who or are these two different tables? At any rate, now you know what to be on the hunt for at estate sales, flea markets, Etsy, or Craigslist. I will see what is out there in the marketplace for an upcoming post. Check out my post below on a great elephant console DIY.

Assemblage

Circa Who

Chinoiserie 2012 - DIY Elephant Console Table

2012-01-07T16:00:00.002-05:00

The elephant console table above is $2900 at 1st dibs. All you need to do to make it yourself is to buy a pair of elephant garden stools, new or vintage - these below from Overstock are available in 3 colors and cost $89.99 each. Have wood blocks cut and paint them black. Have glass cut for the top. This would make a fabulous entryway table.

Chinoiserie 2012 - More Ruthie Sommers

2012-01-07T08:30:00.002-05:00

This wonderful color and Chinoiserie filled home on the North Shore of Chicago (where I was raised) by Ruthie Sommers was featured in Town and Country. I see lots of Chinoiserie pieces from Ruthie's own home they used to stage the rooms for the photo shoot. Can you pick some of them out?

The same living room with white walls either before or after the photo shoot

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Entrway

2012-01-06T17:00:00.002-05:00

Ruthie Sommers

I hope you are enjoying the new series on Chinoiserie interior design for 2012. I thought we would look next at the entryway/entry/entrance/foyer - there are too many names for this space. Here are two great examples, both with the same fabulous elephant table.

Palmer Weiss

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Work Space

2012-01-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

I just picked up this Jonathan Adler giant orange pig eraser and a bunch of other Jonathan Adler desk supplies including a Greek key note cube, pen, pencils, and more. A fun way to spruce up your work space.

Chinoiserie 2012 - The Work Space

2012-01-06T08:30:00.002-05:00

Ashley Goforth

Yesterday we looked at some great ideas for organizing your work space with Chinoiserie style. One of my favorite desks is now on sale at Williams-Sonoma Home - the Hampstead with its mahogany faux bamboo legs and glass top. It is now 40% off and is available in two sizes. With its clean lines and glass top, it is perfect as a desk, library table, or can do double duty as a desk and dining table. The smaller size works beautifully to create a work area in a living room or bedroom. This work space by Ashley Goforth above shows a similar style desk with a Chinese screen and slipcovered chair, a look that would be gorgeous with the Hampstead desk. Don't delay - this is on Final Sale Friday.

Zebra and More on Joss & Main

2012-01-05T11:00:00.001-05:00

Love zebra? This fab statue and lots of Asian accents are on Joss & Main today. Click the link below to join:
http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/4ln

Robin Bell

Elizabeth Bauer

Chinoiserie 2012 - Work Spaces

2012-01-05T09:00:00.009-05:00

Pagoda and Chinese vases

A wonderful project for the new year is to organize your work space. These examples show that you can have function and style, especially when you throw in Chinoiserie. All are from Lonny.

Chinese ancestor portraits, Chinese Chippendale chairs, and a Chinese rug

A very Tony Duquette inspired room with a gold Harry Allen pig bank

A Chinese Chippendale chair

A Chinese Chippendale chair and a pair of yellow double gourd lamps

A red pagoda mirror

A black faux bamboo desk, Chinese Chippendale chair, and black double gourd lamp

A yellow Chinese lamp with black lacquer lampshade

A Chinese Chippendale chair

A pair of silver leaf pagoda lamps

A pair of Quadrille Chinoiserie pillows

Grasscloth walls, pagoda lampshades, Asian inspired screen, Chinese desk, Chinese stools

A Chinese Chippendale chair

A pair of bamboo matchstick blinds

A pair of faux bamboo chandeliers

An elephant lamp

A Chinese deity figurine

Thank You Hall Five

2012-01-04T21:30:00.014-05:00

Thanks so much to Hall Five for featuring Chinoiserie Chic and my I'm a Giant Challenge Chinoiserie Chic dollhouse, as well my interview with Jennifer at The Pink Pagoda. Hall Five is the place to meet trend forecasters, "the first social networking experience for anyone interested in lifestyle trends in fashion, home furnishing, industrial design, retail, technology, and marketing." You need to check out Hall Five. Read the entire post here. Below is what they had to say:

"Blogs are already an important (and free!) source of inspiration and information and will only become more and more significant in deciphering future codes in fashion, design and lifestyle. From time to time, Hall Five will be highlighting some of what we consider to be the best of the best. I have always had a passion for chinoiserie (defined as “A style in art reflecting Chinese influence through use of elaborate decoration and intricate patterns”) and was excited recently to discover a blog devoted to its application. Chinoiserie Chic by Beth Connolly is devoted to chic Chinoise interiors. Beth recently entered the contest started by Emily Henderson, I’m a Giant Challenge to decorate a doll’s house with incredible results. For more about creating a Chinoiserie dollhouse read Beth’s interview on the Pink Pagoda blog."

Chinoiserie 2012 - Displaying Books

2012-01-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

via I Suwanee

Chinoiserie 2012 - Displaying Books

2012-01-04T08:30:00.003-05:00

A foo dog on a lucite bookcase

Did you have fun yesterday getting ideas on tweaking your mantel by adding some Chinoiserie? Well today we look at displaying books with Chinoiserie Chic style. These are all from Lonny.

A Buddha and some mini vases

A blue Chinese garden stool and matching vases

A black Chinese cabinet

A pair of turquoise ginger jars

A black Chinese vase

A Chinese lantern

A pagoda bookcase

A red Chinese Chippendale chair

A Chinese garden stool turned upside down as umbrella stand

Cherry blossoms

A blue Chinese vase

Brass faux bamboo library stairs

Chinoiserie 2012 - Wish List

2012-01-04T08:00:00.005-05:00

Crazy expensive, but I adore it, this super limited edition giant brass crocodile with Greek keys from Jonathan Adler. Fabulous for a bookshelf or cocktail table. The ultimate in preppy Chinoiserie.

Chinoiserie 2012 - A Great Idea

2012-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Anthony Gianacakos

From Lonny, turn a Chinese garden stool upside down for a chic Chinoiserie umbrella stand.

Chinoiserie 2012 - Mantels

2012-01-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

Peacock

I hope everyone has been enjoying the new series on Chinoiserie 2012. So far we have looked at one trend - mixing classic Chinoiserie with informal elements for a more modern approach, my Houzz Ideabook on the Chinese year of the dragon, a Chinoiserie DIY, and Pantone's color of the year Tangerine Tango, predicting the continued popularity of orange in interior design. Could your mantel use a sprucing up for 2012? Today we look at how to decorate your mantel with Chinoiserie elements in a modern and eclectic way, and who does that better than Lonny? Can you pick out the Chinoiserie in each?

Mini blanc de Chine vases on Chinese wood stands

Blanc de Chine vases

Turquoise vases

A Chinese calligraphy brush

Grasscloth walls

A pair of large blanc de Chine vases on Chinese stands

A potted orchid

A Buddha

A potted orchid and a pair of Chinese Chippendale chairs

A Chinese garden stool with a potted orchid

A potted orchid

A massive Chinese temple jar

The Color of The Year - Tangerine Tango

2012-01-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Pantone has announced that their color of the year is Tangerine Tango. Here is a great way to incorporate this hot color in your Chinoiserie home.

Caitlin Wilson Design - tangerine framed Chinoiserie panels and curtains

The Pink Pagoda - New Year dragon giclee in tangerine and hot pink

Kendall Wilkinson - Quadrille Paradise Background

CurtainsMade4U - Thomas Paul Aviary Tangerine

Lonny - tangerine towels

The Pink Pagoda - tangerine elephant giclee

via Trouvais

Anne Harewell tangerine Elkins chair print

Yellow and Black

2012-01-02T09:00:00.009-05:00

Duchess Fare

I adore yellow lamps with black shades - such a Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie Chic classic. This lovely pair of vintage lamps above is available at Duchess Fare at 25% off this week with code HAPPYNEWYEAR25. Enjoy this discount on all your purchases this week at Duchess Fare. Just add your own black lampshades for a great new look for your home. Check out these and much more at her Etsy store for some wonderful ways to add some Chinoiserie style to your home this new year.

My Year of the Dragon on Houzz

2012-01-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Lilly Pulitzer

This will be the year of the dragon in the Chinese zodiac. Please click on my Houzz link in my sidebar or click here to check out over fifty great ways to incorporate this classic Chinoiserie symbol of good fortune into your own home.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

May your new year be filled with happiness and Chinoiserie.

Geronimo Balloon-Troopers

A Chinoiserie Chic Reminder - Please Don't Drink and Decorate Tonight

2011-12-31T17:00:00.002-05:00

Perch New Orleans

Be safe tonight. If you drink, please don't decorate. This is what you could wake up to tomorrow.

Peacocks

2011-12-31T08:30:00.001-05:00

Vogue

Peacocks are a such a classic in Chinoiserie. I would love to be wearing this peacock gown above tonight for New Year's Eve.

Woodson and Rummerfield via So Haute

Lonny

Mary McDonald

My Dollhouse

My Vintage Peacock Screen

Pair of Peacocks in My Foyer

Join Chinoiserie Chic

2011-12-31T08:15:00.003-05:00

Looking to grow your business in 2012? Please email me to learn more about becoming a sponsor of Chinoiserie Chic.

I'm A Giant Challenge

2011-12-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that this Chinoiserie canopy bed is a dollhouse miniature?

New Year's Sale at Duchess Fare

2011-12-30T11:00:00.002-05:00

Duchess Fare

Great news. The very Chinoiserie Chic Etsy store Duchess Fare will be having a one week sale starting January 1, 2012 and running through January 8, 2012. With code HAPPYNEWYEAR25 you will receive 25% off every item purchased. What a great way to start the new year. I especially love these oversized vintage yellow crackle lamps above that will be on sale for $375 for the pair. Wouldn't they be sensational with black lampshades? The pair below is available at 1st dibs for $3250 without shades. Just don't tell Mary McDonald about this sale - the Duchess Fare lamps would be perfect in her living room. Head over to Duchess Fare for a preview of a wonderful selection of Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Chic pieces. Guess where I will be headed on New Year's Day!

1st dibs

Mary McDonald Living Room

Don't Drink and Decorate

2011-12-30T08:30:00.002-05:00

Perch New Orleans

As we begin this New Year's weekend filled with parties and Champagne, I would like to remind everyone how important it is not to drink and decorate. This is what could happen.

I'm A Giant Challenge - My Interview at The Pink Pagoda

2011-12-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Jennifer at The Pink Pagoda not only has one of my favorite Etsy stores, she also has one of my favorite blogs. I did an interview with her about the creation of my I'm a Giant Challenge Chinoiserie Chic dream dollhouse. Want to know the answer to questions like how I used salt and pepper shakers and a sea urchin shell? You'll find the answers here and you'll also want to make her blog one of your daily reads if it is not already. Thanks Jennifer!

Joss & Main Today

2011-12-28T11:20:00.001-05:00

Wonderful things on Joss & Main today. Click on the link below to join:

http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/4ln

The Year of the Dragon

2011-12-28T09:30:00.001-05:00

Dragon House at Park Sanssouci

2012 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac, a symbol of wisdom and power. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate the dragon into your Chinoiserie home this year. I especially love this new dragon giclee from The Pink Pagoda.

The Pink Pagoda Tangerine and Hot Pink Chinese New Year Dragon

Lilly Pulitzer Tail Lights

Antique Silk Dragon Robe

Scalamandre Chi'En Dragon in Coral on Cream

Scalamndre Chi'En Dragon in Pink, Yellow, and Green on Cream

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon

Number Four Eleven Dragon Napkins in Pink

Number Four Eleven Dragon Napkins in Orange

I'm A Giant Challenge - New Year's Eve

2011-12-28T09:00:00.003-05:00

I am very excited that I will be hosting my first party on New Year's Eve in my just finished Chinoiserie Chic dream house. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good weather so that I can entertain on my rooftop, as I would prefer not to have drunken revelers in my new house. The pool is heated, so guests might even like to take a dip. Luckily, my new maid Fifi will be helping out. I will be serving lots of French Champagne and great food like oysters on the half shell and caviar. If I haven't received your RSVP yet, please do so, so I can get a head count for the caterer.

New Year's Chinoiserie DIY

2011-12-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

Mark Sikes

Many lovers of Chinoiserie collect blue and white Chinese porcelain. I think it looks especially beautiful grouped together on a dining room sideboard. I have found that all of it works well together, regardless of the shape, shade of blue, design, age, or value. Here is some inspiration for you.

My Dining Room

Carolyne Roehm

New Series for the New Year

2011-12-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Mark Sikes

To ring in the New Year, we are starting a new series on what's new in Chinoiserie. We will be looking at everything new under the Chinoiserie sun, including new Chinoiserie products, new Chinoiserie rooms, the hottest colors in Chinoiserie, and trends for 2012. One hot trend in Chinoiserie decor is beautifully illustrated here by Mark Sikes and Bunny Williams. Dining rooms with Chinoiserie wall treatments and blue and white Chinese porcelain can be quite formal. In the dining room above featured in the latest issue of House Beautiful, Mark Sikes tones down the glamour of the Gracie wallpaper, Venetian mirror, blue and white Chinese porcelain, and a grand chandelier, by combining it with gingham on the Cabriole chairs and a parchment finish on the Linwood armchairs. He even uses a very informal bamboo blind. So too, Bunny Williams tames this grand dining room in France below with its framed Chinoiserie, collection of antique blue and white Chinese porcelain, crystal chandelier, and massive antique table with twelve chairs by slipcovering the chairs in a very casual blue and white gingham. This trend of melding the formality of Chinoiserie with informal elements is a look we will see more of in 2012.

Bunny Williams

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

I'm A Giant Challenge - Christmas is Coming

2011-12-24T08:30:00.001-05:00