With a history that goes back thousands of years,
Chinese elements have been showing
up in design for centuries.
Architecture, interiors, furniture, pottery,
textiles and gardens have been influenced by
it's natural, asymmetrical forms and when
Thomas Chippendale published
The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director
the Chinese Chippendale chair ensured the
influence was here to stay.
Elements of Asian Design~
Element 1
One of my favorites
chi·noi·se·rie
noun \shēn-ˈwäz-rē, -ˈwä-zə-;ˌshēn-ˌwäz-ˈrē, -ˌwä-zə-\ |
| Chinoiserie Wallpaper by Paul Montgomery Studio |
Besides being a fabulous word that just rolls
off your tongue, chinoiserie is a great way to introduce
a little bit of Asian style into your home.
By definition chinoiserie is:
a style in art (as in decoration)
reflecting Chinese qualities or motifs;
also: an object or decoration in this style
Louis XIV's Trianon de Porcelaine (1670-1671)
is considered to have been the best example
of a chinoiserie interior.
And since this period, a court residence
was not considered complete without a
Chinese room.
 |
| Chinoiserie - 21st Century Style |
Element 2
Blue and White objects
 |
| Blue and White Pottery |
 |
| Who says Blue and White has to be old fashioned! |
As one who loves all things French,
Charles Faudree is a great source to learn how to use
the blue and white elements in your home be it a
classic Country French or a more modern interior.
 |
| King of Country French! |
Element 3
Fretwork
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello was
influenced by
the style of his day.
 |
| Thomas Jefferson - Monticello Who doesn't love a garden bench!  |
So, if you are looking for a way to add a
timeless appeal to your home,
sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back!
Back to the elements that have proven time and again that good design never goes out of style.
To get you started, here are a few things from
Colorful tin plates in a classic,
19th century Chinese Pattern.
 |
Chinese Architectural Elements
Unique Chinese wooden fragments in Chinese red
with raised carvings in walnut stain.
Rough, unpainted edges with a
hanging bracket added to back.
Finally, in honor of the 2014 Year of the Horse,
not quite Chinese, but a wonderful addition
to any design style!
Wooden Horse
not quite Chinese, but a wonderful addition
to any design style!
Wooden Horse
 |
Happy New Year, Chinese style!
~Maggie
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