A Pagoda Bench-High/Low

I found this great little Chinoiserie pagoda bench at The Source Collection with a not so little price tag of $1,525. What about taking one of our favorite JCPenney benches at $99.99 or a flea market or eBay find, or perhaps something you already have that could use a makeover? This JCPenney bench might also work well. Then cover the cushion with one of these wonderful pagoda fabrics by Thomas Paul or Michael Devine. If you have or find a bench that can take ferrules (the metal feet), here is an excellent source for them.

Michael Devine Garden Folly

Thomas Paul for Duralee

Top Ten Chinoiserie Wallpapers #5

One of the most beautiful Chinoiserie wallpapers is Scalamadre's Shanghai. Based on period paintings of Cathay, its look is classic, traditional, elegant, old money. This large scale seven color Chinoiserie toile is very dramatic, eliminating the need for any art on the walls whatsoever.

Shanghai would be my first choice for an entryway, as shown below in the apartment of Merrill Hanley. This apartment was designed by Keith Irvine and featured in Domino Magazine.

Below is the dining room of Meg Braff wallpapered in Scalamandre Shanghai. The wonderful Chinese red paint she used is Farrow & Ball Blazer. The brass sunburst mirror, Chinese Chippendale chairs, and beaded chandelier are modern pieces, giving the room a youthful and preppy feel. Pictures are from House Beautiful.

For more information on this classic and sophisticated wallpaper, click here.

My Favorite Chinoiserie Birthday Gift

I had to show you my gorgeous Chinoiserie chargers that I posted about recently here. Click to enlarge. Aren't they wonderful?

Chinoiserie Birdcage Platter

I think this Chinoiserie birdcage platter made out of melamine is quite chic for $29.00. Perfect for al fresco entertaining.

A New Series on the Top Chinoiserie Fabrics

Today we begin a new series on the best Chinoiserie fabrics. (Don't fret my dears, we will be continuing with our series on the top ten wallpapers and Chinoiserie walls as well) Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon, although perhaps too wildly popular for some, has become one of the most coveted fabrics around. It's beauty, complexity, and drama have made it a classic that will stand the test of time long after the frenzy abates. A little bit goes a long way. Pillows, a chair, cushions, or slip seats will take a relatively small amount of fabric, but will add serious wow factor to your home. Click here to see the full colorways at Schumacher's site.

Sunday Red Vignette

A follower of Chinoiserie Chic sent these pictures to me in response to my post on A Touch of Red. This wonderful example of red Chinoiserie is in the Hollywood Hills home of Melissa Wallace Deitz and her husband. It features a 1920s red Chinese desk used as a bedside table and a circa 1900 red lacquer Chinese stool. On the desk are a Chinoiserie mirror, Chinese export silver frames, a Chinese document box, and a Franco-Chinese vase. Her signature white and cream color scheme is accented in every room with Chinoiserie touches like celadon pots, blue and white ginger jars, and lacquered furniture. She mixes in lots of French antiques for an eclectic Continental look.

A Pastel Look at the Chinese Chippendale Chair

With spring and Easter upon us, I thought it would be fun to look at how pretty the Chinese Chippendale chair looks in pastel paint or fabric. The first three pictures are from my home.

Lonny-mint green

Molly Duffy and Hugh Burns-white with pastel cushions and lilac walls

Elle Decor-yellow and I love the walls in Sea Haze by Benjamin Moore

Metropolitan Home-blue

Elle Decor-white and gray

Jonathan Adler-chartreuse green