2013 seems to be ushering in a new era of Chinoiserie design, and personally, I couldn’t be happier. Chinoiserie, a French term signifying “Chinese-esque”, refers to a combination of Eastern and Western style elements. This style was introduced in the mid-to-late 17th century and is hallmarked by blue and white ceramics, glazed furniture and hand-painted wall hangings all embellished with whimsical design elements featuring nature, dragons, and Chinese architecture (such as pagodas). Below are some budget friendly ways to add a touch of Chinoiserie to your home!
1. DIY Chinoiserie Cabinet
For an instant Chinoiserie upgrade, paint a dresser, accent table or cabinet in Benjamin Moore’s Red 2000-10. BM’s description of this hue – “simple and sophisticated, this pure classic red is rich and regal. Evocative of Chinese lacquer and lipstick, it adds an extravagant touch to any room in your home”. Perfect!
Next, add some eye-catching hardware to your newly painted furniture, like this closure and pull piece or this beautiful, elegant pull. And Voila! You have yourself a brand-spankin’-new (to you) Chinoiserie cabinet like the one shown above.
2. {$268 + free shipping} Home Furniture Showroom (A Lowe’s Company) Side Table
If you aren’t the DIY type, this beautiful and affordable side table would be a great way to add a touch of Chinoiserie design to your home.
3. {$19.99 – 59.99} Pottery Barn Arianne Organic Duvet Cover & Sham
Use this sham and duvet cover as intended and get a new look for your bedroom, or get creative and sew a few zippered throw pillow covers for the couch. You could even frame it for some instant Chinoiserie art.
4. {$25.00} Gump’s San Francisco Chinoiserie Magnets
Who could resist these gorgeous Chinoiserie Magnets? Perfect for the office or hanging the kids’ artwork on the fridge.
5. {$2.95 for a 19 1/2″ x 30″ roll} Paper Twist Caspari reversible toile Chinoiserie gift wrap
For a modern twist (and a great pop of color) use tall poster frames with this gift wrap to create inexpensive wall panels.
6. {63.24} The Stencil Library Bluebird Panel No.2
Hand painted paper hangings made in China for the European market have been popular since the 17th century. If you are good with a paint brush, and have some time on your hands, you can get the look for less by using one or more of these intricate stencil panels. How amazing would this be in a powder room?!
7. {99.00} Gump’s San Francisco Dragon Temple Jar
This Dragon Temple jar is a perfect example of Chinoiserie ceramics and quite a steal at under a hundred bucks!
8. {59.00} Gump’s San Francisco Bud Vase Trio
And an even better steal is this bud vase trio from the same company. So adorable!
I hope this post has inspired you to have fun by adding Chinoiserie design elements into your home. And I’d love to hear about any great budget finds you make!
Chicago ReDesign 