Guest Picks: Year of the Dragon
20 ways to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac's animal sign for 2012
I am a designer living and working in New York City. I write Fourth Floor Walk Up as a means of expression to document inspiration, projects and the design evolution of my home. I am greatly influenced by the city around me and although New York is expensive and hard on the 99%, I believe that everyone can have a great refuge to come home to – some of us just have to work a little bit harder to attain it.
DECORATING
I grew up within a household centered around decorating with the interest being past down through several generations. My grandmother, mother and I have all had the ability to see spaces for what they are and what they could become. I tend to focus on smaller spaces with modest budgets because I believe a little bit of blood, sweat and tears can make a sweeter home.
BLOGGING
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I am a designer living and working in New York City. I write Fourth Floor... More »
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. With the dragon being both beautiful and symbolically rich (it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness), what better decorative element is there to add to your home this year? These stylish dragon-related finds will hopefully enhance your household with good luck throughout the year.
— Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
— Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
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Adding these beautifully embroidered napkins to any table setting will add a bit of Chinese flair.
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A moderately priced piece of wall art is a great way to bring in the dragon flare. This print is a reproduction of an original sumi-e (Japanese brush painting) that boasts beautiful lines and brushstrokes.
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While you typically find convex, circular or oval mirrors with eagles on the top, this mirror has a dragon, which is just divine.
by TwentyOne7
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This beautiful Chiang Mai Dragon fabric by Schumacher was originally derived from a 1920s Art Deco–era block print. I can picture the textile of today used on throw pillows with red fringe. Better yet, it would be so chic in pinch-pleat curtains hung on large brass rods.
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Luna by Studio E is a hand-painted metallic wallpaper. Its stunning finish is a great way to subtly evoke the scales of a dragon.
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| You cannot have a nod to the dragon without a flame. This chic candle's pink champagne scent is just begging to be lit. When the smell is gone and the flame has faded, it has the potential to become a practical vessel. |
by Lamps Plus
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I think that everyone should have at least one garden stool in their home. This classic shape is enhanced by the dragons in relief, and the pearly white paint is reminiscent of the mythical animal's precious pearl.
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| These antique lamps are chic and timeless in shape. One of them also happens to have tiny dragons for handles. |
by PLANTATION
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The white color of this figural dragon allows for its sculptural details to be the focus. It's a great object for a console table in an entryway, as it casts good luck on those who pass by.
by Rug Studio
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This handwoven rug with its rich colors and silky textures would make a beautiful addition to a feminine dressing room.
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This unfinished corbel invites a world of interpretation as it could be used in many applications, from an outside architectural element to a statement interior piece. I can only imagine how stunning it would be in gold leaf.
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I love Chinese-style lanterns, and this one with its elegant lines and frosted glass would make a beautiful light fixture in a foyer or vestibule.
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The Wedgwood Dynasty collection makes for a classic place setting that will be timelessly chic. It's a grand setting for dinner parties and for adding a splash of color to any table.
by Tiffany & Co.
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One of my favorite Tiffany & Co. china collections is the Cirque Chinois collection. These porcelain pieces are all hand-painted Limoges porcelain by the Tiffany Paris studio. It's luxury in a cup!
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This book is a beautifully illustrated resource for inspiration and education about the fantastic details of Chinoiseries.
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| These massive, matching ginger jars with painted dragons are large enough to make a bold statement, but still classic in shape and color. |
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Oval and round mirrors are one of my favorite decorative accents. This one featuring dragons on its crown is a great way to pull in some chinoiserie elements.
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This reproduction of the 19th century clawfoot tub is a luxurious yet subtle way to add a dragon to your home.
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This dragon medallion has the Chinese character for "double happiness." It would make a striking accent on any console table.
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I love the combination of textures, embroidery and pearlescent tones that make this dragon bedding so luscious.
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This wallpaper is so chic. I love the complementary colors of coral and turquoise.
Next: 20 Asian-Inspired Finds
Next: 20 Asian-Inspired Finds
Comments
portpiro There are a lot of things to love here but $4650 for a reproduction tub! You have to be kidding me.
17 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings Wonderful ideabook and your Fourth Floor Walk Up blog is a treat to visit. I bought my first dragons-a pair of circa 1875 Kuang-Hsu period drinking vessels with stands in Honolulu in 1967. My latest dragon, made from palm fronds and purchased from a street vendor in Dazu, China in 2009. 
17 months ago · Like
Tammy@InStitches Love my Chiang Mai Dragon pillows, didn't know I could love a pillow so much !
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 1, 2012.
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