Guest Picks: Year of the Dragon

20 ways to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac's animal sign for 2012

Lauren Gries
3
Bookmark
Email
Embed
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
asian table linens by Number Four Eleven
by Number Four Eleven
by Number Four Eleven
Dragon Napkins - $125.00 »
Adding these beautifully embroidered napkins to any table setting will add a bit of Chinese flair.
Private Comment
asian artwork by Etsy
by Etsy
by Etsy
Year of the Dragon 2012 Imperial Dragon by Brazen Design Studio - $45.00 »
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.
Private Comment
eclectic mirrors by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
Amazing Large Convex Mirror with Dragon »
While you typically find convex, circular or oval mirrors with eagles on the top, this mirror has a dragon, which is just divine.
Private Comment
asian fabric Chiang Mai Dragon
by TwentyOne7
by TwentyOne7
Chiang Mai Dragon - $134.00 »
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.
Private Comment
eclectic wallpaper by ArchiExpo
by ArchiExpo
by ArchiExpo
Luna Metal Wallcovering »
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.
Private Comment
modern candles and candle holders by Vivre
by Vivre
by Vivre
Large Dragon Candle - $165.00 »
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.
Private Comment
asian outdoor stools and benches by Lamps Plus
by Lamps Plus
by Lamps Plus
Off White Shanghai Dragon Ottoman - $305.91 »
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.
Private Comment
asian table lamps by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
Pair of Chinese Crackleware Vases, as Lamps »
These antique lamps are chic and timeless in shape. One of them also happens to have tiny dragons for handles.
Private Comment
asian accessories and decor by PLANTATION
by PLANTATION
by PLANTATION
Chinese Dragon - $95.00 »
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.
Private Comment
asian rugs by Rug Studio
by Rug Studio
by Rug Studio
Woven Legend Earth Tone Dragon Area Rug - $607.50 »
This handwoven rug with its rich colors and silky textures would make a beautiful addition to a feminine dressing room.
Private Comment
asian accessories and decor by Van Dyke's Restorers
by Van Dyke's Restorers
by Van Dyke's Restorers
Dragon Corbel - $48.99 »
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.
Private Comment
asian pendant lighting by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
Grande 19th Century Chinese Lantern »
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.
Private Comment
asian dinnerware by WWRD US
by WWRD US
by WWRD US
Dynasty 5 Piece Place Setting - $230.00 »
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.
Private Comment
asian dinnerware by Tiffany & Co.
by Tiffany & Co.
by Tiffany & Co.
Cirque Chinois Breakfast Cup and Saucer - $1,350.00 »
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!
Private Comment
asian books by Amazon
by Amazon
by Amazon
Chinoiseries »
This book is a beautifully illustrated resource for inspiration and education about the fantastic details of Chinoiseries.
Private Comment
asian accessories and decor by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
by 1st Dibs
Pair of Huge Vintage Chinese Ginger Jars »
These massive, matching ginger jars with painted dragons are large enough to make a bold statement, but still classic in shape and color.
Private Comment
asian mirrors by China Furniture Online
by China Furniture Online
by China Furniture Online
Rosewood Dragon Crown Oval Mirror - $279.00 »
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.
Private Comment
traditional bathtubs by Restoration Hardware
by Restoration Hardware
by Restoration Hardware
Vintage Imperial Clawfoot Soaking Tub - $4,650.00 »
This reproduction of the 19th century clawfoot tub is a luxurious yet subtle way to add a dragon to your home.
Private Comment
asian accessories and decor by Gump's San Francisco
by Gump's San Francisco
by Gump's San Francisco
Dragon Medallion - $139.00 »
This dragon medallion has the Chinese character for "double happiness." It would make a striking accent on any console table.
Private Comment
traditional bed pillows by Horchow
by Horchow
by Horchow
Natori Harmoni Bed Linens Bolster Pillow with Jade Dragon Pendant - $199.99 »
I love the combination of textures, embroidery and pearlescent tones that make this dragon bedding so luscious.
Private Comment
asian wallpaper by Élitis
by Élitis
by Élitis
Foulards VP 681 02 Wallpaper »
This wallpaper is so chic. I love the complementary colors of coral and turquoise.

Next: 20 Asian-Inspired Finds
Private Comment

Comments

portpiro says:
There are a lot of things to love here but $4650 for a reproduction tub! You have to be kidding me.
5 months ago ·
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.
5 months ago ·
Love my Chiang Mai Dragon pillows, didn't know I could love a pillow so much !
5 months ago ·