Chinoiserie Style, Decoded
Chinoiserie was the original East-meets-West design style, celebrating Asian motifs in a whimsical and lighthearted way
What is Chinoiserie style? The word ‘Chinoiserie’ is French and means “in the Chinese taste”. It describes a decorating style that has been used for centuries to infuse drama, and a sense of fantasy into some of the world’s most glamorous interiors. Many popular Chinoiserie motifs will be instantly recognisable to us in Singapore, although people often mistakenly assume that the style originated in China. However it is, in fact, a trend that began in Europe in the 17th Century.
At that time, European merchants were establishing trade routes across Asia, bringing home whimsical products and incredible stories of distant, mysterious lands. The Europeans didn’t distinguish between the different Eastern cultures and everything from China, Japan, India and Persia was collectively termed “Oriental”. The Europeans were fascinated with all things Asian, and their decor (and even dressing) began to reflect this. Throughout the continent, however, authentic products were rare, so European manufacturers produced imitations, often adapting traditional Asian designs and symbols, altering scale and proportion to better suit European taste.
In essence, Chinoiserie is the original East-Meets-West design style.
For many of us living in Singapore, we too are a hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures.
As a designer I love to personalise the homes of my clients to reflect their heritage and personality, and we often add a dash of Chinoiserie into our projects to bring a light-hearted hint at the blend of cultures.
For many of us living in Singapore, we too are a hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures.
As a designer I love to personalise the homes of my clients to reflect their heritage and personality, and we often add a dash of Chinoiserie into our projects to bring a light-hearted hint at the blend of cultures.
A scenic wallpaper is a classic way to bring an oriental touch of luxury into your home. The contained confines of a powder room is a perfect place to experiment with this.
Looking for something more contemporary for larger areas of the home?
An all-over Chinoiserie pattern can look fresh and modern if you keep the furniture streamlined and crisp.
An all-over Chinoiserie pattern can look fresh and modern if you keep the furniture streamlined and crisp.
But if such an abundance of pattern seems a little daunting, how about using a more restrained hand? I love how these framed wallpaper panels bring drama and colour to this room without over powering it. As a decorating project, it is light on the pocket too.
Or restrict the pattern to a focal area. This oriental screen makes a beautiful headboard.
If florals or botanicals are not your thing, dress your walls in Oriental themed fretwork motifs.
These beautiful geometric patterns can feel quite masculine but still resonate with a Chinoiserie vibe.
If pattern of any kind is just not for you, try fretwork detail on cupboard doors. The look is
crisp and refined, yet the injection of classic oriental motifs is undeniably Chinoiserie.
crisp and refined, yet the injection of classic oriental motifs is undeniably Chinoiserie.
Or incorporate a few fretwork chairs into your room scheme.
This design classic has its origins firmly rooted in traditional Chinese motifs.
Must-Know Chair: The Chinese Chippendale
This design classic has its origins firmly rooted in traditional Chinese motifs.
Must-Know Chair: The Chinese Chippendale
Notice how the designer has amplified the Oriental theme in this room buy selecting a curtain fabric that echoes the theme.
Many of our clients have inherited family heirloom pieces. Setting these against a Chinoiserie backdrop enables us to integrate these antiques into the room. Here an antique mahjong table sits seamlessly between a pair of Chinoiserie patterned curtains. Here, we added side tables with a classic form but in a contemporary material, beautifully combining the new with the old.
One of my favourite ways of injecting Chinois elements into a room is by reinventing such classic Oriental themes. When reworked in a contemporary material like polished stainless steel, these classic designs become thoroughly current.
Fusing modern designs with classic elements gives a totally unexpected look that pays homage to our Asian origins but is thoroughly streamlined and modern … just like our City State, itself.
These fusion designs, reflect who we are and give our homes a wonderful sense of place.
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Grace Your Interiors With Chic Chinoiserie
These fusion designs, reflect who we are and give our homes a wonderful sense of place.
TELL US
Have you decorated in Chinoiserie style? Share your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more chinoiserie style ideas
Grace Your Interiors With Chic Chinoiserie
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