23 May 2011

crazy about chinoiserie


I have been, at first tempted, then hungry for, and now have an insatiable craving for anything chinoiserie.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term, " Chinoiserie is a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque", refers to a recurring theme in European artistic styles since the seventeenth century, which reflect Chinese artistic influences. It is characterized by the use of fanciful imagery of an imaginary China, by asymmetry in format and whimsical contrasts of scale, and by the attempts to imitate Chinese porcelain and the use of lacquer like materials and decoration." , and I love it.


Thibaut has some fabulous wallpapers and fabrics that fit the bill.


Iconic images that they include are


pagodas...


birds in blossoming trees and

figural depictions of romanticized Chinese life.


I am more convinced than ever that I should wallpaper a ceiling or more specifically my dining room ceiling.

Since the top half of the walls will be a Benjamin-Moore Moroccan Red and the wainscoting below a simple white, I was leaning towards the Thibaut above called Cantonese in the aqua colorway.

Its a tough choice.

How would you incorporate a Chinese styled item into your home? Would you go  all in like these Thibaut rooms or add a piece or two as you find them?

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