Chinoiserie Design in the 21st Century

What is Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie is a European decorative style that imitates the art and design of Eastern design.

A fusion between Eastern and Western design, Chinoiserie has been bringing timeless luxury to interiors for centuries.

First appearing in the 17th century, this trend was popularized in Britain and Europe in the 18th century due to the rise in trade with East Asia. Western society became fascinated by the decorative arts brought back from the Far East, as a result eastern influences began to infiltrate everything from architecture to wall-coverings, fabric, furniture and ceramics.

Decorating with Chinoiserie

Some world class architects and interior designers have embraced the ‘Chinoiserie’ style.

John Nash used elements of Chinoiserie in his design of Brighton Pavilion in the UK.

“I always put in one controversial element, it makes people talk.” stated Dorothy Draper a trailblazing US interior designer popular in the 1920’s who used Chinoiserie features in her designs.

Chinoiserie is not for minimalists, adding vibrant pops to a space.

Statement Furniture in Chinoiserie Print

Blue and white toiles, fabrics and velvets evoke finest porcelain, shown here is the Chestnut Blue and Cirencester floral Velvet East Hampton chairs by Berton Furniture

Bird motifs are popular in Chinoiserie design. Rich colours of the pheasant can be shown here on Berton Furniture’s Chinoiserie print Bliss Chair:

And again here the same chair in vibrant red and gold, matching footstool also available.

Chinoiserie in the 21^st century

“At the brink of a new decade when wallpaper, floral prints, and bohemian vibes continue to trend on our Instagram accounts, it’s no wonder that this theme is sparking interest.” Says Sabrina Piazza a Philadelphia based interior designer of Living Quarters Interior Design, ““It’s always been there, it is now just now swooning the minimalists.”

Characterized by fantastical oriental scenes and sinuous, stylized flower and bird motifs, the Chinoiserie trend has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with today’s wallpaper and fabric houses offering a wealth of ornate decorative designs to bring wow-factor to your interior design choices.

Source: homesandgardens.com, mydomaine.com, idshowcase.co.uk,