Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Preppy Chinoiserie


Chinoiserie and preppy together really are a marriage made in heaven. I was thinking these deep thoughts yesterday as I was shopping in Ralph Lauren and Vera Bradley, both beautifully decorated with Chinoiserie everywhere. I was especially taken with this window display above at Ralph Lauren (taken on my iPhone) and it has given me great inspiration for a vignette in my family room. I've decided to see if I can replicate this look for my own home. I'm on the lookout for a collection of vintage polo mallets and a massive blue and white Chinese jar. I'll show you the results when I do! If you have been in many Ralph Lauren stores, they love using blue and white Chinese porcelain contrasted against all the dark woods of the stores. Wonderful looks they employ are blue and white Chinese fish bowls with Kentia palms and massive blue and white ginger jars. This British Colonial style is especially nice in the summer.




20 comments:

  1. Love Kentia palms in oversized fishbowls....couldn't be more classic;) Works well everywhere, however even more charming here in Florida!

    Besos,
    Jaime

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  2. I could tell it was RL from the tiny icon on my bloglist. I love it all. I also love the big basket holding that plant.

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  3. Isn't it great to mix it up, and it really works beautifully!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  4. Love these oversized jars and how RL has used one in display. I'm a huge fan of British Colonial style -- it's perfect for a hot climate like Houston but feels much more formal than coastal style.

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  5. CC--


    Wonderfully inspirational and insightful posts recently.

    I love that SPANISH TOREADOR (?...looks like) costume of lights hanging on a bathroom wall...and the 'pretty Chinoiserie'...a delightful concept you originated.
    Textiles are delicious.

    bravo ...and cheers, DIANE
    www.thestylesaloniste.com

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  6. You are so right, preppy style & Chinoiserie are a compatible union. I can't wait to see what you replicate.

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  7. Chinoiserie and Preppy are a match made in heaven! Love this look!

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  8. That image of the massive vase next to the chair reminds me of the wonderful Sargent portrait of the Wertheimer sisters in the collection of Tate Britain (http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?cgroupid=999999961&workid=13124&searchid=10226), where the equally huge vase definitely adds to the glamour of the picture.

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  9. Jaime-I think it's a great look anywhere in the South.

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  10. Averill-I agree-my style is more formal.

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  11. Diane-Thanks so much. Yes, I did fudge on that matador costume but it was such a great look in that bathroom I thought I'd sneak it in!

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  12. le sigh...i would LOVE to have a ginormous ginger jar in my entry way, so i'm afraid the clumsy hound dog and his happily wagging tail would put an end to that pretty quickly.

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  13. Emile-A great analogy-hope you checked out yesterday's post. Thanks always for your insights.

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  14. Belle on Heels-Ones that large are quite heavy and not easily knocked over.

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  15. Two fabulous looks. I love blue and white porcelin pieces. I think they always elevate a rooms look.Love the RL image,great idea. Kathysue

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  16. Kathysue-So true-I use it everywhere in my home.

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