Friday, April 30, 2010

Joe Nye's Chinoiserie Flair


I have just finished reading interior designer Joe Nye's just released first book on entertaining entitled Flair and I loved it. Nye covers flowers, invitations, and table settings, much of it reflecting his love of Chinoiserie. The table settings are stunning. If you enjoy entertaining, Joe Nye's wonderful sense of style, and Chinoiserie, you too will love this book. My favorite ideas include:
1. Bamboo flatware
2. Pink carnations
3. Mixing new and vintage china
5. Mixing silver flatware
6. Colored glassware
7. Black candles
8. Chinoiserie tablecloths
9. Mixing high and low end pieces
10. Using inherited pieces with a modern touch
11. Chinoiserie galore!

Next week I will give you my high/low sources for these gorgeous looks, many from my own china closet as well as my own tips for setting a Chinoiserie table. Stay tuned!







Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Top Chinoiserie Fabrics #4 & #5


Two of my very favorite Chinoiserie fabrics are Quadrille's Paradise Background and their China Seas Collection Lyford Background. They take their place on my list of the best Chinoiserie fabrics. Many bloggers and even interior designers confuse the two patterns, which are quite close. I was thrilled to get the Paradise Background in Raspberry on Tint pictured above from Shannon Darby of Pink Wallpaper on Tuesday from her online shop The Designer's Attic. My Chinoiserie fabric stash runneth over! Below are wonderful examples of how designers use these fabrics as well as all the colorways of each so that you will be able to distinguish the two. No matter how these patterns are used-pillows, a headboard, window treatments, a tablecloth, or chairs, they instantly become the focal point of a room.









Quadrille Paradise Background










Quadrille China Seas Lyford Background










Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Schumacher Nanjing


One of you needs to run over to Pigtown Design's Etsy shop and grab this gorgeous pillow in Schumacher Nanjing in Smoke for $40. This 100% linen fabric with its bold and graphic Asian landscapes would jazz up any sofa, chair, or bed.


The Top Chinoiserie Fabrics #3


Although this fabric is new to the scene, I am convinced that Schumacher's Shantung Silhouette is destined to become a favorite of interior designers. I love Chinoiserie in silhouette-it has such an elegance and simplicity. This fabric reminds me of Quadrille's Paradise Background and Lyford, but its more muted colorways are better suited to homes with softer palettes like my own. Based on Schumacher's classic Chinoiserie pattern "The Jugglers," Schumacher has used a solid background on a lighter weight 100% linen ground and eliminated the pattern detail to create a modern silhouette. I think it is perfection. I predict we will start seeing Southern interior designers who favor softer colors like Phoebe Howard and Suzanne Kasler who have not traditionally used many Chinoiserie patterned fabrics start using this gorgeous fabric. Above is the colorway Wisteria.

Mineral


Smoke


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Farrow & Ball, Jo Malone & am New York


I'm excited to tell you about a wonderful collaboration between two of my favorite British companies-Farrow & Ball and Jo Malone. Farrow & Ball, my top paint and wallpaper manufacturer and perfumer extraordinaire Jo Malone have joined to launch their first collection of colored candles. Each candle scent is paired with an intrinsically linked color. My favorite is Jo Malone's signature scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin that I have been addicted to since first finding it in London. It is an incredible combination of fresh limes, zesty mandarins, peppery basil, and white thyme. It has been paired with Farrow & Ball's Breakfast Room Green. Above is the candle in my kitchen. Below is the full collection. For inspiration, I have shown each candle below with an example of a Chinoiserie tablescape where it would be perfect. Find your own limited edition candle at Farrow & Ball showrooms, Jo Malone boutiques, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Then create your own Chinoiserie vignette.

Also, I hope you will check out an an article running today on page 15 of the print and online version of am New York where I am interviewed about Chinoiserie and Chinoiserie screens. It has some wonderful sources for well priced versions.


Lime Basil & Mandarin in Breakfast Room Green




Mary McDonald


Pomegranate Noir in Eating Room Red


Melissa Wallace Deitz


Blue Agave & Cacao in Oval Room Blue



Ruthie Sommers


Grapefruit in Cream


Ruthie Sommers


Wild Fig & Cassis in Pelt


Ruthie Sommers