Monday, April 2, 2012

My New Ideabook on Houzz - The Greek Key


Please check out my new Ideabook on Houzz on the Greek key. I actually had an irate reader reprimand me for showing Greek key as an element of Chinoiserie design. Well, my dear reader, the term Greek key is a modern designation. It refers to a meander, a decorative design constructed of a continuous line shaped into a repeated motif. The meander dates back to ancient China, Rome, and Greece. It is found in abundance in Chinese architecture, porcelain, and art. I think the Greek key design works so beautifully in a room with other Chinoiserie elements because it injects a graphic and geometric boldness to the prettiness of Chinoiserie, preventing a room from becoming too twee. The history lesson has concluded; you are now at liberty to check out all the great Greek key ideas on my Ideabook. My Houzz link can always be found in my sidebar as well.

5 comments:

  1. Lord, have mercy!!! I am eager to check it out!!!

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  2. I am also very drawn to Greek key and am using it very successfully with Chinoiserie for a client in a guest bedroom.

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  3. Good grief.

    I've looked at your Ideabook at it's FANTASTIC!

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  4. I have a pair of stunning antique chinese stools from my grandparents that are rimmed in a gold greek key motif - it's one of my favourite design details :)
    check out a pic here: http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-old-hollywood-decor/a/35338/2

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  5. So funny because I just happened to check your blog this evening and coincidentally, I posted earlier today about the Greek key as well. I found it interesting how pervasive (throughout the world and history) this motif has been and continues today. I agree with your comment about how it tempers softer design elements with its strong graphic 'boldness'. I look forward to checking your Houzz link!

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