Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Chinoiserie Office


Don't resign yourself to living with an ugly metal filing cabinet in your home office. With a little money and effort, you can have a stunning Chinoiserie piece instead.




This is a marvelous Mary McDonald DIY for the Chinoiserie office. Featured in the January/February 2006 issue of Domino Magazine, interior designer Mary McDonald photocopied/enlarged Chinoiserie wallpaper and glued it to her filing cabinet.  I have even found a tutorial for everyone on Pink Mohair and more tips on Style Court from Mary McDonald herself so you can do a professional job. This will work with a favorite piece of wallpaper or fabric. eBay is a great source for fabric remnants and wallpaper as well.

10 comments:

  1. THIS IS SUCH AN EXCELLENT TIP!!! We've recently moved and my office is now in a public space in our home. I entertain clients in the room as well as have to use it as a functional office space... I've managed to put the room together with a minimal degree of "office look" however my stupid bright white filing cabinets have driven me to insantiy! Thanks to you, problem solved!!!

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  2. The Antiques Diva-It is quite clever. I think many of us will be trying it.

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  3. Thanks for the GREAT idea! Maybe I could cover the face of my refrigerator is chinoiserie...?

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  4. Scott-There is a good video online of Nick Olsen covering his refrigerator and what you need like rubber cement and a squeegee so you do it right-I think it would be fab!

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  5. G*A*S*P - this is just fantastic! Seriously, it looks incredible. Beth, I propose the Chinoiserie dream house - something for every room! If I'm not mistaken you have the nursery, the office, bedroom, and vestibule already - keep the rooms coming!

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  6. SF-I have done an office, nurseries, sitting room, vestibule, foyer, bedrooms, library, hall, and dining room to date. The best is yet to come!

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  7. P.S. YES on the wavelength thing! Yours is a lot more couture, but it's the same vibe - just let me know if you start craving dove chocolates or reading a lot of de Botton - we'll know there are serious problems!

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  8. This is one fabulous idea! Love this look and think I might try it.
    Thanks for sharing it.

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  9. A Gift Wrapped Life-So many of us probably have nice home offices with ugly metal file cabinets. This is an inspired and cheap fix. Thanks for stopping by!

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