White Chinoiserie

Sei, Penn Quarter in DC's chic sushi bar, has fabulous sushi and cocktails, but the decor is also a show stopper. The all white interior, punctuated with touches of red, includes white walls, light floors, white banquettes, white mother of pearl curtains, and faux white ostrich leather chairs corseted in red. Red is also brought in with contemporary art work. I have never thought of white for a room with Chinoiserie, but this place has changed my mind entirely. One could do any room in your home using white walls, white furniture, and then accent it with red and gold Chinoiserie touches. Think a red lacquer Chinese screen or red lacquerware. Another idea would be a backdrop of white walls and furniture for a collection of blue and white Chinese porcelain. Art or pillows by Teo Jasmin that I featured here would be perfect.