A follower of Chinoiserie Chic has a conundrum-how to meld her love of Chinoiserie with her exposed brick entryway and staircase of her Capitol Hill rowhouse. She plans to use in the entryway a pagoda mirror over a long narrow table. Great start! I would love to see a Chinese garden stool or even a pair under or flanking the table if space permits. As for art on the staircase, I think you need some boldness and drama to hold its own against the brick. I love the idea of one or a pair of framed Chinese ancestor portraits or a grouping of Japanese woodblocks. Both are readily available in antique or new print versions, at all different price levels. Here are some examples of Chinese ancestor portraits followed by Japanese woodblock prints. Please report back on what you do.
Reggie believes the best way to integrate Chinoiserie with exposed brick is to plaster over the brick. If your writer lives in a Capitol Hill row house, odds are that it was built in the 19th century. And no 19th century builder (or resident) of a house would ever have allowed the walls to be left exposed brick. They would have been plastered. Reggie doesn't understand the mania for exposed brick, in fact he doesn't care for it one whit, except in industrial buildings, lofts, or restaurants, which is where it belongs in his view. Absent plastering the brick, Reggie would at least paint it.
ReplyDeleteOwner of said row house lives in the 21st century, therefore while appreciating the features of the 19th century period, she feels the best way to respect old and new is to marry them together. Owner wouldn't dare plaster over the character of the home any sooner than she would disconnect the electricity that also brought the home into this modern day. She wouldn't care for that one speck. Owner loves CC's recommendations and will unremittingly keep fellow followers au courant!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions and wonderful examples of the point you are making. I had something exciting happen to me that I know you will appreciate. I recieved an email from the artist Harrison Howard when he saw my shopping post on my blog where I referred readers to his wonderful work. I know that you are an admirer of his work, in fact you and Joni are the ones that introduced his work to me. Thank you for that, I hope to own at least a Giclee of his work someday. Just wanted to share, I am so thrilled, Kathysue
ReplyDeleteI look forward to what Heather does with her said row house and know by her words she has a love for history and a penchant for spunk. Heather, whatever you chose to do, I am sure it will show style, consideration and personal choice.
ReplyDeleteReggie-That wasn't the question I was asked.
ReplyDeleteHeather-I'd love to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteKathysue-How fun!
ReplyDeleteHome Before Dark-Well said.
ReplyDeleteReggie is nurturing his wounds, for he has been called up for hoisting his petard. He would still plaster over the brick, though. He does have his standards, after all, however anachronistic some may consider them to be . . .
ReplyDeleteReggie-Civility is a wonderful standard as well.
ReplyDeleteHeather, what a great idea. Kiki thinks the rich Chinoiserie palate will be a perfect compliment to your rowhouse, which sounds lovely. There is nothing Kiki loves better than a Capitol Hill row house with good bones and traditional lines and accents. Will be standing by on the UES to see how this evolves.
ReplyDeleteKiki-I am too!
ReplyDelete