Monday, October 14, 2013

Chinoiserie Magazine Styling


I always enjoy doing a post when I find photos of the same room styled by the interior designer and then restyled by a magazine for a photo shoot. I understand that magazine stylists have to earn their keep, but it is a bit funny in the case of an interior designer as talented as Alex Papachristidis.

Above is his own dining room as styled by him, and below as styled by Elle Decor. I prefer his, especially for a magazine shoot. On top of the Chinoiserie cabinet, they have replaced his bold coral pieces that really pop against the aubergine walls, with books, foo dogs, a Chinese figurine, and a black object. I think their choices are too small and too dark, blending in too much against the deep purple background.

In the photo at bottom, you can see that on the dining table, they have replaced his blue and white ginger jar and coral animal figurine with a pair of pagodas and a couple of other pieces apparently to pick up the purple and white. Stylists always have fresh flowers, or in a kitchen, staged fruits or vegetables. They have chosen to leave the politically incorrect blackamoor, perhaps feeling that since he is dressed as a flower child with a peace sign above it is OK.



7 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this! It is really interesting to see the difference between designer and magazine styling. I miss the bright coral in the magazine, but I do prefer how they styled the table.

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  2. I prefer his, too. The scale of the pieces on top look better to the eye.

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  3. We couldn't agree with you more. The former has richer color balance and the peace sign isn't convincing enough to be part of the mix. What a great find to feature and compare.

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  4. Agreed, his is more visually interesting. I'm totally coveting that cabinet.

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  5. The books on the floor caught my eye - very odd!

    An insightful post. Thanks!

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  6. What a stunning dining room!! Such an amazing mix - I wouldn't dare change a thing in there!

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  7. Hi I think your blog is great I receive it every morning via my email
    I loved the turquoise cabinet and if you have the time to look at my excuse for a blogspot you will see why.I hope it might interest you

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