Abstract Modern Art and Chinoiserie

Does anyone remember this fabulous apartment belonging to Merrill Hanley by interior designer Keith Irvine from Domino magazine? I love the juxtaposition of the very traditional Chinoiserie wallpaper Scalamandre Shanghai in the entryway with the modern abstract art in the living room. Have you seen the wonderful art of my new sponsor Susan Brown? I have shown several of her pieces below - check them all out here.

The Top Chinoiserie Fabrics #2

Last week we started our series on the top Chinoiserie fabrics with Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon. Today we look at the classic and timeless Le Lac by my favorite fabric line Brunschwig & Fils. A glazed chintz (chintz is making a big comeback), it is a classic Chinoiserie toile that designers turn to time and again. It was created in the 18th century as a silk brocade by Philippe de la Salle who also designed silk brocades for Versailles. With its seven foot repeat and raspberry, green, and cream colors, it works anywhere. I love it especially in red or green rooms used on chairs or curtains.

Meg Braff

Todd Romano

Keith Irvine

Top Ten Chinoiserie Wallpapers #5

One of the most beautiful Chinoiserie wallpapers is Scalamadre's Shanghai. Based on period paintings of Cathay, its look is classic, traditional, elegant, old money. This large scale seven color Chinoiserie toile is very dramatic, eliminating the need for any art on the walls whatsoever.

Shanghai would be my first choice for an entryway, as shown below in the apartment of Merrill Hanley. This apartment was designed by Keith Irvine and featured in Domino Magazine.

Below is the dining room of Meg Braff wallpapered in Scalamandre Shanghai. The wonderful Chinese red paint she used is Farrow & Ball Blazer. The brass sunburst mirror, Chinese Chippendale chairs, and beaded chandelier are modern pieces, giving the room a youthful and preppy feel. Pictures are from House Beautiful.

For more information on this classic and sophisticated wallpaper, click here.

Chinoiserie Window Treatments

What window treatments go well in a room with Chinoiserie flair? My personal favorites are silk and Chinoiserie toile. Since silks originated in China, silk is a natural choice. Full length silk panels are elegant, dramatic, understated, and easily purchased or created. Silks are also ideal for shades like roman or balloon. A cotton toile with a Chinoiserie design is another perfect idea. In more formal rooms, a pagoda shaped cornice could be used. Here are some favorite examples for further inspiration.

Keith Langham-pelmet with bells

Joe Nye-Travers Chinese Garden Chinoiserie toile

Joe Nye-melon colored silk tafetta curtains

Melissa Rufty-Chinese red silk shade

Kendall Wilkinson-Quadrille Chinoiserie toile with pagoda valances

Keith Irvine-Chinoiserie valances with trim of red bells