Ann Getty

Ann Getty is a fascinating and very talented interior designer who also has a penchant for Chinoiserie. Daughter in law of J. Paul Getty, oil magnate and collector, she is worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 billion (but perhaps those were pre-recession numbers). In spite of her wealth, she decided to follow her passion for interior design and in 1995 she launched her interior design business, based of course in San Francisco. She developed and launched her furniture collection in 2003. Many of the pieces were inspired by the Getty Collection. These photos from her home, her design work, and her collection have gorgeous examples of Chinoiserie including fretwork, lacquerware, pagodas, porcelain, antique textiles, and hand painted wallpaper. What I especially love is her use of color and pattern. So many designers today fall into two camps, neither of which I like-white and beige monochromatic rooms-what Tony Duquette called "the refrigerator door syndrome" or bold, bright, clear colors that I find jarring. To see more of her work and her collection, click here.

Lacquered Furniture

Lacquered pieces date back to the Shang Dynasty in China (1600 B.C.) These high gloss green lacquered items from cb2 are great modern and affordable versions. I love the inventive zest c table above at $99.95. On casters, it slides next to a sofa, chair, or bed, for a drink, dinner, or your laptop. The hyde wall mounted cabinet at $199.00 can be used singly or in multiples in living, dining, media, office, bed, bath, or kitchen. I think these have sleek chic Chinoiserie style.

The Chinoiserie Kitchen

This small but gorgeous kitchen by Miles Redd was featured in the July House Beautiful. Rather than rip out the existing laminate kitchen cabinets, Miles simply had them painted in Bamboo Leaf by Fine Paints of Europe. Their Hollandlac Brilliant is a perfect paint for this type of use. It is an ultra durable marine grade paint that will give you a very high gloss enamel finish. This green is a wonderful choice. Other ideas for a Chinoiserie lacquer look include red, yellow, or black. Lacquer has been used in China and Japan since 7000 BC for its beautiful and durable finish. Fines Paints of Europe does an incredible job of creating this lacquer look. This idea is elegant, green in every sense of the word as you are upcycling your existing cabinets, and budget friendly.

Chinoiserie Chargers

Since we are having fun this week focusing on setting the Chinoiserie table, here are lacquerware plate chargers you will not believe. Just check out the colors, and they are $7.50 from Caspari. Chic, Chinoiserie, and cheap from Caspari!

The Lacquer Tray

In the latest issue of Elle Decor, Miles Redd gives us his short list of 12 things he can't live without. Number 9 is Trays which he says give order and clarity to clutter. At $30, these lacquerware trays I found in delicious colors from Caspari are gorgeous and so well priced you will want more than one. How would you use one of these stylish trays?

On a kitchen counter set up as a bar

For breakfast in bed

In the foyer for mail and keys

In the bathroom for makeup, toiletries, or perfume

On your dresser for jewelry

On your desk for supplies

To serve cocktails or dessert

On your ottoman

No matter how you use these, they are a chic Chinoiserie way to organize things with great style.