The Chinoiserie Dog

Harper

My girls are, as you might guess, very Chinoiserie Chic. I have two Japanese Chin. Despite its name, the Japanese Chin's roots trace back to China as early as the 5th century. Honored as religious symbols and pampered companions by Chinese and Korean royalty, these ancient lapdogs were eventually gifted to Japanese nobility, officially debuting in the West in 1853 via Commodore Matthew Perry.

Beatrice

Mrs. Alice

 

I came across this photo of a fabulous dog bed with a black and white Japanese Chin. Chins are quite rare in the United States and becoming far rarer as new CDC rules prevent the importation of puppies under 6 months of age. It took me a year to find Bea and she is from Canada (before the ban went into effect). Here is my little girl Beatrice all grown up. 

Living with Dogs

Carolyne Roehm and her Pups

I adore my dogs and yes, they are allowed on the furniture. They have dog beds they love, but when I am sitting on the sofas, they want to be with me. To each his own, but dogs have such short lives, I want them to enjoy each day to the fullest and I want them to be with me every moment they can be. And I have found a beautiful and functional way to protect my sofas.

Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks

 

I loved growing hollyhocks in my gardens in Virginia. Hollyhocks are a favorite motif in classic chintz fabrics like Lee Jofa Hollyhock that was created over 100 years ago -

Lee Jofa Hollyhock

Another favorite classic hollyhock fabric is by Sanderson.

The Chinoiserie Dog Bed

Dorothy Pagoda Dog Bed

 

I definitely have a thing for cute dog beds. I have them all over CCC. Eight to be exact including a wicker pineapple, a Chinese Chippendale, one with palm fronds - the pups can be pretty much anywhere and be hanging out with me in comfort (and style). My stone floors are not the comfiest.

Great Find for the Pup

Harry Barker Gingham Envelope Pet Bed

 

My one wish for Christmas was a new puppy in 2024 and Santa came through. If all goes according to plan, the new puppy, baby Beatrice, will be joining us in February. 

My Favorite Dog Bed

Harry Barker Vintage Stripe Dog Bed

 

After much trial and error, I have finally found a dog bed I absolutely love. I got the Harry Barker Vintage Stripe Dog Bed pictured above about eight months ago, and it still looks brand new. It looks great, wears great, and my dog loves it. Winner winner chicken dinner.

The Art of Cleaning

CCC

 

Spring is just around the corner and I suspect many of us grew up with the ritual of Spring Cleaning. I actually really enjoy cleaning my house. I am not alone - I found a fascinating article from Real Simple on this topic. 

Presents for Pups

Margot

This is my Japanese Chin Margot when she was quite young in one of her Christmas presents that year, a Ralph Lauren rain cape. I'm sure none of us has to be reminded to get our pets Christmas gifts. I saw this on Instagram and it made me laugh.

Living with Dogs

Carolyne Roehm with her dogs

My pups have their annual physicals today, so it seemed like a great day to post about living with dogs.

Blue & White Stripes

Heather Chadduck - Southern Living

 

A beautiful and inviting front porch with wicker, seashells, blue and white striped indoor/outdoor curtains, blue shutters, and blue and white Chinese garden stools. The shutters are painted Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green HC - 157. Blue and white stripes are such a classic and work so beautifully with chinoiserie, especially blue and white Chinese porcelain.

Navy & White Gingham

Tori Rubinson Interiors

I assume this is a kitchen although it is staged like a flower arranging or potting room. I especially like the touches of navy and white gingham. The wallpaper is Quadrille Climbing Hydrangea.

Wicker for the Fur Babies

Wicker Canopy Pet Bed

Do you love wicker? I have found some really chic and elegant beds for your fur babies both you and your pet will appreciate.

Navy and Whites Stripes

CCC

 

I can't get enough of navy and white stripes in my home and wardrobe. Navy and white stripes are classic, preppy, nautical, beachy, and work so well with chinoiserie! (This photo is from DC just before I moved here - I am much more blonde and tan now, but I was looking for pictures with navy and white stripes).

Monogrammed Towels - My Favorite Best Buys

Ralph Lauren Payton

I love monogrammed towels and for many years have taken advantage of this wonderful Bed and Bath Sale with FREE MONOGRAMS! Yes, not only are the towels on a great sale, but the monogramming is free.

Gifts for Pups

Margot in Ralph Lauren

 

Fur baby parents of course have to remember our babies at the holidays. Here are some of my favorite picks for pups with many chinoiserie choices.

Fall Home Refresh

Serena and Lily

 

For the lover of the blue and white, light and bright, California Cool, beach house, coastal vibe - like me, Serena and Lily is "As Good As It Gets." The quality is wonderful and the look is timeless. And starting today, the Fall Design Event launches with 20% off site wide with code NEWSEASON. Serena and Lily is perfect for the chinoiserie home, working so well with blue and white Chinese porcelain, chinoiserie wallpapers, and fabrics. 

I have curated my top ten pieces - the best of the best.

Living with Dogs

Alex Papachristidis - Teddy

 

My dogs Harper and Margot are my babies. If you live with small dogs, one issue, if they are allowed on furniture (which mine are) is how they get on and off high furniture like beds or sofas without hurting themselves.

Alex Papachristidis' tip for living with a pint-size pup? Give him a leg up by placing stylish step stools around the house. “Small antique and vintage chairs next to beds and sofas help to give your pets access to higher ground while also protecting their backs,” writes Alex. “I often buy Teddy’s miniature furniture from antique stores, pier shows, and auction houses.” (via One Kings Lane)

Chinoiserie & Gingham

Mark Sikes

I love the classic combination of blue and white gingham and chinoiserie. Here is some inspiration and sources for including gingham in your home and wardrobe. My go-to source for gingham home furnishings is Serena & Lily BTW.

A Pink Christmas

House Beautiful UK

 Here is great inspiration for lovers of pink. This is so pretty, especially in this rustic setting. Note the wicker tree collar. Theses collars have become very popular and I love them. My daughter is using a wicker one from Target on her tree this year. I prefer them now to a tree skirt - skirts to me are always messy dust collectors that just turn into a dog or cat bed. You can find tree collars in wicker, seagrass, copper, galvanized metal, etc.