What is Chinoiserie?

 What is Chinoiserie?

Originating in the 17th century, Chinoiserie is a western European style of art and design influenced by the artistic traditions of pre-industrial China and East Asia. Its most common application can be seen in the decorative arts, in which it shares many elements with French rococo style such as abundant ornamentation or decoration, highly stylized nature, expansive color palette, and an extravagant aesthetic. The signature quality of much Chinoiserie furniture and decor is the use of fantasized imagery derived from European interpretations of life, art, and culture in China.

   

The style became more popular in the 18th century largely as a result of a rapidly expanding trade market between Europe, China, and India. These improved trade relations allowed westerners to become much more exposed to the art and culture of the eastern world, which from a western perspective was viewed as exotic and unexplored creative ground.

How to Pronounce Chinoiserie?

People who are unfamiliar with the term are often curious about the correct pronunciation. Originating from the French word “Chinois”, which translates literally to “from China”, phonetically it sounds like “shin-wahz-ree”. For English speakers, there is a tendency to see the word “noise” (like a loud or unpleasant sound) in the spelling of Chinoiserie when it is read. This is likely what leads to its most common mispronunciation.

Interior Design Trends

In terms of interior design fashion within the United States, Chinoiserie has long been trendy among the elite and experienced its peak from the 19th century to the later 1920s. It saw a resurgence in the 80s and 90s, and today is in favor again. Regardless of time period, it is a style that has always been favored for its uniquely ornate and exotic aesthetic.

Chinoiserie design motifs can be seen in everything from wallpaper, upholstery, fine china, ceramics, and even furniture. Imagery like idyllic rural Chinese landscapes, pagodas, traditional courtyards, and dragons are commonly featured. For more examples of Chinoiserie furniture, Chinoiserie porcelain, and other asian home decor, browse our featured sections below.

  

  

Figurines and statues of foo dogs have long been a classic (and subtle) way to invite an east Asian element into a space. They can be purchased in several styles, poses, materials, and colors to fit your needs. They also carry with them symbolic appeal, regarded as guardians that prevent harmful things from happening to the family. See more from our selection of Foo Dog decor.

For a bolder approach, Chinoiserie wallpaper can create a rich color palette and chic environment. There is no end to the wide variety of designs and different types of imagery available so the only boundary is your individual creativity.

16 Merry Hill Ct, Pikesville, MD 21208

 Dunlora, built in 1899, was once part of the Stewart's Cliffeholme estate. Designed by noted New York architects, Hoppin & Koen the estate was renamed Merry Hill by a later owner. Easily one of Baltimore County's most splendid homes, this impressive brick Georgian estate house was designed for grand entertaining, both inside and out, or the most intimate family gatherings. The marble Foyer with fireplace and French doors to the terrace and gardens is just a tantalizing clue for what lays beyond. The formal Living Room with fireplace, matching bay windows and French doors to the covered porch. Stunning 2-story Stair Hall with classic staircase full-height leaded and stained glass Palladian window. Breathtaking banquet-size formal Dining Room with fireplace and French doors to terrace and gardens. The sumptuous wood paneled Library with fireplace, extensive bookcases and adjoining granite Wet Bar. The completely custom gourmet Kitchen complex features a full service Butler's Pantry and sunny Breakfast Room. A 2-stop elevator, Sunroom, formal Powder Room, Laundry Room, additional Powder Room and beautiful passages and hallways complete the main level. Anchoring the 2nd level is a sumptuous Primary Suite comprised of a Sitting Room with fireplace, huge Primary Bedroom with fireplace, granite Primary Bath and additional Primary Spa Bath/Dressing Room with separate shower room. An en-suite Bedroom with fireplace, additional Bedroom with shared Bath, custom fitted Office or 4th second floor bedroom and remarkable Media room are also found on this level. The 3rd floor features a huge 5th Bedroom and Bath as well as additional rooms, storage rooms and tremendous vaulted attic, perfect as a game room, play room or home gym. The gardens and professionally landscaped and manicured grounds are enhanced by beautiful terraces, patios, covered porch, magnificent pool complex and delightful sunken garden with Greenspring Valley vistas- all on 3.47 magnificent acres. Additional private gated access from Park Heights Ave. 3 additional building lots available separately.