Anything with bamboo (or faux bamboo) design elements, Chinese Chippendale fretwork designs, and especially pagodas make me a little weak in the knees.
Last year, I redecorated our small den in a big way. I found whimsical toile wallpaper, at Ricciardi Paint in Morristown, with an Asian-inspired design loaded with (of course) pagodas. After I hung the first run, my husband thought I was out of my mind. But once I finished the room in the exuberant chocolate-and-vanilla design, he was crazy about it. Just this morning, I noticed that Ballard Design is now selling exactly the same wallcovering in a bunch of colorways for $79 for a double roll. (That made me smile because it validated my unconventional choice…must alert my hubby immediately.)
What a nice convenience to be able to order this wallpaper directly from ballarddesign.com. In fact, if you like to use Chinoiserie elements in your interior design, here are a few other fun finds, all available online from my favorite retailers…
Our friends at wisteria.com are fans of the Far-East look, too. I adore this Pagoda mirror that comes in blue, white and black and sells for $799. It’s perfect for just about any space and would be especially dramatic in a foyer or powder room.
Ballard Design is right on trend with the Macau armchair in black, red and white for $279 each. This lovely rattan/mahogany piece makes a fine desk chair, or splurge and buy a whole set for your dining room table. Cushion is included.
And frontgate.com has added all kinds of Asian-inspired decorative accessories to their summer catalog. One of the sweetest pieces is this pagoda lantern in blue, black and white for $99.50 and $129.50. I recommend snagging two in the taller size to make a dramatic statement on your indoor or outdoor dining table.
Once you begin collecting Chinoiserie pieces like these, you’ll get hooked like I am. That’s why my basement is quickly filling up with estate sale finds just begging to be refinished in a high-gloss finish and added to my funky home.