Beautiful work you’ve made, an inspiring concept of two different cultures that prove… we were made to be together!!!
Keep up the Good Work.
The Timeless Allure of Chinoiserie Wallpaper
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2 min
Image credit Emile de Bruijn
Chinoiserie
Pronounced:
‘shin-waa-zuh-ree’
Noun:
A decorative style in Western art, furniture, and architecture, especially in the 18th century, characterised by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques.
"hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper"
chinoiserie objects or decorations.
Table of Contents
Chinoiserie Demystified
Chinoiserie. A word that some of us have heard of, that a few are familiar with and for others, it’s a total mystery.
I thought it would make sense to start at the beginning of my design story and explain what chinoiserie actually is (but definitely not in an overbearing lecturing kind of way!)
But Surely Chinoiserie is Chinese?
Surprisingly, it isn’t…
Most people don’t know that chinoiserie is actually a French word. Although it’s spoken about in relation to Chinese design, the Chinese never used chinoiserie in their own homes (they preferred plain walls).
It was Europe’s elite that developed a fascination with the ‘mysterious’ East, and as a result chinoiserie wallpapers were made in China to meet Europeans tastes.
Image credit Emile de Bruijn
Shipped across continents to great anticipation (and expense!), this interesting mix of cultures could often be found adorning the interiors of 18th century high society homes, just like you would see in the likes of Bridgerton.
Related blogpost: Regencycore: Bridgerton-Inspired Home Decor Ideas
Learn More About The Origins
This exciting documentary delves deeper into the history of chinoiserie, it's a must watch for any chinoiserie lover and is packed full of inspiration!
Chinoiserie Wallpaper Inspiration
During my third year at uni, I came across the book 'Chinese Wallpapers in Britain & Ireland' by Emile de Bruijn book which included some of the most beautiful chinoiserie designs I’d ever seen. The more I looked, the more I fell in love. This is where my obsession began.
The book 'Chinese Wallpaper in Britain And Ireland' by Emile de Bruijn
I knew I wanted to learn all I could about this incredible aesthetic, so I headed off to China and under the guide of some phenomenal master artists, I learnt my craft, absorbing knowledge and techniques like a sponge.
I channelled all of that knowledge and skill into my exclusive wallpaper and fabric collaboration with Harlequin, one of the UK’s leading interior design brands.
Past Meets Present
From full flowers to billowing branches and colourful birds, nature never goes out of style.
I think this is what makes chinoiserie so timeless. Its panoramic murals have wrapped walls for more than 200 years, with vivid hues and stylised motifs that just make people smile.
Related blos post: Maximalist Decor: Where Chinoiserie Patterns Take Center Stage
Chinoiserie is about creating a feeling, and for me that feeling is pure joy.
Image credit Emile de Bruijn
Create Your Own Chinoiserie Wallpaper
If you are captivated by the beauty of chinoiserie wallpapers as much as I am then I have some amazing resources to help you create your own!
My popular eBook 'How To Paint Chinoiserie Art' is packed full of valuable advice on understanding the basics, tools, and techniques of chinoiserie painting.
Or for those who want something a little more in-depth then my painting course is packed with with video lessons, demos, and guidance to help you master the chinoiserie process.
If you want to start exploring chinoiserie painting but don't know where to begin, I've got you covered with my free guide and mini-course!
If you liked this article and want to find out more about the mystery that is chinoiserie, be sure to sign up (I'll even send you more freebies along the way!)
Read More About Chinoiserie History...
Comments
Hi Diane
Your stunning, beautiful and utterly enchanting work has inspired me to start my own journey of discovery into the world of Chinoiserie. I hope to be able to create something as sublime as you one day and so after more than 50 years I’m going back to school to see if I can paint (it’s a start)!
Thanks
hand painted wallpaper
Impeccable. Brilliantly beautiful. Creatively Spectacular. I love your artistic flair, skill, and soul-rendering talent. You are empowering me (an artist), to dig way down into my heart and creative soul to begin anew, and to create the birds, flowers, foliage I love so much! I am sincerely grateful for your creativity. Thank you. John
Please send styles, specs, and full info re shipping of wallpapers. Thank you.