Monday, December 1, 2008

Chinoiserie Wall Paper

Some of my all time favorite rooms have hand-painted wallpaper or wall treatments inspired by Chinoiserie paper. I feel like the look is really modern and completely traditional at the same time. Plus, who doesn't like flowers and birds?

Here are some of the more traditional rooms

And here are some more modern takes on the Chinoiserie paper look.


The problem with hand painted Chinoiserie wallpaper is that it is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive, but there are some good ways to get the look for less.

There are a lot of wall papers (that are probably really toiles) but that have that same hand-painted look.

I found this wallpaper on eBay for really cheap. It is so beautiful.


And has some seriously great movement.


I think I would put it in a dining room, but I like the way the blue and white toile looks here in this Eddie Ross bedroom.


Another way to get a similar look for less is to buy the paper in a very small quantity and to frame the paper as art. You'll get a look similar to these:

If you're artistic, you could try free-hand painting a simple silhouette on one wall as an accent, like in this gorgeous room.

This room always reminds me of Van Gogh's almond blossom painting.


Here's another hand painted mural with a Chinoiserie theme, this one from designer Ruthie Sommer's daughter's nursery.


I think the most exciting idea of all would be to attempt the look using stencils. The 80's are back, baby! And so are stencils! :) But it think I will avoid this type


and stick with this type, from the totally inspirational website Stencil Library,going for this look:


Couldn't you just kill for this room? I need it all. And the orange is perfection.
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