Interior design trend alert: the art of chinoiserie and japanning

Vintage 1970's Chinoiserie mirror available via Dering Hall Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles, Ca  90016 The art of Chinoiserie (meaning chinese-esque in french) is re-appearing as an interior design trend for 2015.

In and out of popularity since it was first introduced to western Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, it is often found on wallcoverings, fabrics and porcelain  decorative objects.  Designs included depictions of life in the Orient, exotic birds and insects and plenty of floral motifs.  Its popularity was due, in part, to how well it complimented the then popular Rococo style of architecture and decor.  Chinoiserie represented wealth and luxury and names like Rothschild and Getty, along with royalty,  enjoyed its beauty in many of their residences.

In an attempt to imitate the beauty of Chinese lacquer, the art of japanning was later introduced. This multi-step process is time intensive but will give any item a distinctive style as you can see by the vine design japanned onto our limited edition Ascot tallboy.

Ascot Tallboy limited edition by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA  980016

You can employ this trend in large doses as the famed Elsie de Wolfe did in the 1920's in her own residence:

Chinoiserie wallpaper lines the walls of famed designer Elsie de Wolfe's residence Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles, Ca  90016

or you can add this historic look through the use of well-curated decorative accesssories such as vases, mirrors and lamps.

To view our entire collection of bespoke furniture and architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers, please stop by our showroom located at:

5433 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca  90016

Tel: 323 939 5929