Recently, I worked on a wonderful project where the client’s dream was to create an elegant, comfortable and peaceful home with a touch of quirkiness. She was drawn towards beautiful Chinoiserie murals and it was essential to incorporate one somewhere in her home. For the first time she was living alone, and was excited to bring her personality into her new space. Rooted in Chinese artistic traditions, Chinoiserie is a style that blends Eastern motifs with Western aesthetics, resulting in spaces that are not only unique but also imbued with a sense of peace. In this blog post, we'll explore the key elements and techniques to create your own elegant Chinoiserie bedroom sanctuary.
Wallcoverings and Murals
For the bedroom, we started with a beautiful Chinoiserie wall mural as the inspiration for the rest of the room. The wall behind the bed would be transformed into a canvas of art by incorporating a Chinoiserie-inspired mural featuring delicate birds and graceful cherry blossom. Scenes of nature are a classic choice in a Chinoiserie–inspired interior.
Colour Palette
We began our Chinoiserie journey with a carefully selected colour palette. Using subtle greens, and calming neutrals as our base we created an atmosphere of peace and calm. The accents of rich mahogany, deep teal, and touches of gold added an air of opulence to the overall scheme. The goal was to create a harmonious balance that reflected the tranquillity found in traditional Chinese landscapes. We paired the elegant wallpaper mural with Farrow and Ball Vert de Terre; a soft, fresh green which ensured that the patterns and motifs flowed seamlessly, providing a visual story that was both captivating and calming. A bold teal was introduced with the velvet upholstered bed and a restful dusky pink in the soft furnishings - a stunning combination.
Furniture Selection
We opted for furniture in a dark wood finish to add a touch of sophistication and exude grace and simplicity. Alternatively, you could incorporate lacquered furniture or pieces with Ming-style influences for an authentic Chinoiserie vibe. Remember, less is often more when striving for elegance and tranquility.
Textiles and Fabrics
In developing the Chinoiserie theme, we created an opulent ambiance by choosing sumptuous textiles like velvet, silk, and intricately embroidered fabrics for both the bedding, upholstery and soft furnishings. Our selection included a combination of solid, vibrant hues and elaborate patterns, blended to achieve a seamless and harmonious balance in the overall design.
Accessorise Mindfully
Choose accessories that tell a story. My client was well-travelled and I encouraged them to use personal collections from their travels abroad to add a touch of authenticity and tell a story. This could be favourite pictures, photographs, ornaments, or other souvenirs and objects; however, be careful not to overwhelm the space, let each piece stand out in its simplicity.
Soft Lighting
As always in a bedroom, create a soothing atmosphere with soft, ambient lighting. We suggested incorporating brass wall lights beside the bed, offering subtle task illumination. Complementing this, a Japanese-inspired ceiling pendant introduces a captivating pattern across the ceiling when illuminated. Depending on available space, table lamps with shades decorated in Chinoiserie patterns can be strategically placed, casting a soft glow and providing a serene ambiance.
Natural Elements
I always encourage my clients to try to include plants in their homes as they can help boost mood, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants. An Areca Palm is the perfect choice of plant for a Chinoiserie inspired bedroom with its feathering, arching fronds. Alternatively, bamboo accents or a carefully placed orchid can bring the outdoors inside, promoting a sense of balance and harmony.
Flooring
Luckily, the client expressed a strong interest in opting for a hardwood floor with a parquet layout—a choice I knew would beautifully complement the Chinoiserie theme. To enhance the overall ambiance, I suggested the addition of a generously sized rug in a shade of green in keeping with the wall décor. Strategically placed beneath the bed, it added a touch of sophistication while ensuring a warm and inviting feel underfoot.
The client was delighted with the designs I proposed and as with any E-Design project she is now all set to implement the work in her own time. Hopefully, I will be able to share the finished room on the blog soon. In the meantime, have fun creating your elegant Chinoiserie bedroom - keep things simple, and sweet dreams will await you in this oasis of calm and serenity…🧘♂️
Do you need help creating your dream bedroom? Book a discovery call to find out how I can bring your dreams to reality.
Comments