Before talking about the chinoiserie interior style, allow me to greet one and all a resounding Kiong Hee Huat Tsai to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. May we experience (more) wealth and success from this day forward with the arrival of the Fire Horse.
Chinese elements are part of our landscape since Tsinoys are very much part of the Filipino culture, which is a vibrant and unique blend of indigenous Malay, Chinese, Hindu, Spanish, and American influences.
Chinoiserie
In the 17th and 18th century, when when maritime trade was booming, Europe’s obsession with the exoticism of East Asian culture intensified. Porcelain, lacquerware, tea, and silk were brought to Europe by Dutch, British, French, and Swedish maritime trade companies. Missionaries also brought back stories about China, as well as art and cultural artifacts.
European artists blended Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian motifs, and made their own artistic interpretation of a style they fell in love with, and called it chinoiserie. Although interest faded in the 19th century, the style was already a major influence on European interior design, architecture, and fashion.
The first 3 decades of the 20th century saw a renewed interest in chinoiserie, and butterfly motifs, lacquered furniture, red tassels and Chinese-influenced patterns trended again.
Fast forward to 2024, and we see a comeback of chinoiserie with Chinese artwork, furniture and decor fueled by soial media.
Styling Ideas for Chinoiserie
A modern way to interpret the chinoiserie design style is to use focal points in your living space, like displaying blue and white jars, wallpaper as an accent wall, lacquered furniture, or silk or satin throw pillows with bird/butterfly/floral motifs.
Solid-colored Furniture
Chinoiserie elements are usually intricate so start with solid-colored furniture made of natural materials like rattan or wood.
Framed Wallpaper Panels
Instead of using wallpaper all over, choose to frame wallpaper panels instead. Alternatively, you can use a beautiful wallpaper and limit it to an accent wall, instead of covering all wall surfaces.
Chinoiserie Motifs
Decorate with chinoiserie motifs like the classic blue and white porcelain jars, silk or satin throw pillows with bird and flower motifs.
Hang some Chinese lanterns. You can go with intense colors for instant atmo or light neutrals like these for a slightly subtle vibe.
If you can score lacquer furniture from secondhand (or antique) shops or, better still, your grandma’s place, bring one into your home. You can create a luxurious corner using the furniture, or even at the entryway so it can be focal point that also serves as a functional item.
Chinoiserie as an Accent
Avoid making a theme out of this style, and use chinoiserie elements as sophisticated accents instead. Balance the intricate and romantic aesthetic by choosing furniture with clean lines. Curate the colors well, and don’t go overboard with intense colors, so the look is contemporary and not traditional.
If you have a small apartment, think “less is more” and make sure that there is negative space around your chinoiserie decor.
Kiong Hee Huat Tsai again! Happy Lunar New Year 2026! May the Fire Horse bring you the passion, energy, and strength to make your dreams come true.
Read these color recommendations for each zodiac sign this year.
