boats and bridges; my love affair with chinoiserie....


...my favorite piece, a slender secretary in my livingroom.
I found it at a local antique shop several years ago.

secretary detail

a bamboo hat/coat stand from an English container auction 

round side table in my den - also from an antique shop

small cabinet from an antique shop


console from Pier One - (hey, new? old? I'm open...)


a sliver chest from an antique shop 

a red tole container with decoupage chinoiserie images...
I won this on e-bay

a painted box from a vendor at Charlotte Metrolina Antiques Show
(an export,  made to look old, I am sure...)


headboard of a bed in a guest bedroom
found at an antique shop



and does this chair qualify? black and gold painted with mother-of-pearl inlay
from an estate auction...also one of my favs...

Most of these pieces are well worn. You know me, that's the way I like my things. They're not particularly valuable, and they are more vintage than antique. It's just a look I love and have collected over the years...



32 comments:

Unknown said...

That Pier One console is pretty fabulous! You have a great eye!

charmaine said...

I love the coat stand and the chair! Great collection!

Amy said...

Awesome collection! The secretary and cabinet are favs!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Nice to know another fan. My mom has always used chinoiserie accents in her home and I think she passed the bug on to me. There is a chinoiserie screen at an auction house here I am dying over (maybe a headboard?) You have some very cool and unique pieces. When you get a chance, stop by my blog and sign up for my first giveaway!

Razmataz said...

I love those pieces in the contaxt of your home. Sometimes I find I am not a fan of Chinoiserie, and I think that is because of it being displayed with too many small bits or bright colors. It works so well with your muted palette.

Diane and Kelly said...

What a classic beauty! Just love it.

Kelly
Second Hand Chicks

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

You have a great eye for finds. Love the secretary and the chair is fabulous! XO

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

The chair is stunning!! You have some outstanding pieces, enjoy! Janell

24 Corners said...

What a wonderful peices...the artwork, detailing and patina on these are fabulous, and the little chair fits in perfectly!

I've just recently developed an appreciation for chinoiserie and it's unique beauty...you have a beautiful collection here!
xo J~

Rachel Joins the Fray said...

Love the container. And what a great purchase from Pier 1!

Windlost said...

Gorgeous things, all of them. You have such a beautiful home and wonderful taste!!

xo Terri

susie q said...

Your collection is dazzling. So beautiful. I love love love all your pieces -- but the chair is sheer perfection.

Splendid Willow said...

Oh Donna, what a treat! I love when you share your beautiful home w. us!

Girlie, I am not so sure that some of these do not come with a good price tag. Have you had some of them appraised? I am thinking the secretaire, side table and the chair in the last image. (Love that one BTW).

And your guests are being treated very royally I can see. Don't dare to have you as a guest at my house. (But you will get ironed sheets if that counts!)

All lovely Donna! I am so glad that you shared.

A warm hug,

Mon

escapade said...

Beautiful - you've created a gorgeous collection. Definitely have a great eye!

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

Wow I love all your finds. I really must go antiquing more often. And the Pier 1 table fits right in.

I do enjoy a good mix of old and new, cheap and $$$.

Thanks for the peak into your space. More rooms! More Rooms! :)

MFAMB said...

***applause.

way to go pier 1.
i am pleasantly surprised.

Sarah Greenman said...

What a fantastic collection! Really really nice. Love that last little chair too... so lovely!

Jeanne Henriques said...

I love them all but have to say the Secretary and the chair in the bottom photo are my favourites, just stunning !

Jeanne:)

Unknown said...

LOVE chinoiserie! I think it adds such a chic touch to any room, and the fact that yours is a touch worn makes it all the more charming! LOVING the pics of your home!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Ok girl...I am ready to arm wrestle you for some of those lovelies.

Cmon!!

House of Design & Style said...

Really beautiful pieces. So surprising that Pier 1 has such gorgeous furniture!

*Chic Provence* said...

Really wonderful chinoiserie things you have!

enjoy!

Kit

Haven and Home said...

All very pretty, love the worn look!

savvycityfarmer said...

... have to say it hasn't started to grow on me yet ... maybe

24 Corners said...

Sorry for my horrible grammar...
"what a wonderful peices", goodness gracious!
J~

Anonymous said...

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the southern hostess said...

Such gorgeous pieces! I love it.

pve design said...

Yes, you must join chinoiserie-aholics now!
Looks like a pretty great vice to me....
pve

emily Henderson said...

i love that small cabinet and the secretary. awesome. more collection pictures, please.

emily henderson said...

I just added you to my 'daily favorites'. prepare to have your server blow up.

Kathysue said...

Ooooh! I love it all! You have wonderful taste and it would be hard for me to pick a favorite. I am curious to see more of that guest room, looks pretty special to me, Kathysue

Brandi@ Flights of Whimsy said...

Wow these are truly beautiful! I love the painted box and the chair. All of them are great finds!