Chinoiserie in Contemporary Interior Design: Artistic Interpretation, or Cultural Appropriation?
In the 18th century, one of the most distinctive features of upper-class British homes was the 'Chinese Room' – a space dedicated to showcasing a carefully curated collection of Chinese-inspired ornaments. Known as Chinoiserie, this ornamental style encapsulates European reimaginings of the art and culture of the East, blending elements of China, Japan, India, and Persia into a singular style.
Born during a time when Western society was fascinated by the mystery of the East, many adopted these exotic motifs in an attempt to bring the allure of the (then inaccessible) Orient into their homes. However, as time has passed and attitudes toward race and cultural representation have evolved, some critics consider it a misrepresentation of Eastern traditions, whilst others maintain it is simply playful and romantic. So, what does this mean for the style, and is there a place for Chinoiserie in the contemporary Interior Design industry?
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton: The Epitome of Chinoiserie in Interior Design
“There can be few buildings in the world that are more instantly recognisable, or that more vividly recall the character of their creator, than George IV’s Royal Pavilion at Brighton” – Gervase Jackson-Stops, Views of the Royal Pavilion, 1991.
If you’ve ever visited the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, you’ll know it’s impossible to miss. The Pavilion’s domed exterior and towering minarets have become synonymous with the seaside town, but I found on a recent visit that it is the interiors that reveal the full extent of the eccentricities of George IV and his fascination with the Far East. Over several years, the entire interior was transformed into a multi-phase celebration of Chinoiserie, blending European interpretations of Eastern design with imported Chinese goods.
However, this fusion of Eastern motifs and Western design created a visual spectacle that was both fascinating and flawed, as such motifs – often including landscapes, mythical creatures, pagodas and birds - were often adapted to exaggerated proportions, in ways that departed significantly from their original meanings. Take the Long Gallery, for example - home to bamboo furniture that blends authentic Chinese-made pieces with European imitations crafted from beech wood. Similarly, the Music Room features Chinese dragons that are reimagined with wings – an addition that is completely absent from traditional depictions, and crafted simply to serve a Western consumer who considered the Orient a land of mystery and magic.
The Banqueting Room offers perhaps the most extravagant example of Chinoiserie in the Royal Pavilion. Copper-moulded palm leaves secured to the ceiling house an enormous chandelier supported by a pair of Westernised dragon-like figures. The smaller chandeliers below are shaped like Lotus flowers – another nod to Eastern symbolism – and even the wallpaper is bedecked with fanciful Chinese landscapes and birds.
What’s more, these designs weren’t just pulled from Chinese culture, but were also influenced by Indian styles. The resulting style is one that isn’t solely Chinese inspired, but interpolated with various interpretations of East and South Asia, in a way that does not give accurate representation to any of them.
Cultural Appropriation or Just Admiration?
Today, Chinoiserie is a bit of a hot-button issue. Some critics argue it’s an example of cultural appropriation, reducing the rich and diverse cultures of the East into aesthetic symbols without any understanding of the deeper meanings behind them. In the Royal Pavilion, you see this most clearly in the way that sacred and spiritual motifs from Chinese culture were turned into whimsical decorations for a British royal residence, with some suggesting this formed part of a broader colonial narrative that sought to assert Western dominance over Eastern cultures (though here probably isn’t the place to address that argument!)
However, other scholars argue that this playful reinterpretation was not driven by malice but by genuine admiration for the exotic and a lack of understanding around its cultures, given how inaccessible the Far East was to most during this period. Nevertheless, while there may not have been any ill intention, the reality is that these designs still created a distorted version of Chinese art and culture.
Chinoiserie in Contemporary Interiors
Whether you admire the whimsical fusion of cultures or see it as a symbol of cultural appropriation, it is evident that Chinoiserie still has some relevance to contemporary interior design, though its role has evolved, continuing to influence interiors in various ways:
Revival of Maximalism: In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of maximalist design, and Chinoiseries serves this market well, with its intricate patterns, bold colours, and whimsical motifs adding dramatic flair to any room.
Timeless Appeal: The blending of Eastern elements with Western sensibilities can create a timeless aesthetic that many people find appealing – a way of incorporating oriental-inspired elements without committing to a full, traditional Eastern style. Whether it’s a statement wallpaper, porcelain vases, or lacquered furniture, Chinoiserie brings the beauty of Eastern culture through a Western lens, while adding a bit of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Art & Craftsmanship: The level of craftsmanship in Chinoiserie still appeals to many interior designers and homeowners. There’s an appreciation for hand-painted wallpapers and intricately carved furniture that mimic Chinese or Japanese forms, with people increasingly looking for one-of-a-kind, artisanal pieces
Sustainability & Heritage: With sustainability a core focus of contemporary interior design, there's a growing interest in vintage and antique Chinoiserie pieces. These items are often crafted from high-quality materials and are made to last, so they fit into the modern sustainable mindset and reduces waste
Despite the contentious relationship between Eastern art and Western interpretation, it seems it is exactly this that lends Chinoiserie to modern interior design, making it adaptable to contemporary tastes – a versatile and sophisticated design choice that reflects a modern appreciation for global influences and craftsmanship.