Coastal Chinoiserie

Some of us are likely off to the beach these last two weeks of August. DC is a veritable ghost town this time of year. This vignette is a lovely example of what I call Coastal Chinoiserie. The addition of Chinoiserie to a summer home for me adds such elegance and exoticism. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board on Coastal Chinoiserie here.

Navy Zebra

I just snagged this unbelievably cute Maslan navy zebra "hide" beach towel and leather carry holster that retails for $225 for $40. The problem is that it is too fabulous for the beach and I don't even like the beach. It would make a great rug for a nursery or a huge bathroom, neither of which I have. Any ideas?

Update - To those of you who have emailed me to ask where I got it, I found it at a Neiman Marcus Last Call. And to the obnoxious Angie who suggested that I only purchase things I have a utilitarian use for, why are you following interior design blogs? Interior design is about beauty as well as function. Perhaps there might be a more appropriate use of your time. I'm just sayin....

An Iconic Navy Kitchen

Ruthie Sommers

This iconic kitchen by Ruthie Sommers from Domino has been pinned and posted about countless times. If you'd like to copy this look yourself, the walls are a VERY dark navy blue by Benjamin Moore called Soot 2129-20. The door is Benjamin Moore Poolside Blue 2048-40. Add a vintage chandelier spray painted white and some blue and white Chinese porcelain and china.

Navy Chinoiserie DIY

Design Darling

 Paint the backs of your bookcases navy and add Chinoiserie. A great DIY.

Dorothy Draper style pagoda display cabinet

Life in Grace

Young House Love

Trim your kitchen cabinets in navy blue and add a roman shade with navy and some blue and white Chinese porcelain. Back your shelves in a navy Chinoiserie wallpaper.

Sara Gilbane

Sara Gilbane

Paint a piece of vintage Chinoiserie furniture in high gloss navy blue.

Navy Grasscloth

Peter Frank

One of my very favorite wall treatments is grasscloth. Green, environmentally friendly, elegant, textural, warm, and sophisticated, it can be made from sea grass, jute, hemp, arrowroot, rush, sisal, or bamboo. It is wonderful in new homes or homes without architectural detailing, adding instant character. It can even be screen printed or embroidered. I especially love grasscloth in my color of the year navy. Thursday we will look at some of my favorite navy wallpapers, including several grasscloth ones.

Meg Braff

Annsley Interiors

Pinterest

HGTV

Diane Bergeron

Pinterest

Drake Design

via Lisa Mende

Pinterest

Foyer with navy Thibaut grasscloth

Bungalow 5 Navy Grasscloth Parsons Table - available as a coffee table, side table, or console table

Navy and Pink

Mary McDonald

I love the combination of navy and pink - it is classic and preppy, yet bold and modern. Here is some inspiration and find more at my new Pinterest board on Navy and Pink.

My inspiration board living room with navy and hot pink

My virtual show house living room with navy and pink

My entryway inspiration board with navy and pink

Another of my entryway inspiration boards with navy and pink

 A Lonny faux bamboo bar with hot pink roses and navy glassware

Navy and pink entryway via The Everygirl

Instagram from my living room

Instagram from my living room

Instagram from my bedroom

Instagram from my bedroom

Doors in London via So Haute

Kate's Navy Picks

Hi, I'm Kate, Beth's daughter. Starting today, I will be posting regularly on Chinoiserie Chic. You won't believe how similar my mom and my tastes are - we even gave each other the same Christmas gift this year! I hope you will enjoy seeing my aesthetic on Chinoiserie. I am starting today with my ten picks for adding navy to your life including Greek key, ikat, and zebra. I love navy - so much easier to use in your home and to wear than emerald green!

As an aside, it's funny that my mom did a little logo for me above combining navy and hot pink -  I love combining these colors. I think you'll be seeing lots more of this bold but preppy combo in fashion and interior design like in this very chic dining room below belonging to Minnie Mortimer and in Blair Eadie's outfit.

Minnie Mortimer

Blair Eadie of Atlantic - Pacific

Shirley Fintz Table Lamp

                                                              

Greek Key Needlepoint Stool

                                                   

Greek Key Garden Stool

                                                           

Carnaby Zebra Stacking Dish

                                                        

Ikat Serve Bowl

                                                                

Greek Key Throw

                                                                     

Kate Spade Matty Dress

Ikat Coated Canvas Tote

                                                              

Ikat Turtle Cylinder Ginger Jar

                                                       

Navy Needlepoint Greek Key Lumbar