I was talking to a friend the other day - trying to define my interior design style/aesthetic/preference. You would think it would be easy - but my magpie like tendencies make it exteremely difficult. My final description was 'curiosity shoppe' a la Paul Smith..I love vintage, I loved lived in, but I also love MCM and avant garde. My eccentric tastes apparently fit my English Persona quite well... ::grumble::

But one thing I definitely do love is Chinoiserie - a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque" that became a popular style in the late 17th century.
My <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/modern-home-decor/dwellstudio-collections/chinoiserie/chinoiserie-duvet-set.html">bedding</a> is Chinoiserie but what about a little Asian floralcy in the kitchen? Behold!
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.124056974.jpg" alt="Brooklyn Chinoiserie Platter" width="400" height="282" /></p>
<strong>Brooklyn Chinoiserie Platter</strong>

What a lovely platter. It put me in the mind of Nymolle Pottery but with an Asian twist. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MayLuk?ref=seller_info">MayLuk</a> has a whole bunch of these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MayLuk?ref=seller_info">platters for sale</a> with a variety of designs. They are such a wonderfully whimsical addition to the dinner table. The one above is priced at $48 and is available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40890161/brooklyn-chinoiserie-platter">here</a>.
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.123872438.jpg" alt="Tea Box" width="400" height="598" /></p>
<strong>Tea Box</strong>

Time for tea anyone? This is an example of where Chinoiserie could go either way - whimsical and relevant or just plain Grannified. I love Nana, honest I do - but this tea box is all for me. From it's delicate little elevated feet to its peaked top - the colour, the details - its so cute. And it's $32 <a>here.</a>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.111831193.jpg" alt="Jumping Koi" width="400" height="378" /></p>
<strong>Jumping Koi</strong>

This piece really caught my attention for the pure reason that it is an aesthetic that I see over and over again. It brings to mind things such as the pottery of <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/menagerie/">Adler</a> or something <a href="http://www.kwid.com/products/pickard.html">Wearstler</a> would have in one of her projects. Wouldn't this make an interesting centerpiece to the dinner table? It's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37278850/jumping-koi-fish-blanc-de-chine-cutaway">$125</a>...but oh so worth it.
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.156882990.jpg" alt="Containers" width="400" height="320" /></p>
<strong>Storage Containers</strong>

I remember these from when I was a kid. They housed tea leaves, sugar, and similar small dry goods. If you have a very plain kitchen, these interesting tins could make an open shelf that much more decorative. The set are on sale for $30. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51069591/chinoiserie-canisters-set4">Get it </a>before it's gone..

<em>images courtesy of the respective etsy store mentioned</em>