A Chinese bridge

The bridge I am referring to is not the one in this antique export china but rather the role Chinoiserie elements can play in bridging traditional and modern elements in a room.

Jaimie Meares

Look how the blue and white lamps with their pagoda shades work with the funky wall covering and classic mid-century sunburst mirror. My point is that the lamps could have been in Grandma's house but the inherent whimsy in Chinoiserie helps the newer, sleeker and funkier items come together with the traditional ones to form "the mix" that is so popular.

Melanie Turner

In the example above the country farmhouse style table is paired with Chinese Chippendale chairs and a very mod color palette of white, apple green, and gray. The wicker pendant, side chair fabric and lacquered Parson's tables are more modern than traditional but it all slides together effortlessly.

The toile is an updated Chinoiserie element and smacks of uber-femininity as does the bed. The spare lines of the mid-century lamp and graphic bedding are the modern twist that somehow manages not to clash.

These examples should help anyone wondering exactly how to mix styles of furniture without it looking dumb. Simple, pick some stuff you love and throw in a handful of Chinoiserie to taste.

Stir gently.

and Voila! Chinoiserie fixes it all.