Chippendale Crush

image via Parker Kennedy Living

Anyone else have a crush on all things Chinese Chippendale?  Our new chairs on the porch allow me to look out the breakfast room windows every morning and take in the beautiful pattern. I feel like Chippendale has made a huge appearance recently and I am thrilled to see it in interiors with railings and staircases, and on front porches, and decks.  It makes me desire to use a Chippendale pattern when we finally decide to rip off our deck and rebuild it with new railings.

As you may know, there is nothing new about Chippendale, as the pattern has been around for centuries.  Chinese Chippendale, a geometric line pattern made within a rectangular frame, was named after Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), London’s most widely known furniture and cabinet maker.  He designed furniture in mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles and later produced a book of his designs which made him very well known.  His original designs originated from his interest in adding in Chinese and other Asian elements into his work. What I love most about this is how he was attempting to set himself apart from other furniture makers of his time and did such a good job that his style has lasted for more than 200 years.

During the colonial period, Americans adapted and used Chinese Chippendale designs for fence railings, porch balustrades, railings on roof tops, interior staircases, furniture and accessory designs. The geometric line patterns included in Chippendale designs are varied and often quite complex for a builder or artisan to execute.  Their complex designs make them all the more desirable for home owners and builders. This remains true today.  I know for me when I see something make in a Chippendale pattern I immediately take note. It adds depth, history, and an instant feel of quality craftsmanship to anything I am hunting.

You can see Chippendale elements almost anywhere if you take the time to look around.  One of the two most prevalent locations would the preserved homes and buildings of colonial Williamsburg and at Jefferson’s Monticello, both of which are on my must visit list. 

For more examples and inspiration images of Chinese Chippendale you can head to this board I created on Pinterest.  I could literally google and stare at each example for hours, most definitely in older and restored homes. 

It's just that good ... right??

Happy Thursday!