Category: Eclectic Homes

An extremely important consideration when designing a new house is discovering the materials for your exterior. Glass is a certainty for windows, but solid areas can be clad in brick, concrete, stone, metal, wood or even a combination of these and other materials.

This ideabook requires a peek at some homes that are covered in wood or predominantly feature wood on the exterior. The focus is on the design impact of the substance and its articulation on the facade, rather than on its technical characteristics.

Frank / Architects

This little house in the redwood forest of Sea Ranch in California is a great example of a construction that integrates itself through the utilization of wood over the entire exterior. Little windows predominate on the upper exterior, but a large window off the living room attracts the forest inside.

Frank / Architects

Another view of the house in the forest accentuates the integration which comes not only with covering the construction in wood but also from articulating it vertically, parallel to the redwood tree trunks.

Frank / Architects

Inside the same house, more vertical wood planks, combined with hardwood flooring, ceilings and construction, further the integration and create the spaces hot and extremely inviting.

chadbourne + doss architects

Wood is also a great material to use selectively. It can be a suitable contrast with other exterior materials, especially when the colours are dark and light. This wood cladding is shaped to frame the huge window and dark surface below.

chadbourne + doss architects

Another look at the same house makes it clear this framing is three-dimensional. Apart from raw cedar, cement and steel panels are used for the exterior. The three materials seem to interlock, accentuating the home’s quantity and imparting some verticality into it, especially with the wood.

christopher jeffrey architects pllc

The top two floors of the house in New Jersey have vertical boards of a grayed wood involving various-size windows in placements that are irregular. The big window on the floor wraps the corner towards a cantilevered balcony, a bit that brings the most attention.

christopher jeffrey architects pllc

A nearer view of the wood skin demonstrates how the dimensions of the bits is an important factor in the way the construction appears.

This exterior uses horizontal wood planks, and it is clear why. The long and low construction exudes the landscape, accentuated by the flat lines of the ground and roof, and from the orientation of the wood.

From the other side of the house, the flat pattern of the wood also strengthens the management of the home’s volume. But the articulation of the various forests — a mixture of browns and grays — lets the house also integrate itself with the landscape.

Randy Bens, Architect AIBC

Given its lightweight nature, wood can also be used for screens that filter daylight as it enters inside spaces. Wood Cabinets add interesting detail layered over glass and other materials. The angled display hung in front of the building is particularly striking.

Randy Bens, Architect AIBC

Note the difference in impacts between daylight (this photo) and following the sun goes down (previous photograph ). During the daytime the display looks almost solid from the exterior, but in the day the glow from inside is filtered, the opposite of if the sun is out.

Randy Bens, Architect AIBC

This display and its construction are closely detailed: Painted white slats are mounted to paired vertical supports which are bracketed into the roof above and horizontal framing below.

Browse modern exterior design photos

More:
Ideabook 911: My Exterior Wants Some Punch!
How to Receive Your Own Exterior Paint Color Right

See related

I am sure many of us will be entertaining family and friends over Thanksgiving and the approaching Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa holidays. Add elegant and chic chinoiserie touches to your own table with these products for a really memorable dining table setting. Best of all, there’s no need to replace your china — only put in a few chinoiserie tabletop accessories.
— Beth from Chinoiserie Chic

Horchow

Pagoda Salt and Pepper Set – $60

Pagodas are a very hot trend in interior design. These hand-painted gold and red pagoda salt and pepper shakers are excellent additions to the chinoiserie dining table. They would work superbly with simple white linens and china.

Contemporary Serveware – $120

Peacocks are a timeless chinoiserie touch. This gorgeous pair of peacock salt cellars is constructed of pewter and comes with matching pewter feather spoons. Fill them with your favorite gourmet sea salts.

Caspari

Plum Blossom Matchbox – $3.50

Light the candles on your dinner table with games out of this very elegant plum blossom matchbox. Fill a vase with pink spray orchids for the centerpiece.

Caspari

Die-Cut Chinoiserie Toile Blue Place Cards – $8.50

Place cards add such an elegant touch to a dinner celebration. These blue and white chinoiserie toile ones are timeless.

Beau-coup

Elephant Place Card Holders – $21

If you follow my blog, you know I love elephants. These place card holders come in gold or silver. Very nicely priced, they are perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower or elegant dinner party.

Kneen & Co..

Fancy Monkey Place Cards – $15

Singerie is a French expression for monkeys aping human behavior. These golden, engraved location cards with a fighter holding a parasol are a magical example. They would be a lovely finishing touch to some fancy chinoiserie tabletop.

Kneen & Co..

Lobmeyr Flower Vase with Chinoiserie Light Green – $261

This multi-colored crystal chinoiserie blossom vase is an ideal height for the dining table. Orchids or parrot tulips would be fantastic floral choices.

Branca

Five-Piece Pewter Faux Bamboo Flatware Setting – $160

Faux bamboo is an iconic chinoiserie component, and also this pewter flatware would be an extremely chic selection for your dining table. I really like pewter flatware; it is an elegant and modern alternative to silver which doesn’t require polishing.

Branca

Set of Four Silvered-Metal Bamboo Napkin Rings – $70

This pair of silvered faux bamboo napkin rings can add a bold sculptural note for your desk. These will certainly dress up simple white napkins.

Branca

Turquoise Etched Blossom Glasses – $85

What can be prettier to your chinoiserie table compared to this pair of turquoise glasses etched with cherry blossoms? They would also make candle holders that are stunning.

Amazon

Flair: Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings – $19.70

Joe Nye’s marvelous book Flair is a gold mine of inspiration for placing the chinoiserie dining table with style and creativity. I refer to it for inspiration.

Fitzsu

Pandora Design Reusable Plastic Chopsticks in Coral – $24

Dress your Chinese takeout (or any meal) with those very chic, reusable plastic chopsticks in coral pink. I have these and love them! They are so much better than these gruesome free hardwood ones.

The Well Appointed House

Dransfield & Ross Pagoda Napkin Rings – $152

All these pagoda napkin rings are favorites of mine. Offered in silver, gold or clear, they will be the focal point of your table setting.

Neiman Marcus

Four Greek Essential Place Mats – $75

I much prefer place mats over tablecloths — that they have a more modern appearance and so are much less problem. These posh raffia ones possess a Greek key border and are offered in four colours for a great appearance.

Neiman Marcus

“Woven” Charger Plate – $75

This charger plate is constructed of wood with a dark finish and would be a stunning addition to the chinoiserie dining table. Chargers are a brilliant way to dress up white china.

Neiman Marcus

Reed & Barton “Sarong” Flatware – $65

This Reed & Barton stainless steel flatware was designed to look like bundles of bamboo. It is very chic and dishwasher-safe, and they do not need polishing.

iomoi

Printed Cocktail Napkins – Monkeys with Umbrella – $70

Iomoi has come out with a set for Matouk, and it is delightful — much like this pair of four linen cocktail napkins with monkeys and umbrellas. You have to check out the whole collection that superbly captures the pleasure and whimsicality of chinoiserie.

Tiffany & Co..

Bamboo Bowl in Crystal – $75

This bamboo crystal bowl by Tiffany & Co. is a classic. It’s a lovely addition to your table and makes an ideal wedding gift.

Tiffany & Co..

Cirque Chinois Dinner Plate – $950

The Cirque Chinois set from the Tiffany & Co.. Paris Studio is completely sensational with its chinoiserie vignettes. Have a look at the degree of detail on the whole collection of dinnerware.

Ralph Lauren

Myra Bamboo Pitcher – $95

If you adore blanc de Chine, try out this lovely bamboo pitcher from Ralph Lauren Home. It’s just perfect for iced tea or lemonade, or you may use it as a vase.

Crystal Classics

Camelia Avenue Posy Vase, Pink – $25

This sexy pink Kate Spade vase is a perfect height for the dining room table because it doesn’t obscure your guests’ viewpoints. Group several together and fill each with a spray orchid for a gorgeous chinoiserie centerpiece.

Crystal Classics

Camelia Avenue Posy Vase, Green – $25

The Kate Spade vase can be accessible kelly green use it with all the hot pink for a preppy chinoiserie dining table centerpiece. What a way to dress up white linens and china!

Luxury Home Goods Online

Dransfield & Ross Bird In Covered Cage Mirror Placemat – $136.50

These mirrored”Bird in Covered Cage” place mats are the ultimate in luxury for that Hollywood Regency chinoiserie look. They are very glamorous.

Luxury Home Goods Online

Dransfield & Ross Mirrored Bird Placemat – $126

This is another set of amazing mirrored place mats for quite a glamorous table. I’ve a set of these, and the way that they reflect the light from candles or a chandelier is gorgeous.

Jill Rosenwald

Jill’s Key Cocktail Tray – $128

This super-chic cocktail bowl and dip bowl set with a Greek key design is lovely for the serving. If you are not familiar with Jill Rosenwald’s beautiful handmade pottery, you are in for a treat.

Leontine Linens

Leontine Paprika Linens with Charcoal Thread – $55

For the ultimate in luxury, invest in a pair of Leontine linen napkins embroidered with an Asian-inspired monogram. These are true works of art and therefore are of heirloom quality.

Number Four Eleven

Dragon Napkins – $125

These incredible and magnificent dragon napkins are available in six colour combinations.

1stdibs

Worcester Porcelain – Bengal Tiger Plates

Add some lovely antique or classic chinoiserie plates like these to your china set. Have a look at 1st Dibs, eBay, Etsy, antique stores, auctions, flea markets and estate sales. You do not need an whole set — look for a few salad plates, dessert plates or bowls to mix and match with your current china for a modern and diverse appearance.

Amazon

Table Settings – $37.80

This is a gorgeous book on placing the table with a lot of chinoiserie inspiration. It would be a great book to give as a gift.

Michael C. Fina

Pagoda Gold Plated Napkin Rings – $145

These gold-plated pagoda napkin rings are like jewelry for a really elegant chinoiserie dining table.

DeVine

Chinoiserie Soup Plate – $248

One of the most gorgeous collections of chinoiserie china is by Alberto Pinto. The attention to detail and colours are magnificent.

Traditional Candles And Candle Holders – $9

Creative Candles are my favourite candles. They are offered in 44 sophisticated colours, so you may select the colour to coordinate with your chinoiserie dining table setting. With spans up to 39″ and long burn times, these can turn into your candles of choice also.

The Pink Daisy

Mottahedeh – Blue Dragon China – $35

Mottahedeh’s Blue Dragon china is a classic classic, yet it has a daring and modern feel. You will never tire of this superb blue and white layout.

The Pink Daisy

Mottahedeh – Imperial Blue China – $30

Mottahedeh’s Imperial Blue is another great classic, and it mixes beautifully with the Blue Dragon china. Every colour of tablecloth, napkin and blossom looks great with blue and white china.

Branca

Irish Linen Hemstitched Cocktail Napkins with Plum Blossoms and Bees – $40

These linen cocktail napkins are embroidered with chinoiserie bees and blossoms in lovely colours.

Caspari

Felt-Backed Bamboo Place Mat – $9.50

This place mat with a green bamboo trellis pattern is a chinoiserie classic which will give white china a fresh and modern chinoiserie look.

L.V. Harkness & Co..

Meissen Black Ming Dragon Five Piece Place Setting – $1,600

Meissen Black Ming Dragon is a very sophisticated choice of china design with its hand-painted dragons in black and gray. It’s also available in crimson and in green.

Tabletop Designs

Chinese Tigers Green Dinner Plate – $40

This is my marriage china — Wedgwood Chinese Tigers in green and I adore it. Even though it is discontinued, you may still find it on eBay and at replacement china online stores.

Beth Connolly Interiors

Red Pagoda Salt & Pepper Shaker Set – $20

These salt and pepper shakers fit together to form a pagoda — quite enjoyable!

Amazon

Jason Lightfoot House Placemats – $39.85

All these Lightfoot House placemats from the Colonial Williamsburg Collection will also be in my collection. They are classic blue and white, elegant, chinoiserie and easy to care for — just wipe them off.

Next: More Asian-inspired ideas for each room in the home from Beth of Chinoiserie Chic

See related

It is almost here. The cooking day of champions, also called Thanksgiving. This feast involves a great deal of slicing and dicing and roasting — no matter what vegetable sides or pies are tradition to share around your family table. Here are the dos and performn’ts to get caring for your counters while they’re the hub of holiday cooking.

HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION

1. Granite is most certainly the most popular countertop option. Maintain your granite countertop looking good by wiping down with a damp cloth and a pH-neutral stone cleaner.

2. Prevent soap, abrasive cleansers, and citrus cleansers when cleaning granite countertops — those alkaline solutions can etch the stone.

3. Steel wool isn’t your counter’s buddy. It will scratch most counter tops.

4. Butcher blockcountertops are generally made of maple or walnut and come in wide plank or thin strips in terms of style. The wide plank design is more apt to warp.

5. Be sure to use only food-grade mineral oil to stop the wood from warping and drying out. Steer clear of olive or vegetable oils for your butcherblock countertop — those oils may turn rancid.

6. Reapply mineral oil whenever the wood appears dry. You will want to use a generous quantity of mineral oil — continue reapplying until you find the timber is no longer accepting any more oil.

Warmington & North

7. Cooking oil bottles may in fact leave ring marks on stone surfaces that could be hard to remove. Use coasters or a menu beneath bottles to stop marks.

8. Take care of the counter from vinegar, lemon, tomato, and other acidic foods, that will etch marble.

Walker Shop

Modern-Twist Studio Trivetz – $12

9. Every countertop — even rock — requires a trivet as protection from hot pots and pans. Burn marks are permanent, so it’s ideal to be safe than sorry.

10. Kitchen Cabinets often become germ-keepers. It is ideal to use dishrags instead. But if you are fond of your sponges, don’t use the identical sponge to wash dishes and your countertop.

More: 10 Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Alternatives to Granite Countertops, Part II
Alternatives to Granite Countertops, Part III
Brighten Up That Space Under Your Sink

See related