So much of “chinoiserie” is based on things that were made for export, so I think it’s okay. Like, decorating with Hollywood-inspired stuff wouldn’t be appropriation of American culture.

But like Hollywood stuff, it can still be problematic for other reasons.

I think just tread lightly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am Asian and I think this whole cultural appropriation thing has gone out of control. Celebrate each other's cultures!! Wear a cheongsam if it looks good on you. Put any wallpaper that you like. Decorate your house with ming vases. Belt out a K-pop song. It's OK. People should not be offended but pleased that others appreciate their culture.

Thank god because I look fine. As. Hell. In a cheongsam. Best garment ever made.

I bought a gorgeous one in Chinatown NY about 20 years ago. It was ice blue - and cheap as hell. I wore it to a wedding and got many compliments. I loved that thing.

I married a Korean man and wore Hanbok at my wedding reception. It was a way to honor both cultures and show respect for traditions. Now if I wore that for Halloween as a "Korean Person" costume, that would be inappropriate, and I think that is what many people consider negative cultural appropriation.

Anonymous wrote:I generally think stuff is fine but I think I would draw the line at pagodas. Especially if it has something like geisha girls with parasols or anything like that....
But I love Asian inspired florals like cherry blossom motifs.

Why pagodas? What's wrong with pagodas?

Anonymous wrote:Does everything need to be about race?

100% yes.

I love all the posts inviting others' cultural design into their lives, especially when done with so much appreciation. I do agree it's much better coming from the source than reimagined by a major brand like pottery barn. It would be weird to buy African masks from pottery barn but not bought as a souvenir from a craftsman and learning a bit about it's background.

Anonymous wrote:I asked my Asian friends this and they laughed and said no way. They all did agree that they didn't want chinoiserie in their homes though, it was too fussy and they thought it was too Asian (whatever that means?!).

I do stay away from altarpieces and altars. I see people using them as entry tables, but I don't like that. Same goes for buddhas.

I have a buddha in my fish tank and more than one white friend has commented that it might be offensive....
I also have framed furoshiki prints as art, an Easter Island head lamp, and a guy in a sombrero sleeping against a cactus. I love all my stuff!

It's not cultural appropriation. However, some patterns are great, some are questionable.

Fabrics I wouldn't hesitate using:

https://www.pierrefrey.com/en/fabrics/L5042_DJIBOUTI_C541_C508_C512_FE-djibouti
https://www.jennifershorto.com/textiles/kongaline/

A fabric that makes me wonder how the brand hasn't gotten cancelled:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265662267547?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=265662267547&targetid=1528987488216&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9007531&poi=&campaignid=20387609897&mkgroupid=149368315897&rlsatarget=pla-1528987488216&abcId=9316960&merchantid=8288854&gclid=CjwKCAjw6p-oBhAYEiwAgg2PgsIyqmZ1r69sv3j8aSXewZyoKctpeHocDP-56lNoUy4-JlacMtd0DhoCTRgQAvD_BwE

Chinoiserie is a fusion of Asian and French baroque styles, it's not strictly one or the other.

Humanity is always being influenced by other cultures and traditions and styles. This whole concept of appropriation is bizarre and in utter denial of humanity and culture. According to the rules of appropriation, people outside the west wouldn't be allowed to have toilets or electricity or wear most modern fashion.

I asked my Asian friends this and they laughed and said no way. They all did agree that they didn't want chinoiserie in their homes though, it was too fussy and they thought it was too Asian (whatever that means?!).

I do stay away from altarpieces and altars. I see people using them as entry tables, but I don't like that. Same goes for buddhas.

Anonymous wrote:Only if it’s an ottoman or an afghan.

Why an ottoman?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Swedish friend was insulted I had so much Ikea in my apt.

That probably had more to do with your bad taste and cheap aesthetics.

OMG what is wrong with you it was a joke

+1 People here are obtuse. See Humor, Dry.

Anonymous wrote:I am Asian and I think this whole cultural appropriation thing has gone out of control. Celebrate each other's cultures!! Wear a cheongsam if it looks good on you. Put any wallpaper that you like. Decorate your house with ming vases. Belt out a K-pop song. It's OK. People should not be offended but pleased that others appreciate their culture.

Thank god because I look fine. As. Hell. In a cheongsam. Best garment ever made.

God, just don't try to speak in an Asian language, or even pour tea. People will think you are a fraud! Better forget the wallpaper or you might be the subject of 300+ pages of discussion here having your mental health questioned.

Some things are strange - I have seen geisha themed rooms for example.

There was also an apartheid themed wedding that was heavily roasted online due to its inappropriate theme choice.

The thing is to not choose a certain aspect but to showcase the overall culture in a pleasant way. Example: your antiques should not be in a racially segregated themed room style