Chiang Mai Dragon has to tie with Zebras as the most recognizable wallpaper out there. Don’t you agree, Gentle Readers?
The dragon-flower-lantern pattern is so ubiquitous that I assumed it’s been around forever. Shockingly, though, Schumacher didn’t design Chiang Mai Dragon until 2006. 2006!! A mere 19 years ago! (I’m old enough that “19” = “mere” now.)
According to Schumacher’s website, “the chinoiserie motif was inspired by an Art Deco print.” More information, please! WHAT print? From or relating to northern Thailand, where the city of Chiang Mai is located? I’m just having a hard time seeing any 1920s/30s in this fabulously riotous design.
The Chiang Mai Dragon pattern appeared originally on fabric, which is usually the way. The advantage of wallpaper, though, is that you’re guaranteed to see the whole gorgeous pattern on large, flat walls. When I propose a patterned fabric as drapes, I always try to scrunch up the swatch so the client can see how pleats will affect the pattern. It’s different than on a sample, that’s all.
I call Chiang Mai Dragon “the magic wallpaper” because it works anywhere. Literally anywhere. In most of the colorways, there are so many colors to pull from, and the medium-scale, flowy design mixes easily with everything from tiny flowers and dots to large-scale stripes.
As with Zebras, though, certain colorways are a complete waste of time. Particularly the Smoke, a few pics above, and these:
Under the heading, “you really know you’ve made it when…,” the Chiang Mai Dragon pattern appears on several readymade products, including aprons. There’s nothing wrong with that; I may or may not have given the apron as a gift. It speaks to the pattern’s broad appeal, that’s all.
Such an amazing pattern, so many places it looks great. Really, what are you waiting for?
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Gentle Readers! If you’d rather be thinking about dragons than turkeys, Annie Elliott Design is now accepting projects for late winter/early spring. Please be in touch to schedule a conversation.