CALL IN THE DRAGONS

Expect a wild year said the Zodiac. With the Chinese Zodiac Year of The Dragon coming to a close soon, it is interesting to notice how many great dragon designs have been created anew. Fierce, respected, honored, feared and fictitious, the dragon inspires awe and brings good fortune. Why wouldn't you want some fiery fabulousness in your home?

 Photos courtesy of Jim Thompson

No.9 Thompson's Dynasty Collection designed by Richard Smith captures the allure of Chinese folklore. Inspired by ancient decorative arts, from 17th Century silk carpets to ceramics, the hand-painted designs boldly represent a rich decorative history in a color palette for today.

With a wave and decorative link border, Enter The Dragons can be used in a variety of applications. The festive dragon is featured down the center of the fabric along with animated clouds against a rich chocolate brown. There is a great energy to this print, and I have seen it used in upholstery, but panel curtains look striking as well.

Aqua, orange, pink and yellow is another incredible color mix. This fabric can ground a room and the dominant colors make it a heady combination.

 Schumacher's Chang Mai Dragon fabric came from a 1920's Art Deco print. The exuberant colorations are beloved for their versatility, as they make pieces look modern and vintage depending on the shape of the piece they go on. Here, Global Views showed their new high back chair with the print to showcase custom upholstery options.

Century Furniture showed the print on a traditional upholstered chair at High Point Market.

Photo courtesy of Mottahedeh

Bringing the dragon into tablesettings adds an air of mystery and allure.

Mottahedeh's Red Dragon plate shows the fierce creature circling the border with outstretched claws. The dynamic nature of the design and the composition looks beautiful in a place setting.

Photo courtesy of Caskata

With gold detailing, Caskata's Dragon Canape Plates look amazing all together, since they capture the dragon in different places.

 Photo courtesy of Dempsey and Carrol

Opulent Gold Dragon stationery from Dempsey and Carroll will send good fortune.