At the center of this sanctuary lies an original hand tufted Wendy Morrison Chinoiserie series rug, a statement piece whose intricate symbolism sets the tone and for the entire space. Rooted in the elegance of chinoiserie, a design style that emerged in 17th and 18th century Europe through a romantic interpretation of East Asian art, the aesthetic is defined by delicate patterns, flowing botanical forms, and a sense of refined harmony.
The Inspiration for My Sanctuary
Within this composition, cranes appear in motion with wings fully extended, symbolizing elevation, longevity, and graceful transformation. Cascading botanical forms soften the design, reflecting abundance that flows with ease rather than excess, while layered natural elements create a sense of balance, continuity, and connection to the surrounding environment.
This interplay reflects the principle of yin and yang, where opposing forces exist in harmony, the upward movement of the cranes balanced by the gentle downward flow of the botanicals, strength softened by delicacy, light emerging from depth. Set against a deep, dark ground, each motif emerges with quiet luminosity, reinforcing this balance through contrast.
Together, these elements form a layered narrative of harmony, resilience, and becoming, shaping a space that is both deeply intentional and serenely transformative.
Designing The Space
I designed every aspect of this space as a chinoiserie-inspired sanctuary, drawing from my background in interior design and my Bachelor of Arts degree. My intention was to create an environment that embodies the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air, while fully engaging all five senses in a cohesive and immersive way.
Rich teal architectural detailing, including custom wainscoting and built-in shelving with a library ladder, anchors the room and represents the fluid, calming energy of water. This is further enhanced by the presence of a tabletop fountain, which introduces gentle movement and sound, allowing the space to feel alive and emotionally grounding. The warmth of the natural wood flooring and the hand-tufted chinoiserie rug, imported from China, bring in the grounding qualities of earth through texture, craftsmanship, and organic pattern.
A built-in fireplace seamlessly integrated within the shelving introduces the element of fire, offering both visual warmth and a sense of transformation without overwhelming the balance of the room. Air is expressed through the openness of the layout, the intentional negative space, and the soft diffusion of natural light through sheer drapery, creating a feeling of breath, lightness, and expansion.
The silk chinoiserie wallpaper was carefully selected to coordinate with the rug, featuring elegant peacocks and botanical elements that symbolize prosperity, grace, and harmony. I also incorporated a room divider to subtly separate a functional workspace beyond, maintaining both practicality and visual continuity.
To me, a true sanctuary space should make you feel happy, peaceful, and deeply representative of who you are. This room reflects my whimsical, colorful, and eclectic personality, while still honoring my love of classic elegance and refined design. It is a space where creativity, calm, and beauty coexist effortlessly.
Beyond the visual design, I intentionally curated this space to engage all five senses. The aesthetic composition offers visual beauty and balance, the soft textures of the rug and sofa invite touch, the gentle sound of flowing water creates an auditory sense of calm, and the addition of tea rituals and aromatherapy completes the experience through taste and scent. This room is not simply a designed interior, but a fully realized sensory sanctuary that reflects my philosophy of wellness, balance, and elevated living.
If you are looking to create a space that feels like a true sanctuary; one that reflects your personality, supports your well-being, and elevates your everyday experience. I would love to help you bring that vision to life.