Posts Tagged ‘asian decor’
Decorating with an Asian Theme
Wondering how you can improve the look of your home with something exotic and unique? Why not take your home on an exotic adventure to the Far East? Asian decor is an elegant simple solution to bring life to a room. Just resist the urge to over-decorate. In fact, when planning out your Asian decorating adventure, simplicity is the key to success. When it comes to Asian design, less is more.
Color: For the walls, think beige or tan, inspired by aged bamboo or rice parchment. These neutral tones will create a good base color that can be decorated with bolder Asian color combinations. Monochromatic colors can work well in Asian decor. Green factors heavily into many Asian designs. They can range from the vivid greens of the bamboo jungle to the subtle luxury of a jade sculpture. Use a health splash of red and gold to transport your guests to the Far East.
Floors: The obvious choice is bamboo floors but despite their beauty are not the cheapest option. Bamboo-look laminate flooring is less expensive alternative, but any wood flooring is suitable in your new Asian room. Ceramic or stone tile work very well in an Asian themed room, and terra-cotta tile is a natural fit. While an oriental rug might seem like an obvious choice, consider passing on it. A natural fiber rig is likely to be a more pleasing solution.The natural fiber and neutral tones make this a well-suited rug choice that supports the Asian design.A 6′ rug should run you somewhere in the $200 range. If you’re on a budget, find a synthetic or wool blend or a second-hand rug.
If you prefer drapes in the windows, look for silk with a nice sheen and tie them back with gold cord that’s tasseled. Roll-up bamboo shades are a great selection when you’re looking to create a more casual mood. You can find bamboo blinds that are painted in Asian themes with calligraphy, classical oriental art of Asian symbols.
Lighting: Chinese lanterns can be found in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes not to mention budget. These are perfect. The use of candles or faux candles can complement the room as well. Try not to use lighting that’s contemporary or associated with a specific era. A lighted water treatment can really set the mood in a room and makes a great substitute for a lamp.
If you’re going to break the budget, this is where you might want to do it. Traditional lacquered furniture is a mainstay of Asian décor. Often finished in a polished black tone, it can make a grand statement sure to please the eye. Armoires, curios, desks, small tables, or stools are all options. These furnishings generally painted with scenes of life, landscape or floral designs. Wicker and Bamboo furniture will be perfectly welcome in your Asian decorated room as well.
Decorations: This is an opportunity to exercise your inner designer and have a blast. For function, consider a Shonji room divider available in hundreds of looks and colors. You might consider a statue of Buddha or a sculpture of Kuan Yin in bronze, stone or brass. To add a bit of whimsy to your room consider a laughing Buddha statue. You may want to do a little research on Feng Shui as its theories will surely give you inspiration and instill your decorating ideas with meaning.
Jade carvings, Oriental wall fans, silk paintings, Asian wall reliefs or lacquered wall art are perfect Asian decorating choices. A Chinese vase or fishbowl on a stand will work well too. Ginger or tea jars, bonsai trees, bamboo plants, Asian clocks and mirros are all excellent decorating options.  The possibilities are as limitless as the imagination.
Have fun with the decorating possibilities, just keep in mind that to get an authentic Asian feel you need to exercise some restraint. A cluttered room won’t give you the desired effect. Let a few key pieces in the room carry the theme and emphasize the approach that less is more.
Decorating with an Asian Theme
Wondering how you can improve the look of your home with something exotic and unique? An exotic adventure to the Far East could be just the ticket. Asian decor is an elegant simple solution to bring life to a room. Just resist the urge to over-decorate. In truth, it's the simplicity of design and uncluttered feel that make the most of Asian design. When it comes to Asian design, less is more.
Color: For the walls, think beige or tan, inspired by aged bamboo or rice parchment. These neutral tones will create a good base color that can be decorated with bolder Asian color combinations. Monochromatic colors can work well in Asian decor. Mix in some green that conjures up visions of a dense bamboo jungle for a bold, expressive look or a jade sculpture to create more muted, tranquil space. A touch of bold red and some gold also conjure up images of the Orient.
Floors: The obvious choice is bamboo floors but despite their beauty are not the cheapest option. Bamboo-look laminate flooring is less expensive alternative, but any wood flooring is suitable in your new Asian room. Ceramic or stone tile work very well in an Asian themed room, and terra-cotta tile is a natural fit. It might seem like an oriental rug is a requirement, but avoid the temptation and potential expense. Instead, seek out a jute rug.This loomed, natural fiber alternative offers a simple solution that supports your design theme well.A 6' rug should run you somewhere in the $200 range. For the budget conscious, seek out a wool blend or synthetic version.
Silk drapes in dramatic colors can be the perfect look for window treatments. Consider using gold cord and tassels to pull them back and take advantage of the ambient light. To set a mood that's more relaxed, use roll-up bamboo shades. Plain blinds are fine, but you can also find bamboo blinds painted with oriental calligraphy or other Asian symbols and scenes if you want a bolder look.
Lighting: Oriental lanterns come in all shapes, colors and sizes. You'll find one to suit your budget for sure. These are perfect. The use of candles or faux candles can complement the room as well. Avoid obviously contemporary or modern lamps and lighting. A lighted water fountain can be a gread stand-in for a lamp that creates a true Asian atmosphere.
Furniture: This is an area where you may want to splurge. Lacquered furniture is frequently seen in Asian homes. Often finished in a polished black tone, it can make a grand statement sure to please the eye. Think about a small table, trunk, armoire or stool. These furnishings generally painted with scenes of life, landscape or floral designs. Wicker and Bamboo furniture will be perfectly welcome in your Asian decorated room as well.
Decorations: Now you get to really have some fun. Make bold decisions, just remember the axiom that “less is more”. A Shonji divider can be used to separate the room and create more intimate areas. Buddha decor can be a fun, funky option. Considering displaying a few Buddha figurines in various poses. For a chance at wealth and good fortune consider a laughing Buddha statue. It's worth doing some research on Feng Shui to get a feel for how this decorating philosophy can be leveraged.
Oriental fans and umbrellas are a great choice for the wall. Silk paintings, Asian themed wall reliefs and lacquired wall art are all exceptional choices. The addition of a porcelain vase or oriental fishbowl makes a strong Asian inspired decor accessory. A bonsai tree is just right. Tea and Ginger jars are great for tables and storage. Asian plants are inspired too. The only limit is your imagination.
Have fun with the decorating possibilities, just keep in mind that to get an authentic Asian feel you need to exercise some restraint. Keep the room sparse and free of clutter to get the desired effect. Don't overdo it. Use a few key decorative accessories to project your theme. You can always add more later.