Asian-style decoration has become a hot trend in the first decade of the 21st century. Unlike previous waves of Asian design, however, the latest iteration takes a global perspective to create an eclectic mix that is both exotic and relaxed.
One of the intriguing aspects of this latest trend is that a decorator’s imagination and personal creativity can design a room based on a single Asian culture, or an exciting mix of the best the continent has to offer. The following guides will help decorators through the many and varied styles available in Asian decorating.
Color:
Pale, neutral wall colors are preferred for a pan-Asian style that is likely to change frequently. With neutral colors on the walls, it is possible to go from the muted tones of the zen-like natural motifs of the Japanese style to the more vivid colors of the Indian designs. Red, lacquered black and gold remain mainstays of Chinese interior design style, including the ornate designs of magnificent silk oriental rugs. An Indian design will feature vibrant colors from the subcontinent. When looking for flooring, peacock blue area rugs and deep red rugs would be the perfect choice to complement your Indian decor.
Floor:
Dark wood flooring can serve as the foundation for any Asian design theme. Bamboo rugs, tatami mats, or bamboo flooring enhance the Japanese style, but all Asian designs look fabulous with Chinese rugs, Tibetan rugs, or other oriental rugs. It is even possible to go a bit further to the impressive wool rugs from Iran (Persian) and Turkey in Asian styles.
Furniture:
Simple styles work best in Asian decor, but furniture should be of good quality, preferably dark wood or black lacquered. Simple furniture with a slightly rustic look works well, but more elaborate carved pieces like room dividers, chests of drawers, and even chairs make great accent pieces. The key to combining these varied styles is to choose just one more ornate piece, like a chest or screen, and keep the rest of the furniture simple.
Fabrics and Accessories:
Asian weavers have been creating fabulous fabrics for millennia, from Chinese silks to Indonesian batiks. These richly patterned fabrics can be widely used in an Asian decor such as curtains, drapes, wall hangings, and even throws. Area rugs are among some of the best examples of Asian weaving. They range from the simple textured patterns of Tibetan rugs, through the elaborate motifs of silk Oriental rugs, to the boldly colored cotton rugs of the many cultures of India. If you choose to make a rug the focal point of an Asian decor, be sure to choose the right fabric for the use.
Rugs made from natural fibers, such as bamboo rugs and wool rugs, should be kept out of kitchens and bathrooms, where they are likely to stain or get water damaged. Delicate silk rugs work best in rooms without a lot of foot traffic. If you’re using an Asian style in a room that gets a lot of use, it’s best to find rugs in Asian colors and patterns that are made from synthetic fibers. They will hold up to foot traffic and hold up to spills much better.
Finish off the Asian decor with accessories like art, wrought iron, wall hangings, paper lanterns, ornate silver, ceramics, and pottery.
