Asian Decorating

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Asian Decorating

by Giorgina Devereaux

Asian decorating and furniture encompasses design elements from Japan, China, and other Eastern influences.

Japanese Interior Decorating

The soothing feel of Japanese home decor is achieved via the use of natural materials (bamboo and stone), soft colors (gray, brown, green), floral patterns, indoor water features for a tranquil effect, and tatami or goza mats for the floors.

Tatami are straw mats edged in cloth that measure 3’ x 6’. They have colored borders and are used for walking, sitting, and sleeping.

It is comprised of two separate layers; one layer is the straw center and the other layer is the soft reed outer edge covered in cloth.

Furniture and accessories have clean lines and are designed for living near the floor of the room.

Futons are generally used as bedroom furniture while low tables and floor cushions are utilized for dining.

sian-decorating-wood-flower-shoji-screen

Flower Design Wood Shoji Screen

Another thing to consider adding to a room is a Kotatsu table, which is a rectangular table in a dark finish with clean lines.

Most of these tables have heaters in the middle, which is an added bonus.

For room dividers and doors, you can use translucent fusuma or shoji screens.

You may also use shojis as window treatments, along with fiber shades, which enable natural light to fill the room.

If you would like a soft glow during the evening, consider the use of rice paper lamps to achieve this effect.

For added beauty and elegance, incorporate a floral arrangement such as orchids and bonsai in the room.

Also, the use of sophisticated fabrics, such as silk, is common, with some being embroidered and consisting of elaborate designs.

You can also include a piece of Japanese calligraphy as wall art for that classic Asian decorating look.

Chinese Furniture

Chinese interiors consist of bold colors, ornate and carved furnishings that feature hand painted designs on lacquered finishes, colorful accessories, ornaments, and statues of animals, such as monkeys and dragons, or mythological creatures.

asian-decorating-imperial-dragon-wood-cabinet

Forbidden City Imperial Dragon
Wood Cabinet

The color red is widely used and viewed as a symbol of good luck.

The bright colors are used for accent while the dark wood tones contribute to a dramatic and sophisticated look.

Other bright colors that are used as accents are yellow and green. Adding brightly colored paper lanterns lends vibrancy to the room.

For accessories, the use of porcelain ginger jars, large vases, and fish pots painted with intricate patterns in various colors or in classic blue and white is common in Chinese interiors.

Other classy items usually seen are large wall murals, plaques, and folding screens that feature historical characters and legendary scenes in an assortment of striking color.

An art form that is integrated into furniture and accessories, which has detailed embellishments and complex decoration of Chinese designs, is Chinoiserie. This artistic style was originally popular in mid-1800’s Europe.

asian-decorating-asian-wall-panels

Asian Wall Panels

The use of screens is another element prevalent in Chinese interior design because they are decorative and functional, adding elegance while providing privacy.

Also, the screens are made of various materials such as bamboo or expensive wood adorned with delicate ivory inlays.

Lastly, many Chinese interior design and Asian decorating principles are founded on Feng Shui, which is the arrangement of space to generate a harmonious environment and attract the positive “chi” or energy into their home.

Those who include Feng Shui in their interior design fully believe that they will benefit from the carefully arranged furniture and living spaces and will have success, love, health, and happiness.

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