Asian style decoration has become a fashion trend in the first decade of the 21st century. However, unlike past waves of Asian design, the latest version takes a global perspective to create an eclectic mix that is exotic and laid-back at the same time.
One of the intriguing aspects of this latest trend is that a decorator’s creativity and personal imagination 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 décor.
Colour:
Pale, neutral wall colors are preferred for a pan-Asian look that is likely to change frequently. With neutral colors on the walls, it is possible to go from the muted tones of the natural Zen motifs of the Japanese style to the more vivid colors of the Indian designs. Red, lacquered black and gold remain the anchors of the Chinese interior design style, including the ornate designs of magnificent oriental silk 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.
Flat:
The dark wood floor 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 great with Chinese rugs, Tibetan rugs, or other oriental rugs. It is even possible to go a little further to the impressive wool rugs from Iran (Persian) and Turkey in Asian styles.
Furniture:
Simple styles work best in Asian decor, but the furniture should be of solid quality, preferably dark wood or black lacquered. Simple furniture with a slightly rustic look fits well, but more elaborately carved pieces like screens, chests, and even chairs make great accent pieces. The key to combining these varied styles is to choose just one more ornate piece, such as a chest or lampshade, 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 Asian décor such as curtains, drapes, wall hangings, and even blankets. 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 oriental silk 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 décor, be sure to choose the right fabric for the use.
Carpets made from natural fibers, such as bamboo and wool, should be kept out of kitchens and bathrooms, where they are likely to get stained or damaged by water. Delicate silk rugs work best in rooms without a lot of foot traffic. If you use an Asian style in a room that is used a lot, it is best to find area rugs in Asian colors and patterns that are made from synthetic fibers. They will withstand foot traffic and will withstand spills much better.
Finish off the Asian décor with accessories such as art, wrought iron, tapestries, paper lanterns, ornate silver, ceramics, and pottery.
