Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Decorating with an Asian Theme

Trying to figure out how to break out of the decorating doldrums? Taking your living room or bedroom on an Oriental adventure could be the perfect excursion. Asian inspired decor can be a simple but elegant look that’s easy to achieve provided you control your impulse to over-decorate. When it comes to the perfect Asian influenced decor, simplicity is critical. With Asian inspired style, less is more.

Color: For the walls, think beige or tan, inspired by aged bamboo or rice parchment. The neutrality of the beige tone sets the stage for an exploration of some Asian inspired colors at the bolder end of the color spectrum. Liberal use of black and white in furniture and accents can be desirable. Choose greens that remind you of a bamboo jungle or a jade sculpture. A touch of bold red and some gold also conjure up images of the Orient.

Floors: Bamboo flooring is an obvious, but sometimes expensive flooring solution to create that Asian inspired feel in a room. A less expensive alternative is laminate flooring. However, any wood or laminate flooring will do just fine. Ceramic or stone tile work very well in an Asian themed room, and terra-cotta tile is a natural fit. Avoid the temptation to use an oriental rug unless you feel strongly that it works. You’ll save a few bucks. 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, consider a wool blend or synthetic version.

If you prefer drapes in the windows, look for silk with a nice sheen and tie them back with gold cord that’s tasseled. For a more casual vibe, consider 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: Japanese Lanterns come in dozens of shapes and sizes to suit any taste or 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.

The smart shopper can find a bargain anywhere, but if you’re going to splurge this is the area to do it. Traditional lacquered furniture is a mainstay of Asian décor. Most often found a highly polished black, red, gold or white it’s a centerpiece accent that can bring the Asian influenced theme together. 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: This is your opportunity to shine and have some fun. 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. Feng Shui princicples are based on promoting positive energy but there ideas are equally suited to good design.

Carvings in jade, porcelain statues and figurines, silk paintings and Asian wall art are all great choices. A Chinese vase or fishbowl on a stand will work well too. A Ginger or tea jars, bonsai trees, bamboo plants, Asian clocks and mirros are all excellent decorating options. The only limit is your imagination.

Have a blast with all the great decorating options, just remember that in the case of Asian-themed decorating it’s important not to overdo it. It’s important to make sure that the space is free of clutter, otherwise you won’t get the same effect. Let a few key pieces in the room carry the theme and emphasize the approach that less is more.

For other articles on window blinds, check out: Vertical Blinds | Sheer Vertical BlindsRoman Shades | Cellular Blinds

1 comment:

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