Trying to figure out how to break out of the decorating doldrums? 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 fact, when planning out your Asian decorating adventure, simplicity is the key to success. With Asian inspired style, less is more.
Color: For the walls, think beige or tan, inspired by aged bamboo or rice parchment. This will create a nice base color for the room that can be accented with some bolder, Asian inspired colors. Liberal use of black and white in furniture and accents can be desirable. 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. A touch of bold red and some gold also conjure up images of the Orient.
Floors: An obvious choice is bamboo flooring which looks great but can be costly. Bamboo-look laminate flooring is less expensive alternative, but any wood flooring is suitable in your new Asian room. Terracotta tiling is another great option, but light stone and ceramic tile look great too. It might seem like an oriental rug is a requirement, but avoid the temptation and potential expense. Optionally, consider a natural fiber rug like 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.
If you prefer drapes in the windows, look for silk with a nice sheen and tie them back with gold cord that’s tasseled. 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 great. Candle Lantern style lighting can be combined to good effect as well. Do your best to avoid modern or period-specific lighting. 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. Finished in polished black, red, gold or white — it can be a statement piece that brings the room together. Armoires, curios, desks, small tables, or stools are all options. These furnishings generally painted with scenes of life, landscape or floral designs. Wicker, Rattan or Bamboo furniture are all excellent options in your Asian inspired room.
Decorations: This is your opportunity to shine and have some fun. For function, consider a Shonji room divider available in hundreds of looks and colors. 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. 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. 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 thing standing in the way of your perfect Asian inspired room is lack of 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. 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.
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