How to Choose an Asian Theme for Your Home
Your Guide in Choosing Between Chinese and Japanese Styles
Jul 19, 2009
"East meets West " often expresses the fusion of elements in a traditional or contemporary home: an oriental mix-and-match of forms, elements and design principles. Adding Asian design elements into one's home is more than a knowledge of the Yin and Yang of the interior space. Eastern design can showcase styles from Thailand, Vietnam, China, or Japan, and most oriental-inspired interiors are a showcase of design taken from each - with Chinese and Japanese style being most common.
Chinese Style: Living Feng-Shui
Home decorators who are fascinated by the Chinese philosophy of auspicious spaces will find the best bet is to go for Chinese-inspired design. Many have believed that certain objects and locations inside the home affects the homeowner's wealth, health, love, and luck. For this reason, many interior designers take a course in Feng Shui and apply their knowledge, for a fee.
The Chinese have an ancient belief of harnessing the energies in buildings and objects, and they believe that a good positioning will balance the positive and negative energies surrounding a home. It is also believed that adding special objects further enhances the good luck brought to the people living within.
Chinese-themed interiors uses bold colors and furniture of intricate carvings and detail, mostly hand-painted in glossy lacquer. Ornate embroidery is also displayed. Murals and scenes from ancient mythology are also popular design elements in Chinese interiors. One can imagine a mystic drama unfolding with ornaments in the form of dragons.
Multicolored or painted in classic blue and white, porcelains are quintessential to completing that Chinese design element inside your home - from fish pots to large vases to ginger jars. It's all about the details, from that glazed earthenware to sculpted jade.
Think Chinese. Think Red.
Red is a good luck color to the Chinese, and the more prominent and rich it is, the better. Most living rooms are painted in red, complemented with bright yellows or gold, and lush, deep greens. All those stylish wall murals, folding screens, doors and plaques are rendered in this vibrant color palette. Some are even painted with a striking Chinese character boldly etched and painted in gold. For this reason, you must choose wood of darker color to bring out the richness of the color scheme.
For those with the budget to go for a more authentic Chinese-inspired design: Shop for Chinoiserie. This art form has been popular in Europe in the mid-1800s and it is gaining a wider audience today. It might cost more but your interior designer can always find you something that fits your budget.
Japanese Style: Loving Zen
If bold colors are not your cup of tea, then, your best choice is to go for the minimalist approach of Japanese-inspired interiors. Materials and colors are more subdued and natural, giving you peace of mind in your calming retreat. Japanese design is all about harnessing the five elements of nature: earth, wind, water, fire, and spirit.
The balance and harmony of spaces is reflected not by any particular object or location, but by the very essence of simplicity and light found in the teachings and philosophy of Zen. This makes Japanese design more appealing in today's modern interiors and homes.
Think Japanese. Choose Less.
Minimalism is the way to go when adding Japanese design elements into your home. It is all about nature and bringing it inside to harness that much needed harmony amidst the clutter. For this reason, indoor fountains and plants are chosen. You can choose a bonsai, or an elegant Ikebana flower arrangement on your orchid. Natural elements such as bamboo and stone are your basic guide in choosing the color palette of your Japanese-themed interior: brown, green and gray.
Floral patterns are intricately woven in silk such as kimono, which can be hung for display or worn. Embellished textiles with floral designs can also be seen on the walls. To have an authentic Japanese-inspired living room, tatami mats of 3 x 6 feet must be placed on the floor. Tatami are floor coverings made of sewn soft straw.
For furniture, use only simple and clean lines. In the dining area, you may use a low table with floor cushions for seating. Shoji screens and fusuma panels can make great room dividers that allow natural light to be filtered without glare. For a romantic feel, use rice paper lamps that glow softly at night.
Going for Asian design is a refreshing approach to traditional period decors. Consult your nearest bookstore for a quick guide, or have a talk with your trusted interior designer to get the most from your desire for an Asian-inspired home. Good Luck!
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