Asian Style Home Decoration

From LoveToKnow Interior Design


Asian style home decoration, often referred to as Oriental decor, is a term that encompasses the interior design of the Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and other Easter cultures. While many Oriental decors may use design elements from multiple cultures, it is also important to release this is an eclectic style, not a pure style that is representative of a region, culture, or country.

Asian Style

Choosing Asian Style Home Decorations for the Interior

Asian style interior design may have common elements, but they also differ widely depending on the primary cultural influence. However, most Asian decors have these things in common.

Feng Shui

One design element that most Oriental interiors feature is an understanding and obedience to basic feng shui principles. Feng shui posits that every object in a room should be carefully placed and balanced with other design elements to make sure that a desirable energy is created.

Feng shui also encourages adding specific elements into a home to bring good fortune into the house in the form of wealth, peace, or happiness. It is important to realize that feng shui does not just govern interiors, but the placement of homes as well. This may make it difficult to have a house that is completely in accordance with feng shui principles.

Reduce Clutter

Asian style decor also tends to be less cluttered than many Western interiors, making many homeowners associate it with minimalist home design. Although the two terms are not interchangeable, both feature a commitment to reducing unnecessary objects. Japanese home decor in particular is commonly considered part of minimalism.

Chinese vs. Japanese Home Decor

While some items are similar in Asian cultures, most Oriental interior design must follow a primarily Chinese or Japanese decor.

Chinese

Chinese interior design favors bold colors and ornate furniture. Carvings, lacquer, and embroidery are all common facets of this style. Animals, scenes from mythology, and homages to ancestors are all commonly represented in this type of interior. Murals, folding screens, and even large plaques are also common for a traditional Chinese interior.

A red interior is also common, especially in living room designs. This is largely because red is a symbol of good luck in China. Yellow and green are also preferred colors of this culture. Interiors are lush and may contain several competing elements.

Japanese

Japanese design favors more cool colors and minimal decorations. Natural materials are preferred, such as tatami mats and silk. Japanese interior design may also make use of natural elements, such as plants or a fountain to further blur the lines between interior and exterior space.

Wall decor is often minimal, and may consist of a carefully painted kimono. Brightly colored walls are avoided. Furniture is carefully constructed, but has little adornment. Emphasis is placed on the simple architecture, not on the interior design. For this reason, Westerners may find that Japanese interior design may almost appear empty.

Final Considerations

For homeowners interested in Asian style home decorations, consider checking interior design and art history books for examples of authentic decor. It is also important to understand the significance of any element that is introduced into the home. After you are comfortable with identifying different Asian decor items, you can then decide which you want to add to your home.



 


Comments

I don't agree, but from where I'm from (which by no means is anything too sophisticated) the term "oriental" is only used to describe the heavy, large area rugs aka oriental rugs. And while the less traveled may still like to call the people indigenous to eastern Asia 'orientals', I really don't even recall Chinese, Japanese, or Asian interior decoration ever being called "Oriental decor". Did you just make that up for this article or something? Anyhow that's how I feel about the subject.

-- Contributed by: Mr. Nawtty Nuff

Comment on Asian Style Home Decoration



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Interior Design Categories
LoveToKnow Tools