Decorating Asian Style

Asian homes have long been known for their calm openness and their liberal use of natural elements. And with today’s increasingly busy lifestyle, more and more people are picking up the Asian theme for its laid-back charm. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting back in your own Zen garden at the end of the day, the sound of the pond the only thing that surrounds you. If, like most people, you could use a little relaxation, an Asian-inspired home may be right for you.

So how do you infuse Asian style into your home? A lot of things make up Asian décor, from simple native houseplants to elaborate Oriental rugs. You don’t need the full package to enjoy the calming benefits of an Asian home. Often, all you need is a change in color, lighting, or décor. Here are some things you can start with.

Bold colors. Color is the first thing that sets Asian homes apart from others. Vibrant shades of red, yellow and blue dominate a room, with rich gold trim accenting the color. This is mostly because of traditional beliefs in every country; for instance, the Chinese associate red with good luck, and the Koreans channel the autumn with rustic orange and yellow. Here’s a simple trick: choose your favorite color in its boldest shade, then play it down with lighting and neutral accents.

Low-key lighting. Traditional Asian homes were calmly lit by candles and lanterns. Create the same mood by keeping your lighting low and using warm-toned bulbs. Soften your lights with a diffusing lantern—you can get authentic ones made of rice paper at most Asian shops. Instead of a large ambient light, use recessed fixtures at key areas and accent lights to play up interesting features. Install light dimmers so you can adjust the lighting to suit your mood.

Natural elements. Asian homes are known for bringing the outside in, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors. This open theme is a great feature for small homes, which tend to be cramped and crowded. Use natural elements such as wood, stone and water as your décor, and create a clear path to the outside. Install large windows for a better view of your yard, and make it the focal point of the room. If there isn’t a nice view, find another natural focal point, such as a bamboo jar or an indoor fountain.

Light textures. Asian style prefers smooth, light surfaces, as opposed to Mediterranean which prefers its walls textured. A matte finish in any bright color will definitely give your room an Asian vibe. The smoothness accents your low-key lighting and spreads it more evenly across the room. In place of texture, use natural decorations to break up the solidness of your walls. A tall bamboo end table can accent a smooth red wall, and a paper shoji screen can add variety to a bare wooden floor.

Floor coverings. Whether it’s a plush oriental rug or a simple tatami mat, floor coverings are an essential; part of Asian home design. This is mostly because of the floor material, which is traditionally bamboo installed in separate slats. Floor coverings will protect them from wear and tear and keep the cold from entering the house through the gaps. If a full carpet seems like too much work, try installing small area rugs instead. Put them in between rooms or in the center of a room to serve as a focal point.

Room dividers. Asian homes tend to be small, and room dividers are their way of managing their space. Even in a large room, dividers can be used to separate sections of the house without completely closing them off. This helps maintain the ‘open’ feel of the home without making it look cluttered. Use small shoji screens made from stiff rice paper and lightweight wooden frames. The translucent quality of the paper will diffuse incoming light and lend a soft, relaxing glow to the entire room.

Water. Water is central to Chinese and Japanese décor because it symbolizes peace, calmness, and life. The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui favors putting water elements in your living room to draw in good fortune. The Japanese, on the other hand, recommend putting a water pond or other natural feature in your garden. But from a design point of view, water is simply a beautiful addition to your home and a great way to hold your Asian theme together.

Multipurpose objects. Limited space has inspired Asians to come up with multipurpose furnishings, such as sofa beds, fold-up mats, and floor dining areas. Take a low-rise dresser and put it in your living room as a center table/storage area. Set up a long, low table and arrange colorful throw pillows around it for a Japanese-style dining area. Think of other uses for the furniture you already have and work them into your design.