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Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom St. Kitts Rattan Headboard 3_3 Twin 558-141HB: Nothing could be more ‘Asian’ or Filipino than rattan.
The islands of the Philippines is a tropical archipelago. Such a location can pose challenges in terms of interior design. Building a structure that can take extreme humidity and searing hot days can even add to the dilemma. As if these weren’t enough, the Philippine islands are even constantly bombarded with strong typhoons. All these require forward-thinking in terms of designing homes.
Enter passive cooling. This is a technique that many arid regions can adapt. This is when the design of the home was meant to bring in cool, fresh air. In the case of an Asian design such as the Filipino style, you can beautifully combine natural elements found in the beautiful islands with those of the modern aspects of many homes.
Ventilation Is Crucial
It is important to cross-ventilate. This should readily work with an open space concept so that entertaining guests becomes a lot easier. Orientation is just as crucial. Take into account all the elements such as the sun, wind, as well as where the natural shades are.
Let’s say a house is built diagonally with the majority of the service areas facing the southwest portion of the home. Now, these areas are where the sun is harshest. You can use window treatments to keep the brightness of the sun out during the hottest times of the day.
On the other hand, you can open these same curtains or draperies once the sun has gone easy. There is nothing new to be able to design in accordance with orientation. Most old homes in the Philippines have been built around lighting orientation.
High ceilings were also common in many homes whether among the rich or the poor. This design allows air to pass through and let in the maximum amount of natural light during the day.
Folding Doors
One other unique characteristic of old Filipino homes is the use of folding doors. These accordion type doors are big in the Philippines because they consume less space and they are easy to keep open during the day.
In a place where it can be extremely hot, it is needful to prop open the door so that the morning or afternoon breezes could freely move in.
Accordion doors cost less plus they can look great once you use the right materials. Traditional homes had wooden folding doors while the more modern ones have taken on the sliding, aluminum types.
Maitland-Smith Living Room Capiz Shell Inlaid Occasional Table, Polished Brass Accents, Glass Top 3000-078: The term ‘Capiz’ came from a province in one of the islands of the Philippines.
Tile Flooring
The Philippines was under the Spanish rule for more than 300 years so it is not surprising that the people have been accustomed to all things Spanish. Tile flooring, for instance, is also common in many Filipino homes, especially those that have been handed down to them by their well-to-do half-Spanish relatives.
These old-money homes often have the reddish or terra cotta features of Spanish tiles. There are also distinct patterns in many of these homes. These same patterns, if you would observe, are also widely used in Spanish churches, museums, and colonial houses.
Cement tiles weigh about 1.7 to 4 kilos each. Depending on the size, though, you must be careful in installing these because they can be heavy. Mortar is often used to install these tiles while a sealer is used to fill the gaps.
Filipino Furnishings
As for the furnishings, Filipinos are fond of natural materials such as bamboo, Capiz shells, wood, and potted plants as ornaments. Colonial homes even have antique furniture handed down to them by their ancestors.
If you want to replicate this look, do so by working with a lot of woods, wicker, even water elements. The Filipinos have also traded with the Chinese and, in fact, have intermarried with this race so it is also fairly common to find Chinese elements fused into their interior design.
Tags: Asian design, Asian interior design, Asian style, Filipino design, Filipino interior design, Filipino style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Have You Heard of the Filipino Interior Design?
Friday, July 14th, 2017
Summer Home Cottage Wicker Arm Chairs are perfect for any Asian inspired home.
Oriental design or more often called Asian interior design showcases many different cultures – from Japanese, to Vietnam, Chinese to Thai, Korean and Indian. All these interesting Eastern societies are colorful, bold and bright, each with its own distinct look. The most distinct, though, are Chinese and Japanese.
Following Feng Shui
Feng Shui is being practiced in China and many other Asian countries. This is becoming more and more popular in many Western nations, too. These are guidelines in object and structure placement.
Feng Shui focuses on chi or everything that has energy whether positive or negative. These energies are carefully balanced in the observance of Feng Shui.
Choosing Chinese
Homes that get their inspiration from Chinese style show a lot of bold colors from gold, reds to greens. Their living spaces also display ornate furnishings and the most interesting accessories. Furniture in Chinese-inspired homes show a lot of carvings, ornate wood and hand-painted, lacquered surfaces.
The dramatic styling that is seen throughout the Chinese ambiance is also consistent with the accessories. You can see a lot of porcelain jars, huge vases, animal motifs (think of dragons, turtles, cats, horses and frogs).
There are also a lot of complex patterns in different hues or in the usual white and blue. Other stylish stuff include plaques, wall murals and folding paper screens. All these depict legends and historical characters. In essence, you’re not going Chinese if you don’t like striking and vibrant hues.
You should also love red since this is a prominent hue in Chinese design. To the Chinese, this color spells good luck. Accents can be yellow or green which can be used on paper lanterns.
Chinoiserie is also abundant. This is the art form where furnishings are patterned after Chinese décor. It first became popular back in the 1800s in Europe. One can also observe the influence of the Chinese in terms of architecture in many garden pagodas and pavilions.
Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Dining Room Credenza 6020-151 is the home for the Asian elements in this living room.
Just Japanese
Prepare to feel a different level of calmness when you choose Japanese-inspired interior design. Think of Zen and all the natural elements that would entail this level of serenity.
Japanese indoors include a lot of water fountains, floor covering and tatami mats. Tatami is a straw mat that has cloth edges.
To complete the Japanese look of your home, use natural elements like stone, bamboo, flowers and greeneries. Use decorative pottery as well as embellished textiles.
Furnishings often have clean lines. Most of the stuff are near the floor although everything still appears to be clean.
Natural fibers such as silk are also a must. Remember that the beautiful kimono is made from this wonderful fabric. The translucent shoji screens are also one of the most popular pieces to own as are fusuma (another kind of screen).
Cherry blossoms as wall art can be painted straight on a wall (which serves as your blank canvas) or hung as an artwork.
Asian Principles in Styling
Now that you know the prime style sources for Asian interior design, here are additional principles in Asian styling – asymmetry, altars, natural elements, simplicity, circles and clean motifs.
Asymmetry means having something that demands attention be framed with something that does not seek attention. An example is when you have a fireplace (a major architectural element) which needs to be decorated by a non-competing artwork placed on the mantel.
Both Chinese and Japanese designs pay a huge respect for the altar. This is where they worship, hence, having it in your home means paying the same level of respect and reverence in that area.
Achieving zero clutter in Asian interior design is also a necessity. Have you ever seen a chaotic Japanese home? No? Well that’s because simplicity and cleanliness are also principles of Asian interior design.
Tags: Asian interior design, Asian interiors, Asian style, Chinese interior design, Japanese interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on East Meets West: Asian Designs in an American Home
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Paradise Point 5.0 Queen Bed 536-133C
People these days live fast-paced lives with most living in an urban lifestyle. It helps when you do come home to a wonderfully peaceful place, doesn’t it? Not a lot of home designs can give you that feeling. If you want to feel unruffled, then you might want to look into Asian interior design.
Embracing the Asian theme is a lot more than adding distinct décor. It requires precision and care as well as a careful thought process that would allow you to do away with unnecessary additions.
Asian design, at its very core, is a melting pot of various styles coming from different Asian regions. This could be Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and many others. For many designers, though, the theme is dominated by a lot of Oriental influences originating from the Far East, centuries ago.
It’s time to incorporate the wonderfully Asian elements in your home while keeping the contemporary vibe –
The Asian Backdrop
Asian designs are greatly inspired by Mother Nature’s colors. The décor often mimics beautiful landscapes and natural outdoor elements. Since this is so, your best bet in achieving Asian interior design is to be as neutral as possible.
Having a neutral backdrop does not automatically mean that your only option is white. You can have the understated calmness of blue, or the elegance of gray, even the gentleness of cream. Just keep in mind that the backdrop has to be soothing and relaxed.
If you want to stage a more mystical look, then you can add some subtle blacks. Another wonderful option is to fuse a neutral backdrop with some golden tones that evoke a majestic flair. You’re in good hands with gold tones this season because they are absolutely hot. Very few colors can be classified as a fashionable hue.
Asian Textural and Visual Balance
When planning for Asian interiors, it would help if you keep the word balance in your head. This is a term that you will encounter many times yet there is not overstating the importance of this oriental design aspect.
Balance is the key to the definition of Asian interiors. You need to harmonize the textures and elements all around you. If you have a concrete home, it would pay to add glass partitions, some wooden floors, stone décor, and bamboo blinds.
Organic texture is also welcome.
Asian and Water Features
Equilibrium can be achieved with the use of a simple water feature. The mere sound of flowing water ushers in the simple, calming effect in every Asian style.
Water is an element that is considered positive. The Feng Shui makes good use of this element so it would be great to have a water feature right by your home’s entrance, the living area as well as the backyard. Reflecting pools are also amazing additions.
If you are looking into adding a more unique water feature, then why not try a koi pond? This still adds the needed fluidity while giving you a spectacular view of the school of koi fish each time that you go to your front or backyard.
Asian Style Means Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc…
The fusion of different styles in Asian interior design could be tricky to realize if you want to have each element brought in. It is crucial to know every style as well as the distinct elements that go in each. Japanese design, for instance, is minimalist, always focusing on the essence of Zen.
Chinese, on the other hand, uses a lot of colors from jade, to purple, to reds, yellows and golds. Opulence is the keyword in Chinese interior design.
Indian design is even more colorful. Use deep reds, oranges, blues and greens, even lots of yellows.
Lastly, Asian interior design is all about being organic and sustainable in all of the elements. Replace the traditional lighting fixtures, window treatments, and such and you should be fine.
Tags: Asian furniture, Asian interior design, Asian interiors, Asian style, bamboo, Chinese design, Chinese style, decorating with bamboo, Indian, Indian interior design, Indian interiors, Japanese design elements, Japanese interior design, Japanese interiors, Japanese style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, water elements, water feature, Zen, Zen design, Zen home, Zen interiors, Zen living, Zen style, Zen-inspired home
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, February 12th, 2016
Living Room Uttermost Meliso Tufted Corner Chair 23167
Have you ever heard of the term Ikat? This is actually a kind of fabric that has been woven, dipped and dyed in almost the same way as tie-dyed stuff. The creation of Ikat prints is time consuming, hence, it was a symbol of power and wealth among Indonesians.
Ikat became available to interior design just a few years back. John Robshow, a famous fabric collector, as well as Madeline Weinrib, took Ikat and turned it into a high-end material. Soon, Oscar dela Renta also used the material on their scarves, bags, dresses and shoes.
The Ikat Technique
Ikat is a technique of resist dyeing that is used in making textile patterns. Resist dyeing often involves covering some parts of the fabric to shield them from the dye’s penetration. Thread is wound around the fabrics then wax is applied to the cloth’s surface (batik).
Ikat, in contrast, is a process done before weaving, warping or wefting. To come up with the patterns, the threads are first set on a frame. Several threads are then grouped then tied all at once. This results in knot units where the overall pattern made obvious.
Resist ties are then removed or some are added for every color. The combinations give birth to the designs. As the dyeing is completed, every single one of the resists is opened then the patterned yarns are finally woven.
Ikat is a Malay-Indonesian term for tie. Depending on whether tied fibers are used on the weft or warp, the technique can be called either as weft ikat or warp ikat. The double ikat is known as the third variety. This mixes the weft and warp tied resist.
The pattern becomes visible through the use of a major resist-dyed thread system. Warp ikat makes use of weave that is warp-faced while weft ikat has a weft-faced look.
Plain weave is best for showcasing the ikat design. Weft ikat which is a twill weave, can also be used.
Double ikat is ideally woven using a balanced weave, with weft and warp both visible. Any kind of textile fiber can be used to create ikat, though cotton and silk are quite common.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Ikat 3′ x 5′ Rug 3261RS03000500800
More Ikat History
It is not established where and when the resist technique first came into existence. Asia comes with cultural regions with strong ikat culture. India, Central Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia are all candidates for where the technique originated.
Ikat could have evolved earlier, though. The Austronesian world also knows of this technique of tie dyeing. Madagascar and Indonesian ikat traditions seem to have similarities.
The earliest productions of ikat have also been seen in Peru, Chile, Guatemala, even Nigeria and Ghana. The Mediterranean region and Europe answered with ikat when Islamic textiles became renown. Italy soon welcomed this lovely print during the 17th century. The rest of Europe including Spain and France also started to produce these lovely prints.
The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed how Asia produced quality ikat textiles. Countries such as Japan, India and the rest of Asia produced these quality textiles in abundance. China, though famous for textile production, was not able to develop this technique.
India and the rest of Southeast Asia are the regions that offered more diverse ikat designs. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa proved to have their own ikat traditions. The sari-length silk cloths were soon manufactured in double ikat by Patan weavers.
Ikat designs, even to this day, require precision and a great amount of planning. If you have one in your home, then you are in possession of a piece that has weathered the test of time.
Tags: 19th century, 20th century, Asian design, Asian style, geometric patterns, ikat, ikat design, ikat patterns, ikat prints, Indian, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patterns
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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