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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
Friday, February 3rd, 2017
Let the chi flow with these Maitland-Smith Accessories Cast Brass Chinese Temples 1043-141.
The 21st century globalization has brought about many unique and fresh concepts with regard to design and décor in homes. One such theme that’s new to the Western world (though not too new to the Oriental world) is the Chinese interior design.
If you take the time to look at Oriental homes, you will surely admire their opulence a well as their unique beauty. At first, the features seem to be easy to mimic though once you set foot to replicate the design, you end up being lost.
Chinese Design History
Thousands of years ago, Chinese interior design focused on the principles of nature, energy and simplicity. The surroundings served as their inspiration as they strive to have an ambience that’s tranquil.
Chinese culture is also centered on tradition, hence, the elements also reflect the overall values of the people who live in such homes.
Chinese Design Fundamentals
A basic principle that’s widely observed in Chinese interior design is minimalism. This could be a room that’s filled with different sorts of decorative elements though it still appears basic. What’s crucial is the placement of the valuable objects so that they achieve the optimal effect.
Chinese interior design is also about the use of just a few focal points. The rooms in such a home must remain simple, light and airy though it still reflects the owner’s taste.
Another design element in Chinese style is the use of screens. You may picture this in many Japanese homes but Chinese interior design also employs this decorative and functional piece.
Screens liven up any room while keeping the privacy, too. Years ago, such frames were made using light materials. Latticework serves as the grid for paper or sheer fabrics. These days, screens are already made using different materials like bamboo.
A common screen that’s seen in many Chinese interiors is the dressing screen. It is foldable and it can easily fit into a nook. This is an affordable way of adding an Asian touch to your interiors. What’s great with screens is that they can be used in any kind of theme.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Poppy Chest
Chinese Feng Shui
Majority of Chinese interior design principles work around the concepts of Feng Shui. This is an ancient tradition that arranges space according to environmental harmony. This is also seen as a form of spiritual discipline that is based on certain guidelines.
There are Feng Shui experts who now focus on interior design. They believe that the residents can benefit from the principles of Feng Shui when strictly followed. They believe that happiness, prosperity and success can also depend on the arrangement of the design elements.
Basic Feng Shui that you need to know include –
Emphasize Chinese Details
You could also opt for Chinese influences such as ornate pieces especially with your furniture. Have movable screens situated right where they can be mobile. Have conversation pieces such as golden horses or dragons displayed prominently.
Gold and red are big colors in Chinese interior design. See how much of these colors you can utilize to set up your Chinese-inspired theme.
Tags: Chinese design, Chinese interior design, Chinese style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Elemental Chinese Interior Design
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Marquesa 6.0 California King Bed 536-175C
Picture this – a pair of Buddha greets you when you come home from work. Known as the welcoming Buddha, statues such as these are being collected all over the world. Build around these decorative elements by mixing and matching different Asian vibes throughout the rest of your urban home.
We may live in the West but it is common to find both Chinese and Japanese decor in many homes. As opposed to overstuffed rooms, Asian interiors showcase clean lines and a simplified look. Asian interior design has been around for many centuries but the increased use of this style in many Western homes may be attributed to western people travelling to the east. This global influence in design brings about a different level of visual impression upon the beholder.
Asian Interior Design Is All About Balance
Traditional Asian interiors focus on the philosophy of balance. Elements of nature are effectively balanced with deep, rich tones, all working in harmony to give you that positive flow and a feeling of calm.
While there are many Asian nations which have their own distinct design elements, there are general features that can be categorized as Asian. The shiny beauty of black and red lacquer is obviously Asian. This is achieved through layering of paints till a glossy finish is seen.
Bamboo furniture is also quite popular whether it is the real wood or another type that is carved to look like the real stuff. The Chinese are also known for their love for silk and flowers so go ahead and use floral patterns such as cherry blossoms in your decorative elements.
Add more decorative accessories like hand-painted silk screen or a lacquered jewelry box.
You wouldn’t want to go wrong with the Asian interior design. Without the needed balance, it can look forced and would not highlight an ethnic look.
Begin your Asian design by investing in a few pieces of furniture, garden accents, wall decor, and other accessories. Owning two or three items can already elevate the Eastern vibe inside your home. Remember that you need to be restrained as you design your home with Asian elements. Asian decor is easily recognizable so there is no need to overdo it. Your goal is not to set up an Asian museum right inside your home but a place where the Asian elements are woven carefully to the rest of the existing decor.
Alter the overall ambiance by hanging a simple Chinese scroll on the wall. Add some bold red pillows on your sofa, set up an Oriental rug, and connect the rest of the patterns and texture to your concocted design.
If you have a modern minimalist home, then you can resort to the Japanese interior design instead of the usual Chinese look.
Artistica Living Room Bento Round Woven Cocktail 528-240 can increase the tribal feel in any room.
Asian Interior Design Means Zen
There are many words to describe the Japanese version of an Asian interior. The words peaceful, calm and serene all come to mind. Common characteristics in Japanese interior design include –
Asymmetry. Asymmetry and balance can never be separated. Achieve this element in your home by installing a vessel sink, pendant light and mirrors. Add an interesting flower arrangement to complete the look.
Nature-inspired. Expect to find flower arrangements, art scrolls made with wicker, falling water, and decorative pebbles. Blond wood planks are also quite common.
Clean Lines. Modern Asian bath features streamlining, block cabinets, and a generally uncluttered appearance. The circle is also a common motif as it represents the flag of Japan. Enso, meaning circle in Japanese is associated with enlightenment and Zen.
Since clean lines are encouraged, minimum furnishings is required. It’s right for a single light to illuminate the bathroom, for instance. Simplicity is key to setting up Asian interior design using the Japanese theme.
What is Asian interior design without a little art? This photo features the Accessories Uttermost Asian Flowers Framed Art Set2 41513
Tags: Asian interior design, Asian interiors, Chinese interior design, ethnic interior design, ethnic interiors, ethnic style, Japanese interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Zen, Zen design, Zen habitat, Zen interiors, Zen style, Zen-inspired home
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