Asian Interior Design in a Western Home (Link Roundup)
There is a myriad of interior design possibilities when it comes to Asian style. Depending on your taste and how the designer interprets what you want, you will be amazed at how the color, form and details of Asian design all work together in the end.
This kind of design varies greatly from one country to the next. In China, they are big on painted vases to tropical thatches. In Thailand, carvings and ink paintings are the things that are widely used. Japanese interiors are Zen-inspired but all of these center on creating a peaceful and a relaxing home or office space.
Keep in mind that Asian interior design is not focused in just one culture. You may or may not use more than one inspiration or design elements for your home. While it may seem difficult to mix and match different pieces from various Asian regions, with a little creativity, you can personalize and even blend all the needed elements. With these, you can create a more personalized space which reflects your character.
Asian Interior Design in Detail
China has had thousands of years to share with regard to interior design. Think of vivid colors, room dividers, animal carvings, landscapes, gods and goddesses and you are surely thinking of a Chinese interior.
To effectively use Chinese style in your home, make sure to focus only on a few basic accents rather than stuffing the room with a lot of ornaments. Every piece must be able to catch the visitors’ attention.
If you want to go Japanese, then you can use the most basic lines, pale colors and rice paper screens referred to as shoji screens. Shoji can substitute for the common walls in homes, allowing light to come into your home as it also maintains privacy.
Bamboo, dark wood and stones are also common materials that are used in a Japanese-inspired interior design. A classic in Japanese interiors is the low dining table which is surrounded by cushions. The diners just sit on these cushions, reclining or relaxing as they go about their meal.
Woven straw mats adorned with colored borders are also quite popular as floor coverings in many Asian interiors. Called goza, these Japanese mats can be used for sitting, walking and sleeping. They have two layers; the first being the straw center and the outer edge is where the soft reed can be found. These bench and floor coverings will definitely add an Asian feel to any Western home.
Most of the aspects in Southeast Asian designs are based on the tropical climate of the region. If an area is humid or hot, it is typical to use sheer curtains and the lightest materials. This is so light is allowed to come in and also so that heat will not be trapped inside the rooms in a home.
For interior designers who love to use the Asian style, the traditional furnishings and floor plans of Indonesia and Vietnam are also things that can be considered. These two nations offer a wide variety of design options.
One other classic Asian element in interior design is the gong. There are many types and sizes of gongs in the market. Just make sure to buy the one that is most appropriate for your home, meaning, it should not overshadow all other design elements inside a room. Some of these gongs can be pretty large so the room where you will put it in must be able to accommodate it.
A manageable size would be to purchase a hanging gong. These are no more than 12 inches in diameter and even come with a mallet.
Putting in antiques in your home is also a great idea. Consider scouting for bargains and filling your home with beautiful yet affordable pieces. Happy designing!
