As surprising as it sounds, Asian decor offers simplicity. Furniture and accessories are kept to a minimum, eliminating clutter. However, the pieces that are used are dramatic and boldly colored for greater visual impact.

Use of Bold, Dramatic Color

The colors usually used in Asian decor include red, black, gold and shades of tan, brown and grey, particularly in Japanese style decorating. Furniture is often finished in a black lacquer that shines like glass. Gold may be used for walls and trim.

Incorporating Texture

Asian decor includes an abundance of natural texture. Bamboo is often found in furnishings, window coverings and containers for plants. Paper surfaces might be included in wall prints, and the use of natural rock adds to the drama. Bamboo plants are often found in containers adorned with red and gold hues.

Oriental Rugs are a Must

This type of decor would not be complete without the addition of oriental rugs! Unlike other styles of decorating, floors are the basis of Asian decor. Whether covered with an exquisite floral wool rug or a tatami mat, furnishings are chosen to draw out and complement the colors of the floor.

Screens and window accents are other elements that are important in this style of decor. A Shoji screen can be used simply as a beautiful piece of decor to divide the room, or as a cover for more unattractive spaces. It may also be used to block the views from a window. Ornately decorated, screens are a vital aspect of the oriental theme.

For the windows themselves, things are kept basic and simple to provide the perfect balance to the distinctive flooring and furnishings. You will often find windows are accented by simple curtains or by bamboo or wooden blinds. If furnishings are tan, grey, or other neutral colors, window accents may be bold; the Chinese often use window accents that include tassels.

Asian decor, while dramatic, offers an atmosphere of serenity and peacefulness. Remember to keep clutter to a minimum, and use bold accents along with the elements of nature. Your rooms will be appealing and attention-grabbing, while at the same time simplistic and serene.

The next time you visit an oriental style restaurant, take note of the decor. You can find some extraordinary examples online that will give you more ideas on how to incorporate this exquisite look in your own home! When you want your home to stand apart from the ordinary, there is no better way to do it than with the elegant look of Asian inspired decor.

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1. Go for dark woods: Even when a furniture piece isn’t specifically labeled or described as “Asian inspired”, a general rule of thumb for buying furniture to compliment the theme is to go with dark wood pieces. By dark I do not mean cherrywood or mahogany – but black or ebony colored woods. Now of course there are exceptions to every rule and there will be pieces that are very much orient inspired, but made from lighter materials. In those cases we will rely on other aspects of Asian culture to tie it all in.

2. Skip the brass hardware: Generally speaking, you won’t find a lot of silver or gold colored hardware on furniture inspired by Oriental influences, so to compliment your Asian inspired room – look for pieces with hardware (knobs and such) that are have a slightly tarnished or worn look – if any at all. The exception to this rule is a gold or silver piece that includes Asian imagery or symbolism such as a dragon, elephant or Chinese calligraphy script.

3. Don’t be afraid of red: We tend to avoid the color red in our decorating concepts, especially when it comes to larger pieces and choices in paint colors. Now again, speaking generally – that’s fine. You don’t want to go overboard with the color, particularly when employing Feng Shui concepts. However, red is a wonderful accent color to use in your design motif. In Chinese culture, red corresponds with the fire energy and symbolizes good fortune and joy. You will find the color displayed prominently during the Chinese New Year, family gatherings, and weddings as it symbolizes happiness. Adding a red console table or accent table to a room will invite the energy of happiness into your home.

4. Play on prints: There is certain images that have become a trademark so to speak of the Asian design style. I mentioned the use of Chinese calligraphy in tip #2, along with Japanese Kanji symbols – you’ll find these markings on a lot of contemporary furniture and wall decor. You may also want to consider accent tables with painted appliques of cherry blossoms, the dragon and phoenix, elephants or other traditional Asian settings.

There are other things that highlight the rich culture of the Far and middle east including the use of natural wood, specifically bamboo, clean lines, saddle style tables, and tables that sit low(er) to the ground than normal.