Decorating Tips: Adding Asian Design Elements to Your Home

Whether through the minimalist interiors and natural hues of the Japanese decorating style or the bright colors and lucky figures of the Chinese, Asian homes are designed to be places of calm and serenity. Every item is chosen and placed with the aim of creating a sense of tranquility. If you admire the traditional Asian style of home décor yet are not prepared to redecorate your entire home, there are many simple and inexpensive ways to add Asian elements to your rooms.

There are several characteristics typical of Asian interior decorating. Japanese design uses colors found in nature, such as grays, tans and greens. The Japanese take a minimalist approach to design and refrain from using too many decorative objects. Objects from nature, such as smooth stones or water in miniature fountains are often used as decorative elements, and futons and paper shoji screens are popular furnishings. The Chinese, on the other hand, are attracted to bolder colors, such as red and mustard yellow. Figurines of mythical creatures are commonly displayed in Chinese interiors. Chinese furniture is often executed with lacquer finishes or with darker woods. While Japanese and Chinese are two of the best known, other Asian cultures use design elements that can easily be combined with western styles, such as a Korean chest or Balinese chair.

Using Asian inspired textiles is one way to add Far Eastern touches to your home. Look for fabrics with Oriental calligraphy, which can be used for place mats, napkins or tablecloths. Chinese silk with a design of delicate flowering branches can be turned into dramatic throw pillows or table runners. Asian fabrics can also be used as lovely curtains or wall hangings.

On the walls, hang framed prints of Asian landscapes, perhaps featuring majestic mountains rising up behind pagodas. Prints showing women and men in traditional dress are easy to find and look wonderful in a room with an Asian theme. Wall plaques with Oriental calligraphy work well, and a framed piece of Chinese embroidery adds an elegant touch. Look for objects at flea markets, such as old trays, which can be hung on the wall to add interest.

Decorative objects with an Asian flair can be used to create a stunning effect. Small snuff bottles delicately painted with blossoms are pretty accessories, and items made with cloisonné, such as vases or trinket boxes, are easy to find. You might also choose to display large porcelain vases and ginger jars with Oriental designs. Figurines of animals carved in jade or rosewood or figures of Buddha can be used to add Asian influence to a room. Lacquered boxes can be both decorative and functional, if employed to store small items. Bamboo plants or tiny bonsai trees add life to a room, but bare branches in an attractive vase can make an inexpensive and striking arrangement.

A vast number of options exist for those seeking to add Asian influence to their decorating schemes. Before buying, take a look at decorating books and magazines for ideas. Visit stores and go online to see what types of Asian influenced items are available. With a little work, you soon will have that touch of Asian style in your home.