| Decorating in the Asian style is a real exercise in | | | | be silk wall covering or drapery, black lacquered |
| creating balance, tranquility and harmony among the | | | | furniture, statuary, even vintage wallpaper that has an |
| items of daily living and nature. One of the most | | | | Asian theme would add a unique touch in the dining |
| fundamental things to keep in mind is the Asian | | | | room. Lighting can be very dramatic, utilizing candles, |
| sensibility of incorporating simple beauty and utility, and | | | | lanterns, Oriental type chandeliers that mix the look of |
| a seamless transition from the thoughtfully spiritual to | | | | twigs or bamboo, along with vintage hardware. |
| the every day elements of daily life. | | | | Another way to express yourself in this genre is to be |
| Creativity, to the Asian culture is a sacred process, | | | | minimalistic with a very monochromatic color scheme. |
| and is incorporated in everyday living. Appreciation of | | | | Your background could be neutrals, possibly a very |
| beauty and respect for all things is very much a part | | | | light celedon green. |
| of the Asian culture and is very clearly epitomized in | | | | Shogi screens, a potted ornamental tree, possibly a |
| their design style. | | | | statuette of a deity or an ornate wooden chest could |
| Natural materials are basic to Oriental decorating, along | | | | be the focal point in the room. Another nice touch |
| with strong forms, textures, and colors. There is a lot | | | | would be to use fabric with a calligraphy type print in a |
| of symbolism involved with this decorating style; | | | | room such as this to add texture and interest. Don't |
| whether you choose the stronger forms or more | | | | forget the details, serve meals in simple earthenware |
| subtle ones, make sure that your colors, textures and | | | | square plates on tables covered with a very natural |
| materials are in harmony with nature. For instance, | | | | material such as brown paper. Add beauty to the table |
| heaven, man, and earth symbols can be symbolically | | | | by floating blossoms in shallow dishes of water, ornate |
| expressed by a tall paper lantern, a middle sized paper | | | | chop sticks and candles. Another way to capture an |
| lantern, and finally a small paper lantern sitting sedately | | | | Asian flavor would be to have a collection of Oriental |
| in a lacquered tray atop some natural elements like | | | | style trays which can be readily found in vintage |
| sand, smooth stones or seeds. Other materials | | | | stores and flea markets. Ginger jars, oriental bowls, |
| commonly include silk, in many delightful colors and | | | | oriental fans, origami art or paper umbrellas can also |
| patterns, bamboo both live and cane bamboo, grass | | | | be affordable treasures that you might even enjoy |
| cloth, clay wood, stone, parchment and glass. | | | | collecting and displaying in every room of the house. |
| There are many different ways you can go Asian. | | | | Whatever nuance you choose in this style will give you |
| You might like a very dramatic, opulent and sensuous | | | | years of tranquility and satisfaction and hopefully a |
| look, some of the elements that will provide this would | | | | harmonious blend of aesthetics and utility. |