Lend an oriental charm to your interiors and savour the experience

Quite often there is a strong desire to decorate a home in a manner that affords not only elegance but lends a totally different character to the interiors, setting it apart from the run-of-mill décor elements. Thematic décor is thus sought after to impart that exclusive air.

While themes are aplenty, at times it is not practical to incorporate a theme in totality, given the cultural as well climatic differences and location-specific requirements. It is then best to adopt a representation that is the closest match to current living needs.

An Asian or oriental theme is designed to bring peace, balance and serenity to the space. The accent here is less clutter and predominance of natural materials. Simple yet elegant, this décor focuses on the display of a few choice accessories that act as highlights.

The furniture used is often ornate with intricate detailing. The pieces display exquisite craftsmanship. Bright colours and interesting textures mark the interiors. Given the minimalist leaning, oriental décor are great options for small interiors.

An oriental interior design scheme typically veers around Chinese or Japanese way of décor. A Chinese-influenced design can give both a dramatic as well as unusual look to the décor. It is vibrant, filled with colour and patterns yet relaxing, exuding a cosiness and warmth to the interiors.

Chinese colours are primarily bright red and black, though blue, yellow and green are also used. Embellishing with gold is a significant feature of Chinese décor. The walls are normally plain though painted in rich colours but also display use of patterned wall paper featuring calligraphy, oriental lettering, flowers, birds, fish or bamboo.
Beige, brown and grey

In contrast to the Chinese theme, a Japanese theme uses soft natural colours in muted tones. Thus, beige, brown and grey are popular colours. Furniture is, however, dark wood like black lacquer.

Given the ornate nature of furniture in a Chinese decor, the quality of wood used is excellent with glossy lacquer in black or in various shades of red. The fabric used is again rich, depicting embroidery in silk using motifs such as dragon, flowers, birds or fish.

The furniture and other items displayed are, however, delicate and petite, representative of the oriental leanings. Thus, low tables, tiny chairs, pillows and footstools are common features of a typical oriental interior. The furniture used essentially reflect functional practicality without sacrificing the artistic element.

Ceramics and pottery is yet another significant feature of Chinese influenced décor. Blue and white pottery is a typical China ware featuring motifs. Jade, like silk, is an integral part of oriental décor. It is used in plenty in accessories.

Similarly, Chinese paper lanterns and oriental style rugs lend an authentic oriental feel to the décor. The beautiful floral wool rugs and the dark exquisitely detailed furniture lend a special charm to the interiors. In a Japanese theme interior, floor mats are made of straw and cloth and are known as Tatami mats.
Decorative windows

Windows are again treated to elaborate decorative elements featuring tassels and texture, the colours and patterns forcefully drawing attention to it. However, if the rugs and furniture used are elaborate, it is a good idea to tone this section down to prevent it from getting too heavy.

Providing a green cover in the form of bamboo plants in both large and small pots is yet another character of an authentic Chinese décor. These plants are typically adorned with red and gold tassels. In a Japanese décor theme, bonsai plants feature on a greater scale.

Again, water being an essential part of an oriental interior, the delicate sound of falling water or just static water with fish is an important element in a Chinese design theme.
Bamboo furniture

Bamboo features not only as plants in a Chinese theme décor but also as furniture. For, the Chinese used bamboo as liberally as wood in making furniture. Chairs, stools, beds, tables, matting, curtains, were made from bamboo. As seen in wood, bamboo furniture too packed in elaborate work with black lacquer finish, the ends capped with ivory or bone. Various types of bamboo, such as golden, speckled and purple, were used.

Other elements that are representative of a typical oriental décor are bamboo candles and picture frames, rock gardens and fountains, Shoji room dividers, and scrolls with Chinese script. Rice paper is another element that features significantly in an oriental design theme.