The Asian style encompasses design elements from Japan,
China, and other Eastern influences.

Japanese Design

The soothing feel of Japanese style interiors is achieved
via the use of natural materials (bamboo and stone), soft
colors (gray, brown, and green), floral patterns, indoor
water features for a tranquil effect, and tatami or goza
mats for the floors. Tatami are straw mats edged in cloth
that measure 3 x 6. They have colored borders and are
used for walking, sitting, and sleeping. It is comprised of
two separate layers; one layer is the straw center and the
other layer is the soft reed outer edge covered in cloth.

Furniture and accessories have clean lines and are designed
for living near the floor of the room. Futons are generally
used as bedroom furniture while low tables and floor
cushions are utilized for dining. Another thing to consider
adding to a room is a Kotatsu table, which is a rectangular
table in a dark finish with clean lines. Most of these
tables have heaters in the middle, which is an added bonus.

For room dividers and doors, you can use translucent fusuma
or shoji screens. You may also use shojis as window
treatments, along with fiber shades, which enable natural
light to fill the room. If you would like a soft glow
during the evening, consider the use of rice paper lamps to
achieve this effect.

For added beauty and elegance, incorporate a floral
arrangement such as orchids and bonsai in the room. Also,
the use of sophisticated fabrics, such as silk, is common,
with some being embroidered and consisting of elaborate
designs. You can also include a piece of Japanese
calligraphy as wall art for that classic look.

Chinese

Chinese interiors consist of bold colors, ornate and carved
furnishings that feature hand painted designs on lacquered
finishes, colorful accessories, ornaments, and statues of
animals, such as monkeys and dragons, or mythological
creatures.

The color red is widely used and viewed as a symbol of good
luck. The bright colors are used for accent while the dark
wood tones contribute to a dramatic and sophisticated look.
Other bright colors that are used as accents are yellow and
green. Adding brightly colored paper lanterns lends
vibrancy to the room.

For accessories, the use of porcelain ginger jars, large
vases, and fish pots painted with intricate patterns in
various colors or in classic blue and white is common in
Chinese interiors. Other classy items usually seen are large
wall murals, plaques, and folding screens that feature
historical characters and legendary scenes in an assortment
of striking color. An art form that is integrated into
furniture and accessories, which has detailed embellishments
and complex decoration of Chinese designs, is Chinoiserie.
This artistic style was originally popular in mid-1800s
Europe.

The use of screens is another element prevalent in Chinese
interior design because they are decorative and
functional, adding elegance while providing privacy. Also,
the screens are made of various materials such as bamboo or
expensive wood adorned with delicate ivory inlays.
Lastly, many Chinese interior design principles are founded
on Feng Shui, which is the arrangement of space to
generate a harmonious environment and attract the positive
chi or energy into their home. Those who include Feng
Shui in their interior design fully believe that they will
benefit from the carefully arranged furniture and living
spaces and will have success, love, health, and happiness.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of AskGiorgina.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.AskGiorgina.com