- Take your inspiration from Asia for your redecoration project.earth concept - asia image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
Choosing to redecorate in an Asian style does not mean you have to stick to the minimalist Japanese-inspired Asian design that is so popular; remember the Asian continent is huge. Take design elements from the spices of India, the red of a Thai chili, the layers of a Japanese kimono or the cool green of a Chinese jade vase---the possibilities are enormous. - Fans add instant Asian appeal.fan image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
Fans are a quintessential Asian symbol and will instantly give an Asian feel to a room. Hang a pair of large fans on the wall; whether they are Japanese, Chinese or Balinese, each country in Asia brings a different flavor to their fans. Arrange a single miniature fan in a large frame to hang on the wall for a contemporary Asian-inspired decoration. Display medium-sized fans on a mantelpiece or shelf. - Lanterns give that soft Asian lighting.lantern image by haemengine from Fotolia.com
Soft lighting is essential for Asian decorating and nothing helps diffuse the light like a lantern lampshade. Colorful paper lanterns come in many different shapes and sizes and will add Asian appeal to any room. A string of fairy lights covered by miniature Chinese lanterns can accent a kitchen's lighting just as well as a bedroom or living room. - Dragon carvings give any room a touch of Asia.chinese dragon image by yang xiaofeng from Fotolia.com
Ornamental carvings on a mantel or on the wall can add that certain Asian feel. A set of carved Indonesian windows as a wall decoration or a Chinese carved dragon on the coffee table---pick your piece and place it centrally for the best impact. A focal piece of furniture, such as a carved armoire or side table also adds Asian appeal; dark wood is best. - Asian cushions give a nod to the Asian tradition without being overpowering.asian cushions image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
Utilize the many and varied cloth designs emanating from Asian countries in your cushions. Batik links to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian cultures, while silks give a Chinese and Japanese touch. Kimono-inspired cushion covers or even covers made from sari cloth add Asian style to any couch. Use empty cushion covers as table mats and runners. - Paper and bamboo screens are unmistakably Asian.japanese restaurant image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com
Folding screens are used in many Asian countries, from the rice paper shoji screens of Japan to the intricately carved wooden screens of India. Screens can be used as room dividers, to create an enclosed dressing area in a bedroom, or as a focal point on a wall. - Bring the color and patterns of a kimono to your wall.kimono design iii image by Craig Hanson from Fotolia.com
Asian wall hangings include calligraphic scrolls, painted or woven cloth hangings, painted bamboo hangings and rice paper hangings. A series of three wall hangings make the wall an Asian focus; avoid using even numbers for Asian decoration. Hang a full kimono on the wall for a deluxe Asian wall hanging.
