Oriental decoration

Oriental decoration has been fascinating the western world for centuries. Most design movements have been inspired or influenced by them – from the Victorians to Art Deco, from Arts & Crafts to Retro…

The current trend of interior design and decoration is to be eclectic – mixing different styles and artefacts from various cultures and traditions. Oriental elements can thus be successfully used in this contemporary interior design movement..

This article will give you a basic guide to oriental decoration. However, the most important thing to remember is not to overdo it. I mean you don’t want to create a themed interior – instead, your aim should be to have some visual reference to oriental style by carefully choosing certain elements that would complement your building, the overall feel of your home, your chosen space, and your personality. Only this wholeness will create a successful interior – a very oriental concept!

Oriental decoration is not just about lots of patterns, motifs, lacquered furniture & bamboos. Most patterns and colors are symbolic, whilst the furniture is often beautifully crafted.

Materials

Use natural materials – teak, ebony and bamboo on floors and furniture; jute, coir and sisal as "carpets"; hessian, silk and rice-paper as wall-coverings and soft furnishing.  The Japanese use Tatami mats, but be careful, unless you’re disciplined to take your shoes off, avoid them – they’re difficult to clean.

Wall Decoration

Paint your walls white or off-white (subtle jade green or straw colors are also acceptable). Then create a feature or focus wall:  cover it with silk or textured wallpaper that has motifs of pagodas, cherry twigs, cranes, lotuses, bamboos etc. If you find this too much ( both on a visual and financial level) use hessian or rice paper and/or hang a kimono, some Japanese scrolls, or create your own scroll from wallpaper that has patterns of birds, bridges and bamboos.

Furniture

Furniture should be simple and low – use chests, trunks and low cabinets. A long shelf just above the floor can be used to place ornament and lights/ paper lanterns or to sit on. Most oriental furniture is made of tropical wood – ebony, teak and rosewood. If you have a pine chest of drawers (as long as it’s a simple piece) just stain, then lacquer and change the handles. Although some Chinese furniture has motifs painted on it – try to avoid this look (unless you have an original piece!) as this can look tacky in modern western interiors. For the same reason avoid area rugs with lots of patterns and motifs!
The Japanese sleep on futons – you don’t need to get a futon to create this feel, just have a low-platform bed with low bedside tables. Alternatively, choose a hardwood framed or four-poster bed – teak is gorgeous! Furniture made of bamboo or cane can also be given an oriental feel.
Use screens to divide rooms and spaces – these can be Japanese Shoji Screens (with rice paper sheeting or painted panels), or bamboo-screens or simple MDF screens covered with silk or textured wallpaper.

Soft Furnishing & Accessories

Use simple blinds or shoji window covers. Make (or buy) silk cushions and throws with oriental motifs. Use large floor-cushions! Put on display some carefully selected ornaments- these should be hand-made wooden object or other eclectic items. I don’t mean cheap souvenir – type pieces, but other suitable artefacts: African carvings, art-deco style glassware, minimalist metal objects, retro vases etc. Just be selective – and make sure these items have a visual relationship between them. And lastly, don’t forget to add couple of orchids or bamboo-shoots in the room for the final detail.