Oriental Decor

If you are looking to make your home more calming, you may want to consider an oriental décor style. Oriental décor can be described as mystical and meditative. People use oriental styles to decorate palaces and temples to simple homes across the world. There are many elements that represent the diverse style. Natural materials such as bamboo are common. Craftsmanship of furniture, ornaments, and textiles are impressive. Distinctive lacquer work and batik are widespread.

Walls are typically understated. Plain colors such as white, beige, and tan are popular. In some cases you will also find a rich color like jade, which will offer a nice contrast. To obtain this look, try a creating texture on the walls with a faux treatment. You can add contrast by placing furniture and accessories in the room in the appropriate colors of your choice. Make your walls a focal point. Spice them up by hanging wallpaper with motifs of pagodas, flying cranes, bridges, or waves in separate panels. Use screens to divide rooms or space within a room, and to create a wall.

Floors are very plain. Create this look with wood planks, stone, or terra cotta flooring. Use small matted rugs made with natural fibers like jute, coir, or sisal with bounded borders outlined with black linen or brocade.

Less is more when it comes to furniture. Use long benches, plain stools, large floor cushion and large coffee tables should be as close to the ground as possible. Furniture should be made from tropical hardwoods and hand carved teak or bamboo. Use black lacquer to add drama to the piece. To keep in line with the traditional Chinese style, use richer colors like cinnabar red, yellow, crimson, vermilion and olive green. Oriental storage cabinets and chest are solid, rectangular forms with inventive detailing and workmanship. The Japanese futon epitomize simplicity and comfort and can be used as a bed or a sofa.

Window treatments are usually made of hemp, cotton, wool and silk. Plant extracts are used to dye the fabrics blue or other natural colors. Wooden blinds, shutters, and bamboo can be used as an alternative to drapes. One distinct oriental pattern is batik. Batik textile is created by applying wax to stop the dye from saturating cotton material which creates an intricate pattern. Silk embroidery is also popular, especially with scrolled floral images or animal images such as tigers and cranes. Keep all of this in mind when you are designing your oriental décor.