Western and Eastern interiors draw their inspiration from Oriental design and objects. A wealth of individual pieces - antiques, ornamental screens, lacquer ware and furniture, shows the enormous variety in decoration that even the simplest objects can bring to a home or garden. Architects, designers and artists have constantly used the East as a nursery of ideas in style and construction.

The look of the Orient is achieved by close attention to detail and constant renewal of traditional craft processes, ranging from the colourful carved wooden masks of Indonesia to the brilliantly hued waxed paper and bamboo parasols (sun shades) of Chiangmai. The careful selection of a Japanese fan-shaped dish or Burmese lacquer ware, to compliment the colour and texture of the meal is an indication of the respect paid to the guest and reveals an acute awareness of the desired visual impact.

Colour and attention to detail are present in all aspects of Oriental life. They are particularly associated with the homes of the wealthy and the decoration of religious structures - Puri Saren palace, Bali, and the facade of Wat San Pakai temple, northern Thailand, at sunset.

The combination of gold with brilliantly coloured enamel or inlaid stones is particularly prevalent in Burma and Thailand. Colourful naturalistic motifs abound in Oriental arts and crafts, reflecting the interdependence of man and the environment.

Brilliantly hued patterns adorn windows in south-Korean temples and also feature in Indonesian glass. The Naga or mythical water serpent of Thailand is the favoured form for temples, so that the structure may be protected against evil spirits bent on destroying the building. One dominant characteristic of traditional Oriental housing is the sense of flexibility and available space in the interior in unadorned natural materials.

Largely unfurnished, it allows use of the space for a wide variety of everyday activities. Furniture is generally kept to a minimum and can be stacked or stored when not in use. Interiors are often subdivided by sliding doors or walls. In warmer climates, carved wooden panels immediately below ceiling level allow the free circulation of air. In Korean and Japanese settings, translucent hand-made rag or rice paper is pasted across interior windows and partitions, allowing a subtle diffusion of light.

Rural dwelling
Certain houses in Thailand contain a low Thai bedstead in teak. The carved wooden bed head is an example of the architecture and the design is typical of the ‘flame’ configuration found in most of the traditional architecture of Thailand. The most dramatic effects of interior design in the Oriental style are those derived from the rich colouring and intricate detailing of many Eastern artifacts. The small scale of exquisite decorative lacquer work, textiles and carvings make them suitable for display in limited spaces. Dominant colours of red, black and gold can bring an effect of exotic luxury and richness to any interior.  Hand-woven wooden rugs can cover the floor with an exquisite and intricate picture on the wall. Antique Japanese chests can not only add to the charm but provide ample storage space and a broad, low level surface for the display of favourable objects.

Low-level tables are an integral part of Oriental life and can be successfully used in our settings as an ideal surface for the display of decorative objects. The dark colours and rich surfaces of Oriental furniture can appear heavy and oppressive if cluttered and jammed together.Sliding screens often divide the living room from the bedroom in Japanese style.

Plants, shrubs and trees in a Bangkok garden are deliberately cultivated close to the houses. This emphasises the symbolic relationship between man and his environment which is so integral to Thai Buddhism, through man made objects such as statues or wooden drums. It is also considered fortuitous for prosperity and happiness of the family to encourage natural forms in and around the dwelling.

The traditional Japanese garden is designed and cultivated to be viewed ideally from within the house. An interesting technique is occasionally used in smaller gardens. Large leaved plants are placed close to the house, while the small leaved shrubs and bushes are located at the outer edges of the vista, thus making the boundaries seem further from us than they actually are.

The range of attractive furniture and furnishings from the East is rich indeed, lacquer work, silks, finely-made rosewood furniture with chests, tables and beds for every occasion. Lacquer is considered especially attractive in the West, the process first discovered in China and then taken up in Korea and Japan. Colours range from red, black and yellow to olive green. Such rich colours may not suit all tastes but there are plenty of alternative types of furniture such as woven cane and rattan.

ertain characteristic types of furniture have proved immensely popular in non-Oriental settings. Traditional pieces for storage cabinets, cupboards, chests and trunks, have brought both fine finish and practicality to many a Western interior and now also in India. Folding screens still make an imposing addition to interiors with an orientalist bend. Sleeping oriental style offers a variety of options from the supremely practical and minimalist futon to the four-poster Chinese marriage-bed that was often made of delicately scented woods then painted or lacquered red.

The subject matter of traditional oriental screens reflects the ideals, aspirations and values of the societies responsible for their creation. Hence natural forms such as plants and flowers and real or imaginary beasts have a symbolic significance. A large mirror in an entrance hall adds to the illusion of cabinets and chests, tending to be rectangular and rather solid in form, but often carries extremely inventive detailing and workmanship.

The use of colour carries deep symbolic implications. Textiles too can be displayed on light coloured walls to great effect. Heavy embroidered wool or silk Chinese shawls are highly fashionable. Rugs and textiles are among the most easily transportable and durable of all decorative artifacts from the Far East. Their stylish motifs and vibrant colours add an authentic Oriental atmosphere.

So go ahead and try bringing this Oriental style home and create an exclusive feel for yourself and your family.
The author is an interior designer and can be contacted at 9845070824 or email: modcconinterior@rediffmail.com