Call of the orient...

An interesting way to do up homes is with an oriental theme. If you are wondering how, Bindu Gopal Rao offers help.

Asian-style interiors instantly evoke an image of serenity and calm. Asian interior decorating ideas are stylish, classy and elegant. Modern design trends inspired by Asian interiors offer a few beautiful ways to decorate your home, reflecting these influences in your living spaces. Asian-themed interiors accomplish this goal in inimitable style by ushering in harmony and balance.

“To design your home based on an Asian theme, furniture should be placed in a way to avoid cluttering. The criteria for selecting the furniture should be its functionality. Floor cushions can be used to provide seating and screens will help you divide the space and the functional areas of the home. In Asian-style interiors, colours play a major role. An Asian-themed interior is truly complete only with vibrant accent hues that stand out when placed in a calm, neutral setting. A more modern approach to Asian design features a neutral colour scheme with bright colour accents. Pink, cherry, red or deep purple are also a part of the colours suitable for an Asian-themed interior,” avers Shabnam Gupta, founder, Peacock Life.

Balance is often the key defining aspect of an Asian theme. You need the right harmony of not just the colours, but also different textures and elements that surround you.

“Remember that respect for nature is one of the fundamental principles of Asian style. For example, combine wood floors or screens with decorative elements made of natural stone or other organic textures. Plants, bonsai trees or shrubs in pots add a natural element to the interior design. Although these small details may seem insignificant to many people, they can transform the atmosphere of the room,” adds Shabnam.

Practical ideas

Adding a water feature is a great way to add an oriental influence in homes. The sound of flowing water is considered both harmonious and positive according to Feng Shui, and a small water feature in the entrance room, living area, or even in the backyard is a welcome addition.

“Hanging paper lanterns, sculptural lighting installations and a few carefully placed candles go a long way in creating a home inspired by the far east! For those looking to add a timeless decor addition that bridges the gap between the east and the west, this is a good bet,” adds Shabnam.

Manju Yagnik, vice-chairperson, Nahar Group, explains: “The Balinese style house can be done with a mix of exotic east and the sophisticated west. Oriental hardwood flooring sets off rich brocades of cushion covers and curtain. The dining area can feature an extensively carved table under a spectacular contemporary chandelier. Throughout the house, one can add oriental motifs – like the serene Buddhist carvings – which go hand-in-hand with the modernist touches of decor. The master bedroom can have polished hardwood floor, the finest in natural fabrics, and intricate carvings with Balinese motif.”

One can do up the home in oriental theme without having to do many changes or having to spend too much. There are some basic ideas that can enhance the Asian theme in the house.

“Add statement items like a Buddha statue or Chinese paper lanterns in the room. Pay attention to circular motifs which represent the Sun and add cushion covers with geometric designs - they are the latest trend in Asian decor. The idea is to have only the basic elements of furniture and have simple and vibrant spaces. You may add a wallpaper to enhance the backdrop in a room,” says Mahesh M, CEO, Ishanya.

Take care

When you are redoing your home, make sure that you avoid the cardinal mistake of overdoing any theme. There should be a sense of balance. The furniture should create a space that is appealing and serene.

“It is important to have well-fitted furniture and do not squeeze in something that doesn’t fit in the room. Do not clutter the rooms. Ensure that the lighting is taken care of. A poorly lit room doesn’t give good vibes about the home. Enhance natural lights by placing mirrors across the rooms and allow the light to bounce around. It can also give an impression of a bigger room. Don’t buy all the furniture without proper planning and budget, and definitely not from one store. There should be enough variety in the room. The furniture and decor items should be coordinated, but must not match,” says Mahesh.

Now trending

An aspect of Asian design that is simply irresistible and should appeal to the eco-conscious homeowners is sustainability. “Smooth polished stones such as river rocks, sustainable bamboo blinds that replace the traditional drapes, intricately woven tatami mats, and potted plants and shrubs that bring in nature’s goodness tend to come together to paint that picture-perfect look,” says Shabnam.

Clean and well-defined straight lines, minimalist decorations and sleek symmetry are all a natural part of Asian design influenced by a Japanese style.

“Oriental interior decoration helps create a stylish and exotic atmosphere in a modern interior and brings calming, pleasant and relaxing moods into homes. Asian decor needs to be supported by architectural elements like bamboo room dividers, sliding doors, open room layouts and unique Asian wall designs. Modern Asian interior decorating ideas and
traditional oriental interior decorating ideas create very different, comfortable and unique rooms. Contemporary Asian interior decoration with clean and sleek lines or traditional oriental interior decorating with unique carved wood furniture and exotic silk fabrics create harmony and enhance a relaxing, positive and calming atmosphere in the house,” says Manju.

So, go ahead and add a touch of orient to your homes – home is after all where the heart is!