Asian Inspired Home Decorating

December 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Interior Design

Andri Irawan asked:


There are very few themes for decorating a home that capture the imagination quite like an Asian inspired theme. There are many reasons for this one of which is the rich colors, fabrics, and textures that are the hallmark of these themes. There is a simplistic elegance about Asian décor that is almost impossible to imitate in other methods. It is simply put, stunning to walk into a room or a home that has been decorated in an Asian inspired motif.

This is not one of the lesser styles of décor when it comes to price. This elegance comes at a rather high price for the average consumer. However, the sparseness of this home decorating style make it possible when other styles with this sort of price tag would not be possible. One of the most important things to remember when attempting to bring an Asian style of décor into your home is the heavy reliance upon color and texture.

Dining rooms are particularly stunning when decorated in an Asian style. In this situation not only can the implements added to the room serve to improve and enhance the décor but also the placemats on the table can serve as an important tool in establishing the theme of this supremely elegant room. Chopsticks and dishes, particularly tea servings are other great enhancements to an Asian dining room. This is a room that many families will enjoy dining in.

It is recommended that because of the expense involved in many Asian themed home decorating styles that only one or two rooms in the home should be created based upon an Asian theme. This will keep the costs down as well as making those rooms focal points within the home rather than having the splendor lost among the excess.

If you are having a rough time narrowing down the two rooms, the bathroom also makes an excellent room in which to incorporate an Asian inspired theme. This is a room in which people go to relax and wash away the worries and stress of their days. For this reason, it makes perfect sense that some of the more tranquil and relaxing design accents of an Asian décor would be appropriate. Candles, figurines, calligraphy (waterproof of course), and Asian artwork make excellent touches for a bathroom, as do the more tranquil colors of some Asian inspired rooms. Fountains can be added to the room for an added taste of relaxation. Be sure that there is plenty of storage space as clean lines and an uncluttered surface are also important for the overall peaceful affect you should be hoping to achieve.

If either the dining room or bath or unappealing to your home decorating desires for an Asian theme you may want to take the theme into your bedroom. There are very few more romantic themes to incorporate into a bedroom than an Asian theme. You can use fabrics to create a very romantic atmosphere, rice paper window coverings to protect those inside from prying eyes, and candles throughout the room to finish off the creation. Furnishings in this room should be sparse and uncluttered. And Asian screens can be used in order to ’section off’ the room or hide the piles of laundry or cluttered areas that you wish not to be detract from the overall romance of the room. Fans make a lovely decoration for the walls in a bedroom as does Oriental art or framed calligraphy in the words of love. Use wall sconces and indirect lighting rather than harsh, glaring overhead lights.

An Asian theme can be one of the most beautiful in the realm of home decorating if you are truly willing to invest the time and money it takes to do this theme properly. It can also be one of the most gaudy if you choose cheap and tacky decorations rather than quality accessories. If you choose to incorporate this theme into your home I hope you will keep that in mind while you are shopping.



How To Choose Your Home Decorating Fabric

October 14, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Interior Design

homedecor
Gaetane Ross asked:

If you’re decorating your home, it’s important that you find the right home decorating fabric. Whether you’re going modern, Victorian, or classic, the theme of your home decorating will be influenced by the type of fabric you choose. If you already know what particular theme you want, do a little research online to decide which fabric will fit best. You can also choose to look at home decorating magazines or books.

For example, if you use a Victorian theme, remember that this type of theme is both feminine and quite ornate. Therefore, the home decorating fabric you choose will be brocade, velvet, or other “heavy” and rich materials. For accessories, you can choose ribbons and bows, beads and lace for trim.

If you choose to go with a modern theme, you’ll want vibrant and bold colors in your home decorating fabric. Usually, when you go with a modern theme, the rooms are big and spacious and the concept is “open.” This is meant to draw your attention to the room’s details, including the fabrics used. The walls are usually done in light or cool colors.

Another popular home decorating theme is Oriental. With this, use elephants, Chinese dragons, screens and fans. This makes the room visually interesting and unique. The colors used are rich red, coral, jade and ivory. The Oriental theme usually uses silk as its fabric, and the rich colors stand boldly against the dark woods recommended for Oriental furniture.

For a more subdued “country” theme, choose light-colored woods, crisp fabrics such as linen, and light colors, perhaps accented here and there with dashes of dark red or blue throw pillows, for example. You can also choose sturdy knotty pine and rough tweed and denim fabrics for a more rustic look.

When you use home decorating fabric, you are putting icing on the cake, basically. The furniture you add complements the colors you use. In addition, the window treatments you’ll use also fit within the theme, using these same colors.

Home decorating fabrics can be found in many places. Cushions, slipcovers and curtains can be bought premade at department stores or online. Many stores or web sites also specialize in home decor and can help you with this process. If you are skilled in sewing and wish to make your own materials, it’s probably best that you go to a local fabric store so that you can see the fabrics you want to choose firsthand. Store staff will also be able to advise you on patterns, threads, and accessories such as buttons, ribbons and bows. If you are considering a particular color scheme, staff will also be able to help you choose fabrics in the right coordinating and contrasting materials and colors.

Whether you choose ready-made materials or are skilled at making your own, the right fabrics can make your home decorating project a success, so that you both have fun during the process and are pleased with the end result.