Asian decorating is for those who really strive to create a haven from the outside world

Peace and harmony are the hallmarks of Oriental style decorating

Eastern principles of Asian decorating are geared to promote balance between the outer world and the inner self. The home becomes an extension of the spirit. By using principles of space and form, and by recognizing our relationship to our environment, it is possible to create a home that is in tune with both our inner spirit and the world we live in.

Space is the most recognized attribute of Asian Decorating

In Asian Decorating, both Japanese and Chinese philosophies believe that our most basic need is for space. Our spirits need room to breathe, move, and think with ease.

Keep the center of your room open. This principle comes from the Eastern belief that the center of the room represents the heart of your self and therefore should be kept open to allow the flow of energy to have full freedom of action.

Many of the homes we live in today are small and cramped. If it is possible to eliminate walls, this would be an option if you wished to decorate in the Oriental style. It would also help to add a skylight to bring in more natural light and a view of the sky.

If removing walls is not an option, paint the rooms in pale colors such as shades of white or light pastels. This will help bring in the illusion of space and light.

Simplicity is another key principle of Asian Decorating

One of the first steps necessary to transform a home into Oriental style decor is banishment of clutter. It is necessary to strip away all that is unnecessary in terms of furniture, accessories, and material possessions. For Westerners, this is a very difficult thing to do. If you want a true Asian style home, this is the first step.

This desire to strip away the inessentials stems from a desire to focus awareness and bring the mind to a state of clarity. The purpose is to prevent distraction and disharmony that is created by the constant observation of material goods.

By avoiding clutter and elaborate ornamentation, the mind and body can rest undisturbed from constant stimuli. By keeping only possessions that have function and true personal meaning, the value of these possessions becomes more appreciated. Beautiful objects that we truly do not wish to live without also become more valued because of the simple interior into which they are placed.

Materials Used in Asian Decorating

As mentioned earlier, Asian decorating is attuned to nature and the environment. It would therefore follow that materials used in this style would be natural and bring good feelings to our senses.

Natural fabrics and materials tend to hold more interest for us. Unlike manufactured products, every piece of natural material is unique. It is impossible to get two stones, two pieces of wood, or two pieces of natural fabric to look exactly alike. Natural materials add a new dimension to a design every time they are used.

Man made substances are often made of toxic materials. The dangers from many of these materials are not known until after a product has been in use for many years. Asbestos and lead paint are good examples of this. Along with this example are formica and plastics which are made with formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.

Eastern traditions believe that all natural materials possess a form of life. Because of this, vibrations emanate from these materials and they are believed to connect to the vibrations we emit from ourselves. According to Eastern belief, the interaction of these vibrations creates a harmony that promotes balance and peace within the home.

Western cultural ideas clash with Asian Decorating

Western culture is a culture of materialism. It is a culture of acquiring more and more "stuff". In our minds our success is determined by how much money and how many possessions we own. We bring all of this "stuff" into our homes and clutter up our world with material goods.

Far from making us peaceful and appreciative, we only mange to distract our minds and create a home that impedes movement and needs constant attention.

You can still have Oriental Decor if you love your possessions

This is not to say your home can't be decorated with an Oriental theme. By using elements of an Asian home, you can bring the feeling of the Orient into your home. Here is a list to start you thinking:

• shoji screens
• tatami mats
• lacquer furniture
• rosewood furniture
• ginger jars
• items made of porcelain and jade
• Japanese fans
• Japanese lanterns
• paper umbrellas
• calligraphy wall hangings
• bamboo plants

Gardens, Plants, Flowers, Water All Play a part in Asian Decorating

Nature is the basis of Oriental style decorating. Elements of nature such as plants and water are always incorporated into Asian decorating.

Oriental flower arranging in the Japanese Ikebana style and bonsai trees are often used. Bamboo is considered to bring good luck when used in a home. Water fountains are in use to bring calm and order to the mind.

Oriental gardens bring the same sense of serenity felt indoors to the space outside. You will not get the perennial flowerbed of the English garden or the tumbling free-for-all wildflower garden atmosphere here.

The same design principles that form the harmonious interiors of Asian style homes apply to the outdoor gardens. The gardens have clean, simple lines that immediately give off a sense of peace and harmony. The sounds of running water and clinking of bamboo wind chimes add to the serenity of the surroundings and soothe the senses.

Visit the Bamboo Inspiration website for information and guides on bamboo plants, flooring, furniture, wind chimes and fountains for your home and garden.

Where to go from here

As I often mention, there is not room on this site to give each decorating style the space it deserves. Hopefully you have received enough information to decide if you would like to explore the Asian style of decorating in more depth. If so, below are two books I recommend:

If you are truly looking to create a peaceful haven from the outside world, if you are fed up with materialism and willing to part from your "stuff", if you are attracted to the spirit and philosophy of Asian culture, then perhaps the Asian Style of decorating is exactly what you are looking for."