How to Add Asian Decor to a Room - 5 Easy Projects

Asian collections flavor a room

You can easily create an Asian decor theme in a room or in a whole house with some easy inexpensive arrangements. The trick is to keep the overall theme simple and then make some Asian-inspired focal points.

Instructions

1. Asian decor can range from a simple minimalist Japanese style to a bright Indian theme. What's great is that many Asian elements can work together, regardless of what country they come from. The tips I have included here lean more towards a Japanese theme, but you can add Chinese, Balinese, or any simple rustic pieces to this decor and it will fit together beautifully. Have fun and experiment.

2. 

   I anchored this wall with an old rustic wooden chest. It was found in an auction and was originally covered in fabric. The aged exterior and ancient-looking ring work well with the Asian look I was after. I went to Pier 1 and picked up a bamboo table runner, which is laid across the top. To that I added some other pieces I had, an inexpensive Buddha candleholder, an African carved box, some blue-and white Asian-inspired pottery from yard sales, and a Chinese-themed wood box. It all works nicely together and resembles a rustic altar.

3. 

   Most of what I assembled is based on earth tones and natural materials. In a corner, I used a simple white Ikea chair, and added a gold-toned chinese poster in a gold frame. I added natural elements with 3 bamboo poles stacked in the corner, and a black-edged straw mat against the back of the chair. Notice how the gold of the poster and frame pick up the color of the bamboo poles, straw mat and chair frame. The chair and background paint are neutral and subtle to let the gold dominate, but with natural elements to soften it.

4. 

   This is a simple rustic arrangement on the top of a wood bookcase. A bamboo serving tray is used as a background. A Japanese-looking basket is matched with a plain woven basket to which I added a plastic fern plant. The feathery leaves of the fern add bright color and counter the strong patterns of the bamboo and baskets. Simple but effective. Make sure to add green natural elements to any Asian theme to give it life and color.

5. 

   A window treatment is also simple but transmits the Asian theme. Simple off-white tab top curtain panels are hung from a bamboo pole to frame the window elegantly. The wood bamboo theme is echoed by using paper shoji window blinds that screen the window but allow light in from outside. You can substitute black or earth-toned curtains in this style if you desire, and it will still look elegant and work with the theme.

6. 

   Finally, I placed a Japanese Shoji screen in a corner to block a storage area. A faux bamboo plant softens the hard lines on the bottom of the screen. A shoji screen instantly conveys a Japanese theme and is a great way to break up a large space or screen clutter as I have done here.

7. Experiment with your Asian decorating. Look at the possibilities in simple items, and have fun. Check out my related eHow article, "How to Mount a Japanese Art Print" (link below).

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple and uncluttered. Don't try to jam every Asian piece you have into the design.

• Look for Asian and natural pieces you can use at World Market, Ikea, and Pier 1 stores.

• Keep your eyes open for Asian pieces such as kimonos, Japanese lanterns and blue and white transferware at garage sales.

Resources

• The New Asian Home
• Japan Style: Architecture+Interiors+Design
• How to Mount a Japanese Art Print
• Island Style: Tropical Dream Houses in Indonesia