How to Design an Ethnic Style Room

Decorate your room to reflect culture.

If your walls are white and the furniture is bare, you can make the room come alive. Designing with an ethnic style provides life, color and personality to a room. An ethnic style gives you a boundary for decorating so you don't end up with random pieces. Ethnic-style rooms are also conversation starters for guests and friends as they enjoy your space.

Instructions

1. Research different ethnic styles for your room. There are many types of ethnic designs to choose from when decorating a room. For example, Americana-style rooms reflect a patriotic theme. Asian-style rooms display elements of the cultures from Japan, China or Thailand. A Mexican design incorporates elements of the Spanish culture and ancient Aztec or Mayan civilizations. Find out what colors pertain to each culture. Research what ancient artifacts you will need and where you can find replicas. Have all of this information handy to begin decorating your ethnic-style room.

2. Commit to an ethnic style that fits your lifestyle and makes you feel comfortable at home. Choose an ethnic style based on your own cultural background or one you wish to explore. Remember to consider all of your research before making a final decision. For example, a Mexican-style room may not work for someone who seeks calm, neutral colors. Mexican-style rooms have hot, bold reds, bright blues and deep greens. Choose an ethnic style that you will feel comfortable with for a long period of time.

3. Choose a color scheme for painting and decorating. Depending on the ethnic culture you have chosen to replicate, colors are very important. For instance, rooms with an Indian theme have rich and exotic colors. Choose from an array of jewel tones and brightly colored patterns. Choosing an Indian-themed room gives you the options of cinnamon, purple, orange and raspberry. Decide which color you will use to paint the walls, and which colors will be for accent pieces.

4. Select furniture pieces that reflect the ethnicity. Once you have painted the walls, decide on furniture pieces that will complement the color. The right furniture selections will solidify the ethnic theme you are creating. For example, an African-style room may have reflections of nature in its furniture. Objects made of wood like dressers and tables may have carvings of giraffes and elephants. Also, use wicker or rattan furniture to enhance this ethnic theme.

5. Find accessories that complement your theme. Accessories are important because they add character and authenticity to an ethnic-style room. A Japanese or Chinese theme room have images of dragons or hieroglyphic writing. An African theme room should have bamboo and colorful stained-glass windows. Go to a local flea market and find treasures, statues and fabrics that reflect your chosen ethnic theme.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a friend from your selected ethnic background, seek her advice on decorating.

• Do not overuse the colors or decorations.

References

• Design Style Guide: Ethnic Interior Design Styles
• Homes Designing: Bedroom-with-ethnic-style-decor-for-your-home
• Luxury Interior Design: Ethnic style in the interior