Furniture Design With Feng Shui And Other Asian Themes By Ben Weissman At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

For many years now, Asia has been the leading designer in many applications. In the past, they have had superior technology and design for electronics, and they have produced many of the best selling, most reliable cars on the road. With such innovative minds and high work ethics, Japan and China have led the way in many fields, so it should come as no surprise that the latest area in which their traditions have become prevalent is home design.

Two very distinct decorating styles have come from Japan in recent years, with hints here and there from China and other Asian cultures also infringing on the styles popular in American society. You can trace back the fascination to the art of the dragon, the artistic language (all written in symbols rather than characters as with many languages), and other such influences. It began with the fringe of American society, with youths getting tattoos and body art in Asian styles, and now it has progressed into a way of life and overall home design.

Minimalism has long been a theme of Japanese and other Asian design. In fact, many traditional Asian homes do not have furniture as American and European homes do. Instead, mattresses lay on the floor, and seating at mealtime is pillows around a table no higher than an American coffee table. Homes are small, and one room may be used for several functions, much like an efficiency apartment in the United States. While still artistic, the beauty in the few furnishings kept is their sharp angles, basic colors, and pure functionality. American design has begun to copy this trend, reverting to minimalist furniture design, without the large cushions, ornate decoration, and imposing size. In some homes, less furniture is used altogether to mimic the Asian cultures.

One specific design theme that has become quite prevalent in American society is Feng Shui. There is more to this than just a home décor style – Feng Shui is a way of life. It is about enlightenment and the ability to find inner peace. Feng Shui is using design as a way to strengthen, enlighten and protect an environment.

Interestingly enough, the colors most often associated with Feng Shui are black and red, with some burnt orange or yellow and deep brown mixed in. These colors have long been shunned in American design because black is thought to be a depressing color. While red has been thought to incite anger, many Feng Shui consultants recommend red to produce a protective and inspiring environment. It is believed that minimalist design used in combination with appropriate colors and the addition of the correct décor can produce a sense of peace and enlightenment.

A brief study of Asian cultures can assist in building an idea of where the future of design is headed. For many years companies such as Sony and Toyota were trend setters for the Western Industrial World. Design is one more aspect in which you can expect to see the West following the lead of Eastern examples for a long time to come.

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