Asian Style Decorating On A Budget By Greg Fisher At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Asian-influenced decorating is about simplicity. The overall goal is a minimalist look that removes excess visual stimulation and too much color or loud materials. Ideally, an Asian-influenced decorating style is sparse, calm and serene rather than an "in your face" look.

Keep reading to learn the basics of Asian decorating and how you can implement it in your home, even on a fairly tight budget.

1. Opt for natural materials.

A quick look through a popular design magazine's spread on Asian-style decorating will show you that this contemporary style focuses on natural materials like woven bamboo, hand-hewn finishes, wood, stone and metal.

2. Choose neutral tones.

Paint is an affordable way to instantly update a room. Begin your Asian transformation by painting your space in a neutral, subdued tone. Choose a shade that is both natural and peaceful, helping to bring a "feel" of calm to the home environment.

3. Add water.

Water is typically used as a way of adding serenity and peace to Asian style. So, build on your theme by including a Japanese fountain. However be sure to keep it in a location where young children will be less likely to play with it.

4. Recessed lighting.

Updating your lighting can be expensive, but moving to recessed, energy-efficient lighting is often cheaper than extraneous chandeliers or ceiling fixtures. It is not difficult to find attractive light fixtures that are also inexpensive.

5. Focus on texture.

Because Asian style can be so muted, try to focus on texture instead of vibrant colors. By using woven materials, wicker baskets or visibly grained wood, you can keep the room from becoming too monotonous or boring.

Luxurious touches like silk pillows or supple throws made of exotic fabrics will add texture and make your new space stand out as both inviting and quieting.

6. Say goodbye to trim.

Very different from the intricate flourishes of European cabinetry, Asian style furniture is typically devoid of trim and elaborate carving. Instead, look for cabinetry with clean lines and a simple front.

7. Get rid of your clutter.

Opening your space and giving it a serene feel means emptying it of clutter and junk.

Start by getting rid of everything you don't need or use on a regular basis. You can donate it to charity, sell it or throw it away, but don't keep it. Then, find a way to cleverly hide or store your remaining items. Try a basic storage bench or wicker baskets to keep clutter at bay.

No matter how little "stuff" you may have in a home, the accumulation simply grows over time unless you are purposeful about routinely ridding your home of unused items.

8. Focus on horizontal lines.

One of the biggest differences between Western and Eastern styles of decorating is that Western style tends to focus on matching vertical lines of alignment, whereas Asian-influenced design focuses on horizontal lines of alignment.

So, instead of matching the end of your sofa with your window frame, try lining the top of it up with the height of your book table.

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