Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Decor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast

The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a very broad subject. Many countries, such as China, Japan, Tibet, etc., have had an influence. Therefore, I have chosen to focus on one country for this article, Japan.

Characteristics of Japanese Interiors

1. COLOR:

Japanese interiors generally use neutral, natural colors, to provide a simple background. Interiors emphasize architecture, and as a result, provide a sense of geometric order. In addition, natural colors minimize a feeling of clutter, which is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. When a statement is made in a Japanese interior, it is usually through a single strong exclamation of color or a predominant texture.

Eastern art colors are pure. Unlike western art, which mixes color and refines sketches, eastern art is original. This means the initial color and/or brush stroke is the final result. Western art is often complex, whereas eastern art is simple, strong, and graphic.

Black is often considered a "non-color" in western society, yet, it is very important in eastern interiors. The use of black in oriental rooms lends definition and form. For example, black is a color in its own right, when used with white rice paper in a shoji screen.

2. TEXTURE & CONTRAST:

Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and obi's.

Japanese culture seeks to balance opposites in all aspects of life (yin and yang), and interiors are no exception. Interior finishes can be highly opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance. Examples are, highly polished floors with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.

3. DISPLAY:

Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Eastern interiors, on the other hand, focus on a central object, such as a hearth (irori), a garden, an altar, or an elaborate still life composition.

Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called tokonoma. Objects placed in these alcoves generate two types of feelings, either (1) a natural or organic feel, by displaying an odd number of objects together, or (2) an ordered and disciplined environment by using an even quantity. For example, three calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be disciplined.

Japanese displays are fluid. In other words, a Japanese alcove may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next. Eastern cultures tend to store and rotate objects. (This is probably for two reasons; (1) limited space, and, (2) visual pollution, outside the home, as the population increases.) Japanese displays are a reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on the quality and craftsmanship.

Instead of rotating objects, westerners tend to "display it all." (I guess its because they we're afraid someone whose given us something may come over and we won't have it out?) A westerner would also tend to add to a display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away. To easterners, less is more, order is harmony, and there is a place for everything and everything is in its place.

This concludes Part I. Part II of Eastern Influences on Western Interiors: Japanese Décor will focus on the Tea Ceremony, Furnishings, and Antiques or Reproductions.

Ideas For Decorating Small Spaces

Your home is where you relax and entertain so it's no wonder you want it to have top notch appeal. Yet, remodeling or renovating a living space that is small can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, there are some simple options due to the fact that there are many interior design tips now available for decorating small spaces.

You want to be positive to decorate for the size of your space. One substantial thing to avoid with small living spaces is clutter because it is apt to make the room appear significantly smaller.

Making good use of the area in your living space is critical so think about this when thinking about your room design. A stylish minimalist or Zen like decorating theme might work the best since it will be less cluttered thus making the room feel more spacious. Just be sure you choose an interior design you really like as this is where you spend a lot of time.

When purchasing furniture for your living space stick to accessories and furniture which are small sized. One method to make good use of space is to use a sofa and chair, as opposed to a sectional which will make it seem more spacious but still allow comfortable seating. All small scaled items can be monotonous and you might want to add interest by adding a few bigger pieces, so mix your diminutive sofa, use a large lamp or artwork- it can make the room appear larger plus add charm and character.

Another consideration for decorating small spaces is to take into consideration where the pieces are going to be arranged in the space. Even your living space can add to your well being when designed with Feng Shui in mind. Use furniture away from your doorways, as you'd be surprised how easier access to and from a room can make it look more spacious. If you could, focus the eye from the open door to a bigger piece like a which can help divert the eye and provide the illusion of a larger room.

The color palette is an additional essential cosideration when designing your living space. If you had always thought that you had to paint your spacially challenged rooms white, then here is some great news for you. If you don't want drab paint that is bland, go for using a monochromatic interior design in a beautiful color, or combine select colors which all reflect identical brightness. For a scheme that is more colorful gor for blues and greens that all reflect the same intensity or tone or to provide a soothing effect consider a monochromatic color scheme of pale blues. To add depth and drama, consider painting an opposing wall a deep, intense color - this makes it seem further away as well as adding an interesting atmosphere. A gray-blue shade is great for decorative charm and for also making the walls seem to recede, Therefore making the room appear larger. But then if that sounds overly boring, don't worry because cool colors such as purples, greens and blues also recede so you can use your wonderful shades without making the room seem diminished.

These tips allow decorating small spaces to be easy in addition to effortless. Purely because your living space is spacially challenged doesn't mean it can't acquire the same fabulous design style you see in bigger homes - it merely takes a bit of creativity and imagination.

Lee Dobbins writes for Home Decorating 2 Day where you can learn more about home interiors and get more great home decorating tips.

Choosing Accessories For The Mexican Decorating Theme

Decorative accessories are the highlights of any interior decorating scheme and could help pull your Mexican decorating theme together. In keeping with the feel of Mexico, you should plan to buy colorful and unique decorative accessories which provide a cheerful allure. Adding pieces like wall art, pillows and knick knacks can help add interest your Mexican design style.

Wall art is an integral element in any interior design, but your room will only look sharp if you hang it properly. When hanging art, think like a gallery and put the middle of the piece at eye level. Try laying a grouping of artwork out on the floor beforehand to develop the best configuration. The Mexican decorating theme can be improved with Mexican pottery plates which you can place in scrolly plate hangers and racks.

Other accessories that can help enhance the allure of Mexico include worm wood décor, stone fountains, and cacti. You would be smart to look for accessories that coordinate with your general room design. Deploy on theme accessories exclusively in order to get the look and feel you are trying for.

To add softness and also augment your design theme, decorative pillows could be a smart choice. Pillows can add value many rooms, the family room, the bedroom, the den and even the kitchen. If you can't afford new furniture for your living room or family room, decorative pillows can help give the mexican décor feel to your old furniture. In the kitchen or bathroom, a pillow insterted strategically on a hamper or chair can add a whimsical touch. Putting them in rows up against your headboard should lend a professional atmopshere to your bedroom. Add a comfortable appeal to your room style with pillows that have colorful ethnic prints.

When searching for knick knacks for your design style be sure to stick to ones that suit your design and also show your personality. To compliment your mexican décor, stick with accessories that have a colorful and unique feel. Using colorful Mexican pottery on shelvevs and tables or displaying wrought iron accessories displayed here and there. Here is where you can really make the design theme your own by selecting decorative pieces which reflect your individual style. If you have minimal funds, try shopping at garage sales and flea markets for terrific unique decorative pieces.

Making use of colroful tiles and pottery can add a professional style to your Mexican decorating theme. It's imperative, though, that you have a good idea of the kinds of pieces you seek so you can stick to buying specifically those that suit. Also, think about the sizes you need that will help compliment the room decor. Paying attention to proportion and size insures that you will have an interesting look in any interior decorating theme!

Lee Dobbins writes for 100 Home Decorating Styles where you can learn more about different decorating styles for your home and find out more about how to get a great look with Mexican decorating.