by Anna Wildman

Created on: March 31, 2009   Last Updated: April 01, 2009

Many people love to add a touch of the exotic in their homes; and there is nothing more exotic then Asian design. Asian design has a tranquil balanced feel. It brings to mind visions of sandalwood and incense, dragons and samurai warriors, Aladdin and ninjas. It is a design embodying ancient traditions and fantasy at the same time.

There are two major types of Asian design; Japanese and Chinese.

Chinese Design:

Chinese design is full of bold and dramatic colors. Red symbolises the male energy (yang) while black symbolises the female energy (yin). This design style incorporates dragon and phoenix motifs. Folding screens divide rooms and provide privacy. Colored paper lanterns provide light and atmosphere. Furniture is ornately carved, painted and lacquered.

If this is the design style you like try some of the suggestions below.

- Paint a red accent wall.

- Paint the room a welcoming gold and sponge paint with a red glaze.

- Apply a dragon wall mural to a gold wall.

- Use black furniture with red accents.

- Look up Chinese calligraphy for friendship , peace , love or whatever you desire. Paint it on heavy card stock and frame it to make your own art work.

- Use a folding screen to section off a sitting area.

- Woven grass mats can be used instead of carpeting.

- Use strings of paper lanterns for subtle lighting.

- Asian swords and fans can be hung on walls or displayed on shelves as art.

- Hang black floating shelves for storage.

- Place bamboo stalks in a Chinese urn for an artificial "tree"

Japanese Style:

The Japanese style is a Zen calming style incorporating natural elements and subdued color. Subtle colors of white, tan, green and grey blend together with bamboo and rice paper.

Furniture tends to be clean , minimalistic and low to the ground. This style works well with a modern room. Contrast of texture plays an important part in Japanese design.

This form of design usually has one bold focal point with subtle surprises throughout the room. Blank space plays and important part in creating a feeling of space and peace.

- Hang a silk kimono on the wall.

- Tatami mats made of grass and edged in cloth can be placed on a finished wood floor to create contrast.

- Futons are a great choice for Japanese furniture.

-Plain white folding shoji screens divide space and provide privacy.

- A small water fountain in a corner lends itself to the Zen feeling.

- Create your own Zen garden using a planter white sand and small pebbles. Rake the sand into a pleasing design.

- Less is more. Japanese style has a less cluttered feel than western design style.

- Choose organic style and use odd numbered amounts of flowers in vases or stones on dishes. Three throw pillows on one couch is an example of organic design.

- Choose disciplined style and use only even amounts of accents. Four throw pillows on a couch would be disciplined in design.

- Rice paper paintings of Kanji geisha's and mountain scenes all fit the Japanese style.

- Paint walls a light blue grey.

Whether you choose to go bold and dramatic or soft and subtle , Asian design elements can be added to any home. Oriental fans can be purchased at any craft store. Bamboo can be used in vases and urns as floral arrangements.
You could even chose to create an Arabian night themed bedroom straight out of India. While Chinese and Japanese design styles are the most popular Asian styles; India, Thailand, and Vietnam also have distinct styles. Choose a style that fits the way you live and feel. After all Asian design is about balance.

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