Oriental interior design. Flexibility in Japanese and Chinese interior decorations styles.
Oriental interiors have become incredibly popular in western interior design. It can be said that it is the need of exoticness, the reliance on Zen and Feng Shui, or simply a temporary fashion. The truth is that oriental interiors have always been captivating (not to mention outdoor designs, best accomplished by Japanese landscapers and their amazing gardens), there is certain something about them, a coherence that has been seen throughout their ancestral art. This is on a very general level, we must specify that there is a massive difference between Japanese and Chinese art, interiors, gardens furniture and style. Yet, when we see one of these styles they can be easily recognized by anyone as “Oriental”.
One easy way to understand what style you want to go for is thinking about the amount of decoration and ornaments that you want your interior to have. I have always seen Japanese interiors as an anticipation to minimalism for the austerity of their designs. Color palettes are also a way to establish a difference, while in Chinese styles brighter colors can be seen, in Japanese styles there is often a more pallid and neutral color selection.
A common denominator is low furniture, especially in living rooms, the use of screens and panels and a preference over wooden painted furniture (and wooden floors, of course). These are one of the most important things you need to keep into consideration for an oriental interior design style. You can always choose between going for a full Japanese interior design or a full Chinese design, but if you don’t want your interiors to look as a theme hotel, you can always choose what you like the best about both styles and add some of your own style to it. The most difficult thing will probably be finding affordable oriental furniture, that is why it is recommendable to be flexible with the style and to take a time to absorb the lines and curves to be ready to make an adequate decision when you find and affordable piece of furniture that can be used to achieve an oriental interior design.
Here are some examples of furniture that can help you get that oriental look without necessarily being classified as oriental furniture.
wood bookcase glazed 6 door fayence black fom www.furnitureulike.co.uk
This bookcase is made out of wood and painted in black. The simple and slightly curved finishing and the panels provide an oriental countenance.
Beijing Glass and wood Coffee Table and stools from www.glasstablesandchairs.com
The styles and prices of these coffee tables show some variation. From more traditional Japanese designs to furniture that has been inspired in oriental pieces adding at the same time a modern look to it, specially by combining the wood with glass.
Expandable coffee and dining tables by www.sculpturesjeux.fr (1195.00 €)
wood coffee table tokyo from www.furnitureulike.co.uk (£266.98)
