How to Decorate a Living Room in Asian

Whether you prefer the brilliant hues and bohemian look of Indian decor, or the cool contemporary look of Tokyo high rises, the continent of Asia provides many options for do-it-yourself decorators. Updating your living room with Asian accents can happen in a single weekend with some artful editing of current possessions and some accessorizing. However, you might choose to invest more time and money in a full Asian living room makeover. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clear your living room of clutter and excess furniture. Nothing kills an Asian decor theme more than stacks of items on surfaces or too many pieces huddled together. Consider which items serve better purposes in other rooms. Look over your remaining inventory to see what you should sell or donate, but keep in mind that some pieces that do not currently fit an Asian theme might only need a coat of paint or a new set of furniture hardware to blend with the look.

2

Paint or finish your walls. For a minimalist Asian theme, choose from whole families of white shades, ranging from glossy blue-based white to warmer yellow-infused eggshell. Antique white, cream or faded earth tones have a mellower look, ideal for a Japanese, pared-down, wabi-sabi look or for an Asian fusion decor that integrates natural materials and finishes. For bolder styles, sample the color contrasts of an Indian sari, going with papaya and fuchsia or, for an earthier look, saffron yellow and terra-cotta. A regal Chinese look may include moody red, considered good luck, accented with shiny black lacquer and gold. You might also opt for a wall mural in an Asian theme, such as a bamboo forest, a Japanese pagoda or an Asian garden.

3

Invest in some focal point furnishings that add Asian style to the living room. Keep the look simple, with low, modular pieces with unadorned frames. A platform style frame on a futon couch and cube-like end tables mean that natural light and open space have priority in the room, a distinctly Asian theme. Another option involves decorating with Asian antiques or artisan pieces, such as Chinese trunks, an Indonesian carved wooden coffee table or tri-fold Shoji screens.

4

Accessorize with Asian elements. Hang paper or silk lanterns pendant-style over the coffee table for pops of color. Indonesian and Japanese paper parasols add color and patterns over a window frame. Line a floating shelf or a bookcase with Buddha statues, Balinese puppets or Asian ceramics. You can evoke the Chinese concept of yin and yang by pairing accessorizes with contrasting characteristics, such as a tall vase holding a single blossom, a black lacquer dish lined with white shells or a rough rattan mat lined with smooth stones.

5

Integrate nature into your Asian living room. Hang leafy green plants near doors and windows. Keep window coverings minimal to afford a better view and provide more natural light. Use natural materials such as bamboo, paper, sisal, wood, stone, water and rattan in your furnishings.