Asian Inspired Decor

Adding Asian elements to your home can be stylish, classic, and inexpensive if done the right way. These pieces add tranquility and serenity to any room. This look is becoming more and more popular and the nice thing about this design style is that it can be made to look either modern or traditional.

The room above exhibits Martha Stewart paint colors (available at any Lowe's Home Improvement store)
MS053 Brick Hearth (is the red shade-overall paint color)
MS188 White Picket Fence (used for white trim accents)
MS025 French Bulldog Black (used for black accents)
We love how this room is set up- looks modern, sleek, chic, and the Asian accents and colors are not too overwhelming. My favorite part of this room is the unexpected hints of turqoise/ blue accents in the vase, artwork, and pillow. It is very subdued but keeps the room from looking too matchy.

Here are a few tips when adding Asian decor:
-Use nature inspired colors- grays, tans, and greens if you want a more minimal/Japanese look or use bold colors such as reds and mustard yellow for a bright/Chinese look. (Red was believed to provide good luck!)
-Paper shoji screens make great room dividers or decorative elements
-Purchase furniture with lacquered finishes or darker woods (such as chocolate or burgundy)
-Bamboo plants or bonsai trees help add natural elements to your room as do bare branches in a bright colored vase, fountains, and stones
-Emphasis is on horizontal lines as opposed to vertical
-Art is functional as well as decorative
-Texture such as rice paper, bamboo, and rock are very important in Asian decor
-Sacred animal motifs are also essential (elephants were said to bring prosperity!)

The most important tip is that less is more! Minimal is key. You don't want to end up with a room that looks staged. Place random Asian elements throughout your house to add just a bit of cultural appeal. These design elements mixed in with other styles of furniture and accessories, will make your home look eclectic and fabulous!

All of the finds below are extremely affordable and are available to purchase online!

Target Wall Art-$49.99

World Market Asian Lacquer Chest- $14.99

World Market Paper Lantern-$6.99
I love this lantern first off because it is affordable but mostly for the fact that it is Asian-inspired with a 'twist'- the trendy Zebra pattern gives a whole new dimension to the lantern