Oriental decor is an exotic and striking decorating style. Many of the designs found in such decor are inspired by the natural surroundings found in this part of the world, the culture and the architecture. This design is a combination of beauty, simplicity, nature, and energy to create an aura of magnificence, peace and quiet. Today, Oriental style home décors have become extremely popular due to their own unique style and rich artistic heritage.
One particular Oriental design which is a favorite amongst many people is the traditional Chinese interior decorating style. This style tends to be bold and beautiful, using colorful fabrics of upholstery, stunningly polished furniture and extravagant decorative items. Bright, vivid colors are used in this form of interior decoration in both fabrics and furniture, with different colors representing or symbolizing different aspects of life.
The most common colors in Chinese decoration are red and black. The shade of red is generally a bright one and is vastly used as the Chinese associate it with good luck, fame, money and happiness. It represents long life too. Black, on the other hand, is connected with power, stability, knowledge and trust. Enhancing red-painted walls with black doors and wooden trim is a classic Chinese style. While a riot of colors is used in this décor, some of the most common ones are golden, silver, blue, white, green, purple, yellow and orange. Apart from bold colors, one of the most striking features of Chinese décor is the integration of the detailed handcrafts represented by animals such as fish, dragons, birds, or other figures from the Chinese mythology. These can be seen in decorative items as well as on furniture.
Furniture forms the most important part of any home, room or space and so is the case in Chinese interior decoration as well. Chairs, tables, room dividing screens and other scented candles are frequently made from bamboo, rose wood and teak wood and are usually based on the Buddhist principles of living simply and in harmony with one’s surroundings. Highly lacquered, shiny wood furniture is also common with this type of décor. Chinese furniture is often adorned with motifs that depict natural and cultural scenes which are meaningful in such societies. It is also a blend of form and function, where art and design are intended to be both beautiful and purposeful. With space at a minimum in many such interiors, furniture that serves multiple purposes is prominent. While a couch provides seating and sleeping in one piece of furniture, a wooden trunk with many drawers provides out-of-sight storage and serves as a table top too.
Another important and famous part of a Chinese home is Chinese ceramic ware. In fact it is regarded as the first form of Chinese décor by many people. China is richly endowed with the raw material used for making ceramics which range from construction materials to hand-built pottery vessels to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made for the imperial court. Beautifully aroma oil burner designs are a specialty of the Chinese ceramic ware.
Yet another item considered to be a large part of Chinese interior décor is Chinese paintings. They are often seen depicting characters and legends from China’s history. Along with paintings there are many other forms of Chinese decor which have developed through the centuries including umbrella art, water decor, paper lamps, silk lamp shades, painted wall fans, beautiful home fragrance products and even scented candles. Floor covering are also very essential in the Chinese interior décor. It is considered to be the foundation of the décor itself. Hence, rugs, in all shapes, sizes and textures are widely used across all rooms.
Window treatments serve to bring balance and thus are given a lot of importance. If the decorative elements such as furniture, rugs, wall treatments etc. are elaborate, the window treatments is generally kept simple. However, if the color palate of the house or room is neutral, colorful or patterned window treatments are added. Many times elaborate and ornate window treatments with tassels and texture are commonly seen in a Chinese decor.
Chinese interior decoration, whether simple or complex in style, is inspired by nature, history and legends. The vast use of bold colors mixed harmoniously with neutral shades creates a palate that is remarkable yet relaxing. It brings calmness and beauty, both, into the living space and thus has become one of the most popular interior decoration themes enjoyed by millions all over the world.