So Your Style Is: Asian
East meets West in this harmonious approach to living, which you can incorporate into your home
Simplicity and nature combine to form spaces that just feel fabulous to live in. From semi-formal functionality from Japan, to a relaxed vibe straight from the villas of Bali, Asian-style decor is as varied as it is beautiful. Australia’s proximity to Asia and our marvellously multicultural society means we’re no strangers to Asian influences. Harnessing your favourite elements is the key to creating a home that reflects who you are and the state of mind you’d love to be in whenever you’re at home.
Why it works: Asian-style homes focus on creating an atmosphere that feels good to be in. Colour, mood and even how energy moves from room to room are all important considerations. With enough forethought and attention to detail, the results can be amazing.
You’ll love this style if… Eastern philosophies strike a chord, uncluttered spaces are what you need for focused thinking, and meditation is more your style than Mad Men.
Take a look at the various elements of Asian style below and utilise one or more in your home.
Why it works: Asian-style homes focus on creating an atmosphere that feels good to be in. Colour, mood and even how energy moves from room to room are all important considerations. With enough forethought and attention to detail, the results can be amazing.
You’ll love this style if… Eastern philosophies strike a chord, uncluttered spaces are what you need for focused thinking, and meditation is more your style than Mad Men.
Take a look at the various elements of Asian style below and utilise one or more in your home.
Clean and simple
Clean lines, sharp angles and backlit display units are dead giveaways that this kitchen has an Asian influence, and those bar stools could have come straight from a Tibetan village. Think streamlined simplicity and a neutral colour palette in your next kitchen redesign.
SMART STRATEGY: Using nature to maximum benefit is a signature move, so incorporate timber or bamboo flooring, panelling and furnishings where you can.
Clean lines, sharp angles and backlit display units are dead giveaways that this kitchen has an Asian influence, and those bar stools could have come straight from a Tibetan village. Think streamlined simplicity and a neutral colour palette in your next kitchen redesign.
SMART STRATEGY: Using nature to maximum benefit is a signature move, so incorporate timber or bamboo flooring, panelling and furnishings where you can.
Flowing spaces
A floating bed like this one makes the best possible use of floor space. Many Asian homes are tight on space, so clutter just isn’t an option. Calming neutral tones are ideal for bedding, and make a room appear larger than it really is.
SMART STRATEGY: Aim for built-in storage solutions that hide away all but the most beautiful of items – those you can put on display.
A floating bed like this one makes the best possible use of floor space. Many Asian homes are tight on space, so clutter just isn’t an option. Calming neutral tones are ideal for bedding, and make a room appear larger than it really is.
SMART STRATEGY: Aim for built-in storage solutions that hide away all but the most beautiful of items – those you can put on display.
Asian accessories
Use lighting, artwork and decorative display items to introduce a more Eastern influence. The calming presence of Buddha is a popular choice for just about any room in the house. In this dining room, a horse sculpture from Thailand is a playful element that adds the finishing touch.
SMART STRATEGY: Turn your next trip to Asia into a shopping trip. You’ll have fun tracking down exotic homewares, and even more fun figuring out where they’ll best work when you get home. Sourcing oriental items from within Australia is also a viable option, although the prices may not be quite so attractive.
Use lighting, artwork and decorative display items to introduce a more Eastern influence. The calming presence of Buddha is a popular choice for just about any room in the house. In this dining room, a horse sculpture from Thailand is a playful element that adds the finishing touch.
SMART STRATEGY: Turn your next trip to Asia into a shopping trip. You’ll have fun tracking down exotic homewares, and even more fun figuring out where they’ll best work when you get home. Sourcing oriental items from within Australia is also a viable option, although the prices may not be quite so attractive.
Bali beauty
If you’ve ever been to Indonesia, you’ll know how well the Balinese succeed in designing ultimate escapes for deep relaxation. Natural timber, cane and plenty of tropical foliage are key elements, as is supremely comfortable furniture on which to recline.
SMART STRATEGY: If you don’t have the luxury of gazing out upon a tropical garden, use oversize pots to bring some lush greenery into your outdoor retreat.
If you’ve ever been to Indonesia, you’ll know how well the Balinese succeed in designing ultimate escapes for deep relaxation. Natural timber, cane and plenty of tropical foliage are key elements, as is supremely comfortable furniture on which to recline.
SMART STRATEGY: If you don’t have the luxury of gazing out upon a tropical garden, use oversize pots to bring some lush greenery into your outdoor retreat.
Zen areas
Draw inspiration from the meditative gardens of China and Japan and import it directly into your bathroom. This daring bathroom is also a welcoming retreat. Floor heating beneath the stones dries out any water splashes.
SMART STRATEGY: Use natural materials wherever possible if you want to stay true to the Asian style.
Draw inspiration from the meditative gardens of China and Japan and import it directly into your bathroom. This daring bathroom is also a welcoming retreat. Floor heating beneath the stones dries out any water splashes.
SMART STRATEGY: Use natural materials wherever possible if you want to stay true to the Asian style.
Oriental design
Every piece of furniture in this room has its origins in the East, and the look is set off with a thoughtful smattering of sculptures and other artistic elements.
SMART STRATEGY: Window treatments can add polish to an Asian-inspired room. These blinds are reminiscent of the rice paper and bamboo screens and room dividers used in traditional Japanese homes. Stronger, cheaper materials are now used, but the effect is just as lovely.
Every piece of furniture in this room has its origins in the East, and the look is set off with a thoughtful smattering of sculptures and other artistic elements.
SMART STRATEGY: Window treatments can add polish to an Asian-inspired room. These blinds are reminiscent of the rice paper and bamboo screens and room dividers used in traditional Japanese homes. Stronger, cheaper materials are now used, but the effect is just as lovely.
Energising acts
Feng shui is a powerful force when it comes to many Asian-style homes. Read up on how to improve your home’s energy flow, or call in an expert to do the thinking for you. Recharging your wealth corner could be just what you need to turn your fortunes around.
SMART STRATEGY: Paint your front door red and, according to feng shui, it will draw in positive energy and generate a welcoming vibe.
TELL US
How have you incorporated Asian style into your home? Let us know in the comments section below.
Feng shui is a powerful force when it comes to many Asian-style homes. Read up on how to improve your home’s energy flow, or call in an expert to do the thinking for you. Recharging your wealth corner could be just what you need to turn your fortunes around.
SMART STRATEGY: Paint your front door red and, according to feng shui, it will draw in positive energy and generate a welcoming vibe.
TELL US
How have you incorporated Asian style into your home? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sombre greys contrast beautifully with white and a dash of red to create a haven of tranquility. This bathroom is a great example of the quest to create a feeling rather than a particular look or effect in a space. Large windows that let in plenty of natural light and overlook nature’s bounty are always a positive in Asian-style homes.
SMART STRATEGY: A bath is relaxing, but a shower can be just as much of a restorative space with the addition of a timber bench seat.