Asian Inspired Color & Design

Color & Design Ideas Inspired by Asia- One of the most compelling aspects about Asian inspired design is that you see things for the mood they create. Asian design is simple and at the same time very compelling, always with a nod to nature & reflecting it's beauty. Another important part is that attention is given to proportion, balance, texture, and tone. Colors that are rich in saturation and deep are very compelling. They  grab your attention while staying grounded at the same time. Common color themes are Silver & Lotus (usually white or red, & sometimes blue lotus) .  Golden & Fig or green tones that are used in combination  with some shade of a warm yellow tone.  For the deeper tones Coffee Bean colors are used as well as Black Lacquer. Texture and use of  contrasting materials are often the focus of Asian design. Simplicity at it's best! Try incoporating some Asian design & color into your home...it's a fresh approach that never goes out of style.



This bath is a great example of lotus & fig colors
with coffee browns to ground the space and give it warmth.

 

Golden & fig tones make this outdoor space cozy, nature
helps out with all the lovely green tones. The space has
a great sense of peace. (photo from comfortablehomedesign.com)



East meets West! Nice way to incorporate the clean lines
of Asian style with a contempory home.
(photo from elledecor.com)





This bathroom offers a great mix of materials. The warm smooth
use of the wood against the cool crisp white ceramic tub and all this
alongside the glass and brick wall. The wall of glass with all the
beautiful greens adds a feeling of peace. A real oasis!

(photo courtesy of  lookbook.elledecor.com)

Nice pop of red color in this room with this chest! 

Lastly....this great Asian Restaurant sums it up by showing all of the inspiring ideas...what a wonderful mood that has been created by the use of color, texture, and lovely materials.

(photo from designshuffle.com)

So the next time you need to be inspired to create a wonderful space in your home try adding some colors inspired by Asia. 

Leave a comment and let me know what inspires you. Thanks for reading by blog!

Nice way to add some black Laquer!

10 RePurposing Design Ideas

10 Repurposing Ideas: to refresh your rooms interior without spending a lot of money...take what you already have and make it into something new to you!

1. LAMPS- change the lampshade,  add some trim to the shade, or spray paint the base for an updated look. (photo from cornerhouse.blogspot.com)

Sometimes just adding a lamp to a room can do wonders!

2. HEADBOARD- use existing headboard or build a upholstered one by adding padding and fabric to revamp your room. Painted wood doors or shutters can be another design option. Be creative!

Nailheads add another dimension and custom detail



Great way to add a punch of color!

 

                 3. RE-UPHOLSTER a chair or bench in a bedroom and paint room to coordinate with it.



Simple makeover! ( photo from ohdeedoh.com)



4. PAINT BEDROOM DRESSER- change the color and add new hardware, you can even spray paint the old ones as well. This works great if you add a non-matching piece to a room...make it an accent!

hardware makes all the difference! (photo from adesignstory.com)

5. REMOVE OLD OUTDATED ARTWORK- instead create a gallery wall with framed photo's of family & friends, or special trips. Also, try taking down art and moving it to a different space.



Great versitility when looking for a change.

With a gallery wall you can use a variety of styles and sizes to fit the location. Just make sure something ties them all together like color, style, material, matte color etc.

6. UPDATE ACCESSORIES- try changing the color by painting over them, add gold or silver accents to change them up, or paint with 2 different finishes & distress them with sandpaper to give them more character. Distressing gives the room a more relaxed style.



Metal finishes add sparkle and reflect light! Silver accents pull the room together nicely!



7. PILLOWS & MORE PILLOWS- if you have an old sofa (most of us do!) add or change the accent pillows, if yours are too plain add some trim, or if a change is due, re-cover with close-out fabric from your local fabric store.

add some color & geometric designs for fun!

A simple pop of color or texture can be all you need to freshen up your living room!

8. ADD SOME GREENERY- take a vase/pot and add a plant for a empty corner, or put a console table in front of a window with a green plant on top. Plants clean up the air in a room as well as adding some life.

green plants help to bring the outdoors in! (photo form apartmenttheraphy.com)

9. RE-COVER YOUR DINING ROOM CHAIRS- by re-covering your chair seats you only need about 1/2 yard per chair (consider the pattern repeat), possibly some padding if the cushions are worn & a nail gun. Patience helps too! If your room is in need of a bigger change consider either painting the table a different color or the chairs. With a contrast between the two you will have a more dynamic space.

 Great color huh! Chair fabric pulls together the table and chairs nicely. (photo courtesy of: thesassypepper.blogspot.com)

and finally...

10. RE-DO BOOKSHELVES- storage bins and large baskets are great for storing bookshelf clutter. You know the stacks of books, cd's, dvd's, photo books, games, small collections of craft stuff, magazines, well the list could go on. By clearing the clutter it makes the room feel more restful...and you will feel more relaxed!

It's amazing what you can do with the things you already own, it just takes some imagination and a bit of creativity...but the results are worth it!

...until next time!

Please post a comment I would love to hear what you think!