Just "Enough" Asian Decor

Desire to spice up your home with an East-Meets-West theme, but don't want to overrun your home with Asian decor, red wallpaper, and a jumble of Asian trinkets? This is most definitely not unreasonable to consider, I promise.

How can I promise that?

Keep in mind the Japanese style of interior decorating. Before I got "into" interior decorating, I moved into an apartment and had a friendly Brit for a neighbor who remarked that my place was "practically Japanese". Not knowing what the meaning of that was, I had to ask her what she meant. Her remark was not towards any Asian figurines I had (or didn't have), but the fact that my house was so.....without decor. But, hey, I had moved in only a week prior!

But that's it....the secret to a simple Asian home decor. The Japanese keep their space clutter-free, so you can just take a suggestion from them.

First thing's first: to get started is go get a big box and vacate all of your clutter. Fill the box with what you can, homing in on items that can't fit into an Eastern theme. When you choose to leave an item, make certain that everything has its own "space". Unless the item is a part of a set, each item should have its own space away from other items to keep the area feeling open.

Now, you should corral some Asian items to decorate with. My prescription for Asian decor:

* Houseplants - If you don't have time to take care of a plant, or don't have the best conditions for houseplants (like your little kitty Fluffy keeps eating them), you can always go fake. Of course, half the time when one thinks of "houseplant" and "Asian" is to scream "bonsai!", but you don't have to place tiny trees everywhere. Why not try an Asian money tree or if you like fresh flowers, an oriental lily? Remember to count the plant as a decoration and thus give it its own "space" as mentioned above.

* Water fountains - Water fountains are a very traditional feng shui decoration. They're nice to have around, their tranquil flow melts away all the worries of your day. A few drops of bleach in the water will stave off the bacteria and algae that can turn a water green and stinky.
* Japanese Tea Sets/Sake Sets - Great at adorning a kitchen or dining area, even if you never use them. (Dust them off to fool guests!) They come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns, anything from nice earthy tones to a bold blacks and reds.
* Chinese Gongs - You don't have to have a huge one! These gongs come in small sizes too, perfect for a desk, end table, or even at that perfect mantle centerpiece.
* Figurines - Buddha figurines are very universal in Asian decor, but if you're wanting something more secular, Asian figurines come in all shapes and sizes.

Remember the infamous KISS saying: Keep It Simple, Stupid!; you only really need a handful of items to bring an Asian feel to any home, and the simpler you keep the room, the more each of those items will speak out.

It really is that simple....you too can bring exotic luxury to any space. Raring to go? See Home Asian Decor for all your Asian decor needs!