Oriental style: get inspired and decorate with balance and elegance

Who has never been enchanted by the charm of oriental culture? The decoration inspired by that side of the globe brings together beauty, tranquility, and practicality in compositions that exude harmony and balance, without losing elegance and refinement. The style has its main branches in Japan and China, but also presents in its traces influences from India, Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, and Malaysia.

Besides absorbing the typical characteristics of each of these countries, such as vibrant colors or mystical objects, oriental decoration counts on a key element in its composition: exaggeration has no place! Here, minimalism is the rule.

"The interior designer and coordinator of the Interior Design course at Faculdade Dom Bosco in Cascavel (PR), Marieli Gurgacz, says: "The oriental decoration is different from other styles.Moreira.

"The use of textures such as stone, wood, and paper also draw a lot of attention in this style. The use of decorative incense sticks is common, and the walls usually have simple decoration, usually with pictures of symbols of Asian culture,The most used colors are usually white, lilac, and purple", adds Lidiane Amaral, interior designer from New Móveis Planejados.

How to use the oriental style in different environments

The decoration inspired by the Orient can appear in just one room or in the entire house. You can also start little by little, adding a detail here, another one there. The decision is yours, but to help you create a harmonious composition full of personality, learn how to combine the right elements in each room and get inspired by reference photos before starting the change.

Rooms

The rooms usually look spacious, but not because of their size. What makes them spacious in oriental decoration is the simplicity of the style and the use of few pieces of furniture. Another peculiar characteristic is the use of Japanese beds, famous for their low height and the wooden platform that surrounds them, almost at floor level, instead of the traditional footstools. They are usuallyoverlaid under oriental rugs of the most varied materials, including straw, where sometimes even the mattress itself goes.

Photo: Reproduction / DawnElise Interiors

Photo: Reproduction / SRQ 360

Photo: Reproduction / Audrey Brandt Interiors

Photo: Reproduction / El Dorado Furniture

Photo: Reproduction / Atmosphere 360 Studio

Photo: Reproduction / Webb & Brown-Neaves

Photo: Reproduction / DWYER Design

Photo: Reproduction / DecoPt

Photo: Reproduction / Suzanne Hunt Architect

"Screens with oriental motifs and paper lamps complete the decoration of the room, not to mention the space for supporting the tea, if the culture is incorporated into the style in its fullness," teaches architect Marieli.

Rooms

The decoration of the living room is also composed of low furniture, following the oriental culture, which has as one of its main traditions to serve tea. Therefore, choose a low table, accompanied by sofas in futon format, with many cushions, and receive your guests in a cozy and very original way.Place a low coffee table in the center of the room surrounded by cushions, use oriental rugs as screens, and use doors to separate the different corners of the room. It is also recommended to use few pieces of furniture and accessories in order to keep the room very spacious", explains Lidiane.

Photo: Reproduction / Phil Kean Designs

Photo: Reproduction / John Lum Architecture

Photo: Reproduction / Dennis Mayer

Photo: Reproduction / CM Glover

Photo: Reproduction / Amber Flooring

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / DecoPt

Photo: Reproduction / Daedal Woodworking

Photo: Reproduction / Kuhn Riddle Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Maria Teresa Durr

Also, remember that Orientals have the daily habit of changing their shoes when they arrive from the street for comfortable slippers to walk indoors. Reserve a space near the entrance door for this transition. Airy and organized environments are watchwords.

Kitchens

"The garbage is never on top of the sink, it is always hidden or built-in. In fact, here again comes the practicality and the organization of each object in its proper place. For the coverings, use wood as the main option. Choose colors such as brown, terracotta and red, always thinking about natural lighting, coming from the outside", adds the interior designer. Another tip is to invest in furnitureand accessories made of wood and stone.

Photo: Reproduction / Fresh Surfaces

Photo: Reproduction / Berkeley Mills

Photo: Reproduction / RemodelWest

Photo: Reproduction / DeWitt Designer Kitchens

Photo: Reproduction / Oregon Cottage Company

Photo: Reproduction / Phoenix Woodworks

Photo: Reproduction / Jennifer Gilmer

Photo: Reproduction / Draper-DBS

Photo: Reproduction / Midori Design

Photo: Reproduction / Candace Barnes

Photo: Reproduction / Taradudley

Photo: Reproduction / Magnotta Builders & Remodelers

An element often used by the Orientals in decoration is Yin and Yang, to give harmony to the environment. This is even more present in the kitchen, where food is prepared.

Exteriors

The harmony inside the home must also be reflected on the outside. Just as in the inside spaces, outside everything has its place. "The garden must 'talk' with the style of the house, both must be interconnected for the decoration to work. In landscaping, it is worth growing trees and shrubs, plants that can live for several years, passing from father to son as a tradition. OthersElements such as bridges, stones, and lakes help compose the whole harmony of the exterior", says Marieli.

Photo: Reproduction / Logue Studio

Photo: Reproduction / Charleston Home + Design

Photo: Reproduction / Lane Williams Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Oriental Landscape

Photo: Reproduction / Oriental Landscape

Photo: Reproduction / Bio Friendly Gardens

Photo: Reproduction / Good Architecture

Photo: Reproduction / Bio Friendly Gardens

Photo: Reproduction / Kelso Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Cannizzaro

Photo: Reproduction / Jason Jones

Designer Lidiane completes the tip by indicating rustic wood furniture, low pendants with rounded shapes, wood floors, and plants.

Learn about the main elements that make up oriental decoration

The oriental decoration, more than any other style, counts on very characteristic elements to compose the look. Independently of the environment you choose to invest in or if it is the whole house, there are indispensable items that already signal the theme in a very strong way. "Low furniture, metal pieces, textures such as stone, wood and paper are very common. Ornamentation throughLarge murals, black lacquered furniture, side tables, bamboo vases, porcelain tableware, rice straw screens, oriental-themed pillows, and futons are widely used in this type of decoration, not forgetting the light fixtures, in shades, that always give that cozy touch", says Marieli Gurgacz Moreira.

Futon

Simple, practical, and versatile, but elegant at the same time, the futon is an ancient mattress that came from Asia to complement the decoration of beds, sofas, as a set with coffee tables instead of chairs, and even for outdoor areas. Made of several layers of cotton, it is usually placed on a wooden mat.

Screen Screen

An indispensable piece in oriental decoration, screens are as versatile as the futon and can be used to separate integrated environments, even giving more privacy to the intimate wing in the absence of walls. If you get sick of them, you can change places and renew the air. They are usually made of natural materials such as bamboo. They can be neutral or with designs.

Cherry trees

The oriental decoration highly values nature as an element to bring even more harmony to the environment. Besides bonsais, those tiny trees that can be grown in small pots or trays, the most characteristic plant is the cherry blossom. A symbol of Asia, it can also be incorporated in the form of paper or wall stickers.

Luminaires

Even the lamps have a way of being characteristic of the style. In the form of large paper balls or rectangles, usually handmade, made from wood or bamboo, they are the main responsible for the cozy atmosphere of the house. They can be placed on the floor, in the corner of the living room, hung from the ceiling, or on top of the bedside table in the bedroom.

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the main elements of oriental culture. Present in furniture, curtains, lamps, kitchen utensils, and decorative objects in general, it is a must-have material in the oriental style of decorating. It can be combined with wood, natural fibers, straw, and rattan.

Swords

Part of the oriental tradition, mainly Japanese, the katana, better known as the samurai sword, has become a piece of decoration desire. Whether to adorn tables or to be hung on the wall, the valuable item, which traditionally symbolizes the strength of the man (blade) and the passivity of the woman (sheath), is still widely used.

Fans

The fans, often used during the summer to cool off in high temperatures, have gained prominence in compositions inspired by oriental decoration. Hanging on the walls, they have become a creative way to complement the ambiance of bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even entrance halls.

To close the list, Lidiane highlights some more elements that can boost the decoration: "small wood-framed furniture, miniature style, for decoration is a good bet; vases with bamboo plants or dried leaves; chair shaped like a normal chair, but without feet, just with cushions on top".

Now that you know the main elements of decoration inspired by oriental customs, how about finding references to start implementing the style in your home?

Where to buy objects to create an oriental decoration

On the internet, there is a wide range of options to buy oriental-inspired furniture, vases, pillows, lamps, and more. Check out the following gallery of images to inspire your designer side.

Frame with Japanese Ideogram for R$59.90 at Elo 7

Japanese Lantern for R$10.90 at Elo 7

Oriental chandelier for R$199 at Elo 7

Japanese Chandelier Ideograms Rustic for R$59.90 at Elo 7

Wall Clock for R$24.90 at Elo 7

Frame for R$49 at Elo 7

Futon Headboard - White for R$200 at Elo 7

Oriental Girl Cushion for R$34.90 at Elo 7

Oriental Cushion - Hamsa for R$45 at Elo 7

Oriental Cushion - Gray Carp for R$45 at Elo 7

Acrylic Wall Acrylic Chinese Fan for R$130 at Elo 7

Quadro Origami Tsuru for R$49 at Meu Móvel de Madeira

These are just a few places to start searching for furniture and objects to apply this decorative style in your home. The internet and even physical stores that specialize in home products are full of options for all tastes and pockets. So that you don't have any doubts left, check out below the essential elements to get the style right.

5 essential tips for those who want to adopt the style

Besides furniture and decorative objects, among other things, the oriental way of decorating also values some concepts, which must be taken into account when composing the environments. These principles can even influence the choice of furniture and all the elements of the decoration.

• Minimalism : the clean and simple style values "avoid exaggeration", in which only the really necessary pieces are arranged.
• Multifunctional furniture : as practicality is as important as beauty, having beautiful and functional furniture is a must, remembering that they must be low and made of wood such as bamboo, straw, linen, and rattan.
• Natural light Large windows are great for capturing natural light. If they are not available, it's worth investing in paper lampshades, round dome light fixtures, and scented candles for that cozy atmosphere.
• Organization Everything is minimally organized, and since there is little furniture, the spaces become even more spacious.
• Balance : this is one of the watchwords of oriental decoration that has in the harmonic composition the guide for the choice of pieces and the places where each one will be placed.

"The oriental decorative style is a minimalist style that seeks, through little furniture and a very strict, yet simple organization, to harmonize all the spaces in your home so that you enjoy an exotic and relaxing environment. Minimalism, organization, and balance are key points," reiterates designer Lidiane Amaral.

Images to inspire decoration with an oriental touch

As every good decoration asks for, nothing better than a gallery of images of the style applied in practice to inspire your purchases when decorating. Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and exteriors, get inspired to create any environment!

Photo: Reproduction / DawnElise Interiors

Photo: Reproduction / SRQ 360

Photo: Reproduction / Audrey Brandt Interiors

Photo: Reproduction / El Dorado Furniture

Photo: Reproduction / Atmosphere 360 Studio

Photo: Reproduction / Webb & Brown-Neaves

Photo: Reproduction / DWYER Design

Photo: Reproduction / DecoPt

Photo: Reproduction / Suzanne Hunt Architect

Photo: Reproduction / Phil Kean Designs

Photo: Reproduction / John Lum Architecture

Photo: Reproduction / Dennis Mayer

Photo: Reproduction / CM Glover

Photo: Reproduction / Amber Flooring

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / DecoPt

Photo: Reproduction / Daedal Woodworking

Photo: Reproduction / Kuhn Riddle Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Maria Teresa Durr

Photo: Reproduction / Fresh Surfaces

Photo: Reproduction / Berkeley Mills

Photo: Reproduction / RemodelWest

Photo: Reproduction / DeWitt Designer Kitchens

Photo: Reproduction / Oregon Cottage Company

Photo: Reproduction / Phoenix Woodworks

Photo: Reproduction / Jennifer Gilmer

Photo: Reproduction / Draper-DBS

Photo: Reproduction / Midori Design

Photo: Reproduction / Candace Barnes

Photo: Reproduction / Taradudley

Photo: Reproduction / Magnotta Builders & Remodelers

Photo: Reproduction / Logue Studio

Photo: Reproduction / Charleston Home + Design

Photo: Reproduction / Lane Williams Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Oriental Landscape

Photo: Reproduction / Oriental Landscape

Photo: Reproduction / Bio Friendly Gardens

Photo: Reproduction / Good Architecture

Photo: Reproduction / Bio Friendly Gardens

Photo: Reproduction / Kelso Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Barbara Cannizzaro

Photo: Reproduction / Jason Jones

Oriental Geek Landscape Hanger for $42.90 at Tanlup

Oriental Box Thousand Flowers for $92.20 at Tanlup

Dragon Print Porcelain Kettle for $49.99 at Tanlup

Japanese Monsters Geek Trashcan for R$87.90 at Tanlup

Frame with Japanese Ideogram for R$59.90 at Elo 7

Japanese Lantern for R$10.90 at Elo 7

Oriental chandelier for R$199 at Elo 7

Japanese Chandelier Ideograms Rustic for R$59.90 at Elo 7

Wall Clock for R$24.90 at Elo 7

Frame for R$49 at Elo 7

Futon Headboard - White for R$200 at Elo 7

Oriental Girl Cushion for R$34.90 at Elo 7

Oriental Cushion - Hamsa for R$45 at Elo 7

Oriental Cushion - Gray Carp for R$45 at Elo 7

Acrylic Wall Acrylic Chinese Fan for R$130 at Elo 7

Quadro Origami Tsuru for R$49 at Meu Móvel de Madeira

Photo: Reproduction / Habitíssimo

Photo: Reproduction / Megan Crane Designs

Photo: Reproduction / SDG Architecture

Photo: Reproduction / Hilary Bailes Design

Photo: Reproduction / CLDW

Photo: Reproduction / Exit Design

Photo: Reproduction / Kimberley Seldon

Photo: Reproduction / Feinmann

Photo: Reproduction / Trend Studio

Photo: Reproduction / Simply Stunning Spaces

Photo: Reproduction / Designers House

Photo: Reproduction / Webb & Brown-Neaves

Photo: Reproduction / Wi-Home Integration

Photo: Reproduction / Reico

Photo: Reproduction / Radifera Design

Photo: Reproduction / London Grove

Photo: Reproduction / Morph Interior

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Intexure Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Camber Construction

Photo: Reproduction / Amy Lau Design

Photo: Reproduction / Balodemas Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Merz & Thomas

Photo: Reproduction / Morse Remodeling

Photo: Reproduction / Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Photo: Reproduction / Brantley

Photo: Reproduction / San Luis Kitchen

Photo: Reproduction / Kelso Architects

Besides being elegant and charming, the oriental decor calls the attention for its simplicity and functionality, not to mention the harmony among the elements, which reflect well the way of being and the lifestyle of a culture that enchants.With this gallery and with the tips of the professionals taken into account, just get started!