DIY & Decor

The Olympics in Beijing probably made most of us a bit more interested in Chinese culture - be it the food, traditions, Feng Shui or decoration. If it’s the Chinese decoration that caught your imagination, here are a few tips and ideas as to how achieve the look easily and cheaply..

Chinese decoration is about simplicity and order - so the first thing you need to do is clear the clutter and tidy up to let the energy (chi) to flow around more easily. Then decide whether you just want a few accessories to add that “Chinese” feeling or want a more radical solution - such as redecorating and/or refurbishing. If you just want to update a room with a few Chinese elements – here are few decorative details that should do the trick:

• Sitting room - silk cushions (with Chinese patterns), fans on the wall, paper lanterns, water feature, bamboo ornaments, Feng Shui symbols
• Bedroom - silk bedspread & cushion, or linen (Chinese motifs), natural rugs,
  Kitchen/diner - Chinese porcelain, bowl & tea set, bamboo under plates, chopsticks (even as wall decoration!)
• Bathroom - towels with calligraphy, bamboo accessories, bamboo mat

If you want to redecorate a room consider the following decorating basics:

• Colors - As with almost everything in Chinese culture, colors are symbolic. The four main colours are yellow, red, green and purple. Yellow represents health and longevity, red luck and prosperity, green peace and family, purple soul and mind. The tones of these colors are inspired by nature – so they are earthy and subtle, and used in harmony with each other. For accent-colors choose ivory, gold or bronze.
• Furnishing  -  traditional Chinese furniture have simple lines, are hand-painted and lacquered. Modern versions are no longer painted but they are still simple, and can be lacquered. Because bamboo furniture is more affordable and sustainable, it’s getting more and more popular around the world. You can now find simple, modern shapes as well as traditional-looking pieces.
• Styling - whilst in the west we seek advice from an interior designer as to how improve our home or office, the Chinese will turn to a Feng Shui master. Feng Shui is an ancient method of allowing the energy to flow smoothly and remedy areas where it is ‘stuck’. More tips about Bedroom Feng Shui. Even if you find the rules of Feng Shui a bit hard to follow, another important element of Chinese decoration is to display ornaments and things in pairs - according to the Chinese good things come in pairs, so it will bring you luck!

It really is easy to give your space a Chinese feel - but don’t forget that one of the secrets of Chinese decoration is understatement, so do be careful not to go OTT!