The vividness, mystery and originality of the oriental style fascinate citizens of many countries, ready to move on from modest design solutions, those who want to dive into Asian luxury and highlight their special position in the society, as well as true connoisseurs of the culture of the East.
The East is traditionally associated with wealth, splendor, luxury, sophistication, and the magic of Arabian tales.
The warmth and charm of the hearth, decorativeness are inherent in the oriental style: bright colors, soft light, various textures – from velvety woolen carpets to shiny silk, flood of accessories, which are handmade masterpieces. The interior reflects all the traditional values of the East – the cult of home comfort, hospitality, contemplation, wealth, exquisite beauty and enjoyment of life. If you are determined to transform your home, take into account that the concept of a “majestic oriental approach to the design” is very generalized. It brings together the interiors of many countries in Asia and North Africa, which are very different from each other.
General characteristics of the oriental style
Furniture decoration in oriental interiors is distinguished by simple, yet elegant lines and an abundance of exquisite ornaments. However, even though the space may seem flooded with a sea of accessories and textiles, its number depends on the chosen direction. For example, the Chinese interior does not welcome the excessive use of decorative elements, while in the Moroccan interior, on the contrary, there will be a lot of them. In Egyptian interior design, a prerequisite is the usage of warm colors, free space and laconic furniture furnishings, while in Indian, great attention is paid to the variety of decor.
There are two main directions in the oriental approach to the design: Arabic and Asian styles. This article will focus on the Arabic style. For the oriental style, many details are decisive, emphasizing all the refined beauty of the interior:
– bright, saturated colors;
– lack of straight lines and flat surfaces;
– lack of monotonous elements;
– high vaulted ceilings;
– a plethora of lace carving, ornaments;
– a large number of textiles (wall hangings, plenty of pillows, luxurious curtains, upholstered furniture);
– an elegant play of light.
The interior basics
The walls are usually plastered or draped. The ceilings are decorated with wood panels or plastered. Ceramic tiles with floral patterns or traditional ornaments are used as flooring. The bathroom is fully laid out with stylized tiles or finished with decorative plaster. Here you can allow yourself the most daring experiments, use dark colors or extravagant solutions with a lot of ornaments. The kitchen also has a place for oriental motives. Select a whole wall for them, and a kitchen apron not too modest.
Choosing the colors
The palette of the oriental interior is distinguished by contrasting color combinations and bright warm tones. Various shades of red, terracotta, yellow, sand, orange combined with shades of blue, brown and green.
The defining color is yellow as the color of warmth and solar energy. In the East, since ancient times, it has been believed that yellow stimulates creativity in a person and plunges into a state of bliss. Traditionally in the East, it is customary to combine turquoise with yellow, since turquoise framed with gold is considered the most exquisite decoration.
It should be borne in mind that bright colors work well in spacious interiors with a lot of natural light. To achieve harmony in modern houses, it is better to use more familiar shades for the walls, and introduce bright colorful combinations at the expense of furniture or textiles.
The oriental ornament, which in ancient times had a magical meaning, involuntarily bewitches. Geometric patterns, stylized animal and bird paws are woven into the image of curly flowering shoots.
Choosing the fabrics
It is difficult to imagine an oriental interior without textiles made from natural fabrics – cotton, wool and silk. The sophistication of the pattern is complemented by a variety of textures. Carpets and woven rugs on the floor and walls, bedspreads with colored heels, multi-layered curtains with draperies, upholstery, appliqué and embroidery with gold and colored threads on pillows and wall panels give the room a special comfort: sounds become muffled, light – soft.
Small lamps made of colored glass, decorated with embossing and beaded threads, favorably set off the intricate patterns of oriental fabrics. A lamp is the easiest way to add an oriental touch to an interior. Subdued lighting is typical for the oriental interior. Dim light symbolizes calmness and comfort.
Choosing the furniture
When decorating the interior, as a rule, heavy, expensive wooden furniture is used, lavishly decorated with exquisite carvings. Carved decorative elements are an integral part of Arab houses. No oriental fairy tale is complete without fancy furniture, so your first stop will be NFO. It is not necessary to copy traditional patterns – the basic idea is important. The element of the East, which has long become commonplace, is a sofa as the center of the living room space in an oriental style. When choosing, pay special attention to the upholstery – it can be velvet or silky and always with an ethnic pattern. An attribute of the interiors of the East – pillows of various shapes in large quantities. Chairs with soft cushions will be perfect in the kitchen and living room. From the eastern tradition, you can borrow seats on the floor. An oriental flavor can be given to the atmosphere by original elements of the style – small tables, ottomans, hookah stands, carved ornament on the door (for this, you can use carved elements on a regular door leaf).
Choosing the materials
Any oriental interior, whatever direction it belongs to, mostly prefers natural materials like wood or stone for floor decoration. Lush mosaics on the floor will really bring the Arabic tale to life. White is usually the color for the ceiling or you can choose the one that matches the wall decoration. The Asian direction is often identified by wooden beams as a ceiling decoration. They should intersect, forming square cells of considerable size. When you are planning the design of the walls, there is where to roam and make the most of your creative power! The traditional options are stone and stone mosaic decorated with flashy fabrics (tapestries and curtains), beautifully carved decorations, adorned wallpaper, – whatever resonates with your spirit.
When choosing finishing materials or accessories, you should not restrain your impulses, because citizens of Eastern countries often like to “compete” in their wealth. Everything that is commonly called “bombast” and “barbaric luxury” can be used to decorate your home in an oriental style. But people who prefer restraint in the interior or do not have great financial opportunities should not despair and abandon the chosen style. They should pay attention to decorative plaster or water emulsion of their preferred shade (there are no restrictions here). From modern materials, it makes sense to consider bamboo wallpapers and panels, as well as cork wallpapers and tiles, which are fairly affordable.
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