Articles on Decorating

Eastern art colors are pure. Unlike western art, which mixes color and refines sketches, eastern art is original. This means the initial color and/or brush stroke is the final result. Western art is often complex, whereas eastern art is simple, strong, and graphic.

Black is often considered a "non-color" in our society, yet, it is very important in eastern interiors. The use of black in oriental rooms lends definition and form. For example, black is a color in its own right, when used with white rice paper in a shoji screen.

Japanese culture seeks to balance opposites in all aspects of life (yin and yang), and interiors are no exception. Interior finishes can be highly opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance. Examples are, highly polished floors with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.

Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called tokonoma. Objects placed in these alcoves generate two types of feelings, either (1) a natural or organic feel, by displaying an odd number of objects together, or (2) an ordered and disciplined environment by using an even quantity. For example, three calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be disciplined.
Japanese displays are fluid. In other words, a Japanese alcove may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next. Eastern cultures tend to store and rotate objects. (This is probably for two reasons; (1) limited space, and, (2) visual pollution, outside the home, as the population increases.) Japanese displays are a reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on the quality and craftsmanship.

Instead of rotating objects, westerners tend to "display it all." (I guess it's because they we’re afraid someone whose given us something may come over and we won’t have it out?) A westerner would also tend to add to a display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away. To easterners, less is more, order is harmony, and there is a place for everything and everything is in its place.

(Note: For ideas about how to combine western furnishings, and eastern elements, please see the first book I have listed below)

• A hibachi: A hibachi, in the true sense, is not a small tabletop grill as the western world defines it. It is a finely crafted, portable fireplace, used in old homes and shops to provide heat, warm sake, and boil water for tea. It was once also the emotional center and gathering place for family friends. Original hibachis were ash receptacles in low wooden boxes. They were also made from ceramics, lacquer, rattan and metal. Large hibachis can be used as display boxes, or bases for end tables. Smaller hibachis, which were once hand warmers, are now champagne buckets or flower holders.
  
• Kimonos: A kimono is to a Japanese artist, as a canvas is to a western painter. Wedding kimonos and fans are especially decorative and valuable. Kimonos can be displayed in a number of locations in the home by hanging them on clothing stands or decorative rods.
  
• Obis: An obi is a wide sash worn with a kimono. Obi’s make excellent table runners, or can be hung in a group, behind a bed, to create a headboard.
  
• Tenigui: These are rectangular cloths, which were once used as headbands, now function as placemats.
  
• Keyaki: This is an antique door that could be used for a desk or coffee table top.
  
• Sake Kegs double as planters, end tables, and lamp bases, depending on their size.
  
• Japanese clothing stands can be used as towel racks.
• Japanese kites make whimsical shower curtains, and ceiling or wall decorations for a children’s rooms. Smaller kites can also be used to make pillows.
  (Again, consult the second book below for additional information and ideas)

East Meets West: Global Design for Contemporary Interiors by Kelly Hoppen.
The second part of the title is misleading. Kelly Hoppen illustrates not only how to combine eastern influences into western interiors of contemporary homes, but also how to create eclectic traditional environments. This book is not strictly for contemporary lovers.

I like Ms. Hoppen’s interior design philosophy. Here is a quote, from her introduction, explaining her approach, "Rather than dictate a particular style to my clients, I see myself in the role of interpreter: I need to get inside a client’s head and discover their personality before I can guide them towards a style, a look, an atmosphere in which they want to live. It is absolute essential to give people the home thy want…" Five out of five stars on Amazon.com.

Japans Accents in Western Interiors by Peggy Sanders Rao and Jean Mahoney.
Shopping and introductory overview to culture, antiques and folkcraft. Illustrations of how 77 different kinds of antiques or reproductions can be used. Detailed descriptions of objects, found in Japanese culture, that can decorate the home, such as hibachis, kimonos, etc. Featuring an appendix of American and Canadian sources for Japanese articles.

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