| |
| |
|
Interior Decorating Information |
|
|
|
Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Décor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast
The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a very broad subject. Many countries, such as China, Japan, Tibet, etc., have had an influence. Therefore, I have chosen to focus on one country for this article, Japan. Characteristics of Japanese Interiors 1. COLOR: Japanese interiors generally use neutral, natural colors, to provide a simple background. Interiors emphasize architecture, and as a result, provide a sense of geometric order. In addition, natural colors minimize a feeling of clutter, which is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. When a statement is made in a Japanese interior, it is usually through a single strong exclamation of color or a predominant texture. 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 western 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. 2. TEXTURE & CONTRAST: Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and obi's. 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. 3. DISPLAY: Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Eastern interiors, on the other hand, focus on a central object, such as a hearth (irori), a garden, an altar, or an elaborate still life composition. 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 its 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. This concludes Part I. Part II of Eastern Influences on Western Interiors: Japanese Décor will focus on the Tea Ceremony, Furnishings, and Antiques or Reproductions. About The Author Catherine McGivern is a professional interior designer who hosts www.aboutdecorating.net. About Decorating is devoted to home decorating information and resources. And, to helping visitors find the best decorating products at economical prices. The site also features a free newsletter, and free 20MB community web sites.
MORE RESOURCES:
Interior-Decorating - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
An Introduction to Hardwood Floors There's good news about hardwood floors. Because of advanced construction and finish technologies, they are now more stable than they were in the past. Ambient Orb or Mathmos Color Bubble The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the company that created the original Lava lamp back in 1967). This is a very intriguing light that illuminates in a wonderful shade of blue. A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term "half-bath" or "guest bath.Ever wonder where the term "powder room" came from? It's derived from Victorian times, when women needed to "powder their noses". Decorating a Romantic Room Creating intimacy in a room is about finding a mixture of elements that combine in such a way that they make both you and your partner feel comfortable and close. Some of these elements include lighting, color, decoration, and furniture. Buying Parsons Chairs - What You Need to Know Parsons chairs are commonly seen in homes around the dining room, adding a simplistic type of elegance. The great thing about using parsons chairs is that their design blends in with just about any home décor. Kitchen Decorating Is Easy To Do Kitchen decor themes can turn a dull kitchen into a beautiful living space. Being the central gathering place for family and friends, the right theme can make any occasion a memorable event. The Function of Wine Storage Racks Storing wines is crucial to keeping wines flavor and letting it age to perfection. Wine cellars are an ideal way to store wines for long durations. Decorating a Kids Room The most important thing to consider when decorating a child's room is to make the child comfortable. You want to surround them with fun, playful items. A Look at Flower Bulbs for Sale When people decide to grow flowers, they have many choices. They can buy potted flowers and replant them. Decorating The Bathroom - Dress Your Mess For Less The bathroom may be the hardest room to decorate. Its use and nature make the room decorative uninspiring, and its limited size and necessity of function make it difficult to add very much. Summers Unexpected Outdoor Candelabra For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are using an unusual source of candle lighting. Fireplace candelabra-those candle holders intended for fireplaces-have moved outside for the summer!Fireplace candelabra were originally designed to hold candles in your fireplace when you want the glow of flickering flames but not the heat or hassle of wood or gas fires. Decorating on a Dime Decorating your home and office can be a challenge if you are on a budget. There are so many different options, and most of them are outside of your financial grasp. A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a reliable way to keep track of the time. In the earliest days, months, seasons and years were tracked by careful monitoring of the phases of the moon. Home Decorating Tips - How to Change a Rooms Dimension using Wall Pictures The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an important role in interior design as it helps create the ambience of a room. By cleverly placing wall pictures in certain ways, you can change and create a new look and feel in a room. Are Candles Safe? I love candles! I have candles of all shapes, sizes and scents in every room of my home. I'm the woman at the local candle shop sniffing every single candle and calling out to her friends "Oh, you gotta smell this one!" So you can imagine my horror, my shock, my disbelief, when my neighbor told me that burning candles could be dangerous to my health! Say it ain't so!The first stage was denial. Decorating a Bedroom for the Subconscious Mind - Psychology of Colors Psychology of colors - the bedroomColor can have an astounding effect on perceptions, feelings, and interactions. Different colors evoke different memories and different ideas. Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Décor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a very broad subject. Many countries, such as China, Japan, Tibet, etc. Whats Your Design Sign? If you've been consistently bewildered about how to make your style happen in your home, relax, take a deep breath and forgive yourself. We don't come into this world with knowledge, we learn as we go!At first glance, interior design appears to be about the latest trends, beautiful fabrics, furniture or rugs, and the hottest label. How To Make A Room Divider A room divider in a theme that compliments your décor can add a unique look to the corner of your room while doubling as a screen to hide a messy area or provide extra storage in the back. A decent room divider can be quite costly, but if you consider yourself to be handy with tools, then you might be able to save a bundle while making a nice custom accent piece for your room. How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood floors. It offers similar and perhaps superior qualities of strength, hardness, and appearance.
|
| home | index |site map |
| © 2006 |
