A matter of style

An exchange of ideas and an inquisitiveness about other cultures expand the mind to impact the way we think about our homes.

While some aspects of decor enhance the look of our homes, others improve our lifestyles. If we were to categorise different decor styles according to geography, they would be as follows:

Asian decor Thanks to the vast differences in culture among Asian countries, there are different styles which you can mix and match from.

Some of the themes you can choose are Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai. When it comes to Asian design, you can isolate a theme from the vast number of options and stay true to that design concept.

You should first decide if you wish to have a darker, more sombre design or a light and airy one, both of which are readily available. If you prefer the dark and rich décor, then you are probably looking at using black lacquered pieces, ivory or large pieces of artwork and shoji screens (a translucent screen made of a wooden frame covered with rice paper).
Furnishings should be elaborate with shiny silken fabric and rich patterns. Wooden elements should be elaborately carved and darkly stained or lacquered.

Use of copper, gold or wood carvings and heavy wall hangings with lighting that draw attention to key pieces will complete such a look. Floors can be made of hard wood and should have elaborate carpets and throw rugs.

Whether you go with the royal Indian or tribal Indian, the rich Chinese, simple Indonesian or somewhat electric Korean as your base, a well-done Asian theme brings feelings of harmony and comfort to any home, and can never go out of style.

Mediterranean style
This coastal style brings in charm, grace and seductiveness. With the use of the right oil paintings, you can easily create a Mediterranean feel. Walls are predominantly textured in this style. The feel of the sea-sky and the warmth of the earth are important here.
Lavendar wall textures and creamy yellow make a whimsical appearance in this mixture. You will no doubt be using lots of accessories (brightly coloured, muted earthy and aged metallic) in your creation. Earthy orange, sand, sea green and creamy yellow can be good choices to create the right atmosphere.

Incorporate brilliant mosaic tile designs into rich orange, red terracotta or brick-tiled floors. You can choose to use the motif by applying the mosaics to the wall in the place of base mold, inlay them around door frames and be sure to make use of mosaic tiles for the kitchen or bathroom back splash. Furniture may be elegantly crafted from fine hardwoods or simple rustic designs of common wood. Either way pieces are low and heavy set and often include accents of tile, iron and marble. Glass, iron and terracotta have been decorating basics for centuries. Wrought-iron grills can also be wall mounted to create the illusion of a window.

Pottery has important applications. You can use natural terracotta with a colourful finish. Oversized pots and vases in classic shapes add drama, form and colour. Enhance the allure of a space with iron and wood wine racks in the dining room. Use tapestry runners on side tables and top the one on the dining table with a cast iron candle holder. Burnished brass urns and an indoor stone water fountain will work well for this theme. The most difficult task you will face is knowing when to stop.

Italian style
In the world of design, be it industrial design, art, fashion or furniture, the world looks to Italy for inspiration. Today’s Italians are in a race to improve the appearance and functionality of their living space. Furnishing your home in a simplified manner with functional fixtures and objects is part of the Italian style. If comfortable means placing an efficient piece of furniture that feels and looks good, then it is good Italian decoration.
Colour trends include the use of natural neutrals and white based tints that won’t intrude upon the role of accessories or quality furnishings. Walls should be smooth, sleek, clean and modern. Marble is widely used for Italian themed homes, well polished and texture free. Wall-to-wall carpeting is not part of this style.

Furniture here should be such that it can show off the best of modern Italian design. Sofas and chairs with a mix of chrome and soft, luxurious Italian worked leathers are part of this scheme. You can introduce some colour here by throwing in a few Persian rugs. Do not clutter the space when you add accessories. Floor lamps and table lamps should be treated as artistic accessories not lights. Let one single, special piece be a connection.

Moroccan decor
Mysterious Morocco is full of exotic inspiration for design and decoration. For this style, contrary to Italian decor, you need to prepare yourself for excess and be ready for rich vibrant colours. Moroccans take inspiration from the colours their land provides. The colours include hot vibrant oranges and reds, refreshed by deep blues and sparkling greens of the sea. Ochre mountain ranges, silvery moonlit desert-scapes and golden sands are other options. Deep blue for example is not reserved for accents. It can provide the dramatic backdrop for an entire room’s arrangement of dark wood furnishings, terracotta tiles and multi-coloured oriental rugs.

You can use adornments like glass work, bold patterned fabrics in sea and sand-inspired colours draped from the walls. Modern design lines and high-tech production techniques don’t apply here. The blend of a multitude of textures and shapes is captivating. You can tone down the drama of the first room by switching to highly textured, whitewashed walls in the next. Darkened wood plank floors layered with sand stone, natural fibre area rugs add texture and calm under foot.

For a sense of the dramatic, try draping fabric from the ceiling this time. You can add some gold and sea foam green upholstery. Add mosaics and vibrant orange/red artwork in intricately carved wood and camel bone frames to the walls.

Set huge woven baskets for the exotic plants and flower arrangements upon a collection of smooth sun bleached stones to complete the look. Use colourful mosaic tables to brighten a room. Jewel toned silks, influenced by interior design ideas from Indian homes make great throws or covering for massive pillows.

Mexican interior design
Mexican culture was heavily influenced by both its natural Indian ancestry and Spanish influences which creates a great range of indigenous styles. Typical items that help set a Mexican theme include blankets, pottery, handmade wickers and Mexican themed artwork. As for the wall colours and texture one has to choose which one of the various aspects of Mexican culture one wishes to represent as the range include stone, plaster and classic Spanish style villa finishes. They can all be used with or without paint depending on the look desired.

The most common look associated with Mexican décor however is the stucco and wood beam look with pale shades of white, yellow or reddish tints with unfinished woods. Another common element in Mexican-themed designs is the use of handcrafted Mexican tiles which typically incorporates bright colours and simple patterns to invoke a relaxing and fun atmosphere.

In kitchens, black wrought iron and hand hammered copper pots with Mexican tiles and bright colour paint help set the tone. Using low powered track lighting is one approach. The more traditional Spanish-style chandeliers may fit in better with your design theme. Sinks are best fitted with nickel or unpolished brass fixtures that are of high quality but have a simple design. Living areas can look eclectic with a Mexican décor. Old rusted metal signs and folk-art pieces scattered about amidst leather bound books and pieces of wall art ensure there is plenty to capture one’s interest. Use simple wooden or stained concrete floors with hand woven rugs.

Tuscan style design
You might consider Tuscan style for your interior needs if you are looking for a natural look for your home. Tuscan style allows your home to be a peaceful and comfortable setting where you can put your feet up without wondering if you are going to ruin the décor. This type of décor should not look shiny and new. The keywords for this decorating style are rustic and worn. The main characteristics of Tuscan-themed accessories are crumbling stone walls, wrought iron accessories, wood furniture, romantic Tuscan lighting such as scones on chandeliers from wrought iron floors of marble.

To give a Tuscan feel to the home, it should be made from limestone or sandstone to give a natural style.

The roof should have terracotta tiles. The windows should have wooden shutters to add to the rustic feel. Marble is a big element in Tuscan design, found in flooring and other details. The main components of the style are water, stone, wood and colors throughout the house. In a typical Tuscan kitchen, you might fund a sink made of porcelain or stone. The furniture is made of wood or wrought iron detailing.

To add colour to your home, you can display copper pots and pans as well as brightly coloured dishes in your cupboard. Good colours to use in Tuscan decorating include terracotta brick, golden yellows, ochres and greens. The typical Tuscany décor style is dark.