One of the more popular styles for urban apartments belies an Asian influence. This aesthetic is uncluttered and simple, and when decorating a smaller apartment space, a clean and organized space is perfect. The Asian style has a minimalist overtone, and it works particularly well in a contemporary space. Quite often an Asian inspired room will pull bold colors into the mix adding interest and drama to the room’s style. While many people find this type of room to be difficult to fashion, it is really very simple to bring the feeling of an Asian room into an urban apartment home.

The Asian Influence of Nature
Asian decor relies heavily on natural materials like polished wood, richly woven silk and bamboo, for its design elements. Bamboo is realizing unprecedented popularity since it is a completely renewable resource, and there is a very strong trend towards embracing sustainable design methods. Bamboo is also incredibly versatile, and it can be fashioned into blinds, mats, rugs and fabric, so it can be used throughout the space for many different applications. Another lovely, natural element that is very popular in Asian decor is stone. Add a simple stone fountain or sculpture to enhance the Asian feel; bringing in the water element also creates restful harmony in the space, which strongly hearkens to the Asian aesthetic.

Asian Palette
When thinking of Asian decor, typically rich, bold colors come to mind. Blend together luxurious shades of blue, purple, red and gold to create a very lively color palette. For a quieter palette, simply use these colors as small accents throughout the room. For example, add blue pillows to a neutral colored couch, or red and gold silk napkins to the dining table. Look for furnishings in dark, polished wood with sleek lines and simple detailing. This style of furniture gives a nod to the Asian aesthetic, while still creating a beautifully contemporary living space. Keeping the profile for furniture pieces low also creates an Asian feel in a room. However, it is important to balance a collection of low lying furnishings with some vertical references like a Shoji screen or a tall, bamboo plant. A beautiful display can be fashioned by hanging a silk kimono or wall tapestry on a light colored wall. Using the rich, Asian colors as accents instead of centerpieces is a great way to offer an Asian influence to the room while keeping the style of the furnishings clean and contemporary.

Finishing with Accessories
Choose Asian inspirited accessories that do not necessarily translate too literally. Add a screen as a room divider or an Oriental carpet to anchor a conversational seating area. Add a bamboo plant to the corner of the room or an Asian pepper plant on the coffee table to bring a natural element into the room. A tabletop fountain is a great way to bring the natural water element into the room. Adding a small aquarium or a betta fish vase will also bring a natural Asian accent into a contemporary, urban space.

Author Bio: Online contributing editor for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, Jessica Ackerman has extensive design experience, using tiger and lion metal wall decor and tropical fish metal wall art.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: wallpaper, floor, bathroom, paint, living room, carpet, home office, bedroom, feng shui