9 Elements of Asian Style
Let Your Bath Be Inspired by an Appreciation of Nature, Simplicity and Asymmetry
What are some ways to describe an Asian style interior? The words serene, peaceful, and Zen immediately come to mind. Although Asian design could be described as a fusion of styles, there are distinct recognizable elements which are associated with this type of decor. Let's see how some talented Houzz designers created bathrooms inspired by the Far East.
1. Asymmetry. The vessel sink, mirror and pendant light are all on one side of the vanity in this serene powder room. With asymmetry comes balance, and this photo is a study on it. Notice how the following items balance each other: alcove niche and vessel sink; mirror and towel bar; and pendant light and flower arrangement. Just looking at this bath, another one of my all-time favorites on Houzz, makes me feel calm.
2. Altar-like alcoves. Traditional Japanese style rooms feature a tokonoma, an alcove to display special art on scrolls and flower arrangements. This alcove, possibly inspired by such a niche, actually contains a window and the carved floral art looks like shutters.
3. Reference to nature. When I look at the pebbles in the corner of this shower, I see a waterfall. This falling water theme is repeated on this vanity from Kohler.
4. Chinoiserie furniture. Chinoiserie is French for "Chinese-esque," and represents an Oriental style which emerged in France in the middle of the 18th century. Detailed scenes are painted on dark lacquer-like wood cabinets.
5. Natural materials. We see lots of light stone tile, blond wood planks and smooth river rock pebbles in this East meets West bath.
6. Simplicity. Minimal furnishings and the use of one type of light travertine gives this bath a simple, uncluttered appearance.
7. Clean lines. This contemporary Asian bath features clean straight lines in the block-like cabinets, rectangular floor tiles, black wall shelf and long pendant lights.
8. Circle motif. The circle is an important symbol in Japan, "land of the rising sun," where the red circle on the white flag represents the sun. Enso means circle in Japanese and is associated with Zen and enlightenment. Two frosted glass cutouts in these vanity doors are designed to make a circle when closed.
8. Circle motif. The circle is an important symbol in Japan, "land of the rising sun," where the red circle on the white flag represents the sun. Enso means circle in Japanese and is associated with Zen and enlightenment. Two frosted glass cutouts in these vanity doors are designed to make a circle when closed.
9. Orchids. Live orchids are beautiful and add the perfect finishing touch to an Asian-inspired bathroom.
Next: Browse more photos of Asian-inspired design
Next: Browse more photos of Asian-inspired design
