Ethnic Home Decor Styles

Ethnic Interior Design Styles

 

With so many choices available for home decorating, it may be difficult to decide just what your favorite style is. Read here for information about other styles of decorating, find handmade products or books about each style, and take it one step at a time.

Americana Style

Picture Example of Americana style room

Americana decorating describes a style that is both appealing and casual - Patriotic Theme. It is full of easy to care for materials that make it perfect for families with children. This style can be patriotic, primitive, or country farmhouse, but most often is a combination of the three. Americana decorating includes many different motifs, including geography, folk art, and history, which can be adapted in a number of ways. Search our selection of Handmade Home Decor quality americana accessories and furniture pieces.

Color Scheme red, white and blue color combinations, tan and denim.

Furniture

Accessories Stars, Flags, Stars and stripes in combination, Uncle Sam, Statue of Liberty, 1776 motifs, World War I and World War II, Checkerboards, Old Quilts.

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Americana Style

Other elements of Americana Decor

Nautical Motif Another aspect to patriotic Americana is a nautical motif. Because much of Americana decorating is centered on the symbols of New England, nautical things fit in perfectly: Lighthouses, Ships in bottles, Old lobster traps, Fishnets, Fishing weights, Carved shore birds and decoys, Shells, Anchors, Lanterns, vintage maps.

Black Americana continues to grow in popularity. While not truly a decorating style, it is a genre of collectibles that fits well with primitive décor, and holds great historic and artistic significance. If you love black memorabilia, and wish to add it to your primitive styled room.

Farm House Americana is a style that encompasses several decades and is, probably, the single most used decorating style. Colors can be anything from primaries to faded peach, and the style can lean from Colonial to kitschy, or be an enthusiastic mixture of all. The farmhouse style of Americana will often include: Roosters and chicken motifs, Red and white, 1940's decor, especially colorful fruit fabrics, 1950's decor, especially red kitchen items, Chintz fabrics, Overstuffed furniture, Vintage china and pottery, Eyelet.

(Top)

Asian Style

Picture Example of Asian Style bedroom

Asian style interior design, sometimes called Oriental, showcases the cultures of Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and other prominent Eastern societies. Some room designs are true to one style, while many Asian themed rooms are a combination of two or more cultural influences. The most recognizable design styles are Chinese and Japanese.

Feng shui is practiced in many Asian countries, but it is becoming increasingly popular in Western cultures. This is a set of ancient Chinese guidelines for properly placing objects and buildings. Feng shui states that all objects have energy that is positive or negative, so care should be taken to balance these energies.

Color Scheme Red is a prominent color in this Asian style interior design, bold colors along with ornate furniture and accessories. Bamboo, stone, and other natural materials provide the basis for a soothing color palette of brown, gray, and green. Soft floral patterns and colors are incorporated with decorative pottery and embellished textiles. Wood tones tend to be dark and rich in color.

Furniture The furniture pieces tend to be carved wooden designs with hand-painted details and high-gloss lacquered surfaces. Furniture and accessories tend to be clean-lined and geared towards living near the floor of the room. The simplicity of Japanese style is particularly appealing to modern and minimalist style. Futons are used for bedroom furniture while low tables and floor cushions are used for dining.

Assessories large accessories continue this dramatic style by featuring animal motifs and mythological beasts, such as monkeys and dragons. Porcelain ginger jars, large vases, and fish pots painted with complex patterns in multiple colors or in classic blue and white are also fashionable in Chinese interiors. Other stylish items are large wall murals, plaques, and folding screens. Colorful paper lanterns are often made in very vibrant colors. Natural fibers like silk are a must, and some silken fabrics are artistically embroidered with intricate designs. Simple, elegant floral arrangements such as orchids and bonsai add a graceful touch.

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Asian Style

(Top)

Mexican Style

Picture Example of Mexican Style bedroom

Mexican interior design is influenced by Spanish culture as well as ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. The bright bold colors of this style provide a striking backdrop to pine furnishings and simple accessories. Ceramic tiles in patterns that easily distinguish themselves to this design are often used throughout the home. Go for natural, hard flooring or unpolished clay tiles.

Color Scheme Terra cotta, mustard, khaki, sienna, bright blues, deep reds, greens, and pinks. A mixture of several different colors helps to achieve the look. Use texture effects such as stucco, faux suede finishes, or a color wash to get a rustic, Mexican feel.

Furniture Pine is the wood of choice in Mexican furniture. It is a blend of formal Spanish colonial styling, native Mayan design, and even a little bit of Chinese. The rich ornamentation and iron scroll work of the Spanish adorns simply constructed, straight-lined cabinets and tables reflecting the designs of the Mayans. Authentic antique pieces reflect the rich history of Mexican colonial days. In addition to the warm honey tones of pine, many Mexican pieces are painted in bright colors such as red, orange, and blue.

Assessories Woven blankets, festive pottery, terra cotta pottery, vibrant art work, cactus plants, colorful woven baskets, primitive figurines, and traditional masks. Brightly colored rugs and throws. Lot's of metalwork such as iron tableware and candlesticks, tin mirror frames, or iron drawer pulls.

Fabrics Suede, leather, bright colored fabrics with patterns influenced by ancient civilizations or striped in bright colors as seen in the traditional Mexican blankets and throws.

(Top)

African Style

Picture Example of African style bedroom

Traditional African design is simple, classic, sparsely furnished, and includes art work and accessories inspired by nature, tribal ceremonies, and spiritual beliefs. Warm neutral colors accented with darker deep rich colors create a stunning effect. Animal prints are a great way to add interest to the room, but it is wise to keep them to a minimum. They are best used as accessories which can be easily changed if it becomes too overwhelming. Flooring is plain in a hard wood such as teak, mahogany, bamboo, or for a more exotic look go for zebrano.

Colors - Warm neutrals like cream, beiges, coffee, and taupes with accents in chocolate brown, or red, yellow, and oranges that resemble an African sunset. Try painting three walls a warm neutral color and one wall a darker deep rich color.

Furniture - Simple, solid dark wood pieces made from mahogany, teak or walnut. Rustic pieces with carved spiritual features (think fertility gods, tribal masks, etc.) make bold accent pieces. Lines should be kept simple and accent with one or two bold pieces.

Accessories - Tribal masks, wooden carvings and figurines, wall hangings made from hand-woven tribal textiles, animal print pillows, rugs with African tribal designs or animal skin prints, palm trees, rubber plants, and ferns.

Fabrics - Dark brown leather, cream-colored linens or cottons, tribal textiles, or animal prints.

(Top)

Scandinavian Style

Picture Example of Scandinavian Style bedroom

Uncomplicated, light, and airy is the style of Scandinavian home décor. This look came out of the need to brighten up indoor spaces to contrast Sweden’s long and dark winters. Colors are neutral, floors are pale, and accessories are minimal. White stripes, checks, and florals are often seen in the fabrics, on the floors, or in accent pieces to add subtle interest. Lighting is added with simple chandeliers, table lamps, and wall sconces. The overall look is casually aged and timeless.

Color Scheme Neutral and basic. Whites, ecru, beige, light blues, and often a punch of red for interest. Floors are light colored such as maple, or they may be bleached or painted white.

Fabric Cotton and linen are the most common.

Furniture Uncomplicated and clean: straight lines with slightly curved detailing and tapered legs. Minimal upholstery. White pine, ash, and beech woods are popular.

Assessories Mirrors are extremely popular because they make the most of natural light. Wreaths, candles, and china are often seen. Use accent pieces sparingly to create an uncluttered but comfortable atmosphere.

(Top)

Moroccan Style

Picture Example of Moroccan Style room

Moroccan interior design is influenced by several different cultures to include Spanish, French, and Moorish, but draws most of its style from Islamic inspiration. It evokes a warm, sultry exotic feel with rich colors, fabrics, and patterns that have a spicy feel. Tiles are used throughout the home on walls, floors, and inlaid in furniture. Typically, floors are a simple terra cotta tile, but look for intricately decorated tiles with a Moorish feel for other uses. Walls can be painted and are roughly textured with plaster, but a faux suede finish or a color wash with sand added to it will also give an authentic Moroccan look. As with any exotic style take care not to overdo it.

Color Scheme Deep blues, turquoise, aquamarine, yellow, gold, silver, burnt  sienna, fuchsia, and green. Colors named after spices like cinnamon, paprika, saffron, and curry look great accented with cobalt blue. If you prefer a softer look go for neutral colors such a beige, taupe, or sand and accent with brighter bolder colors. 

Fabric Silk and gauze-like fabrics in bold colors with exotic patterns that include octagonal, hexagon, and diamond shapes with paisley prints, flowers, the tree-of-life motif, or the traditional Islamic key -hole design. 

Furniture Delicately carved wooden pieces, plush overstuffed upholstered chairs, tables with inlaid  tiles, and overstuffed ottomans. The look should be simple and rustic.

Assessories Beautiful Persian style rugs, lamps hung from the ceiling, brass vessels, wrought iron framed mirrors, brightly colored pottery with Moroccan style geometric patterns painted on them, pillows and cushions made from brightly colored fabrics with exotic patterns, and ornate wrought iron screens. 

(Top)

Indian Style

Picture Example of Indian Style Office Room

Indian interior design can evoke a space that is relaxed and informal with a bit of a magical feel to it. Colors are rich and exotic and include bright jewel tones and golden accents. Textiles with brightly colored patterns can be used throughout the space, but be careful not to overdo it. Accessories too can be brightly colored and have a religious significance to them so care must be taken not to overdo this area either. The wood used is typically dark and a lacquered finish is common.

Color Scheme Deep cinnamon, purples, reds, oranges, and raspberry. Accent with gold or rich, deep green or blue. For a less dramatic look try using soft neutrals such as sand, beige, or taupe and accent with jewel tones.

Furniture Usually low in stature and made from dark wood such as walnut, sandalewood, teak, redwood, or red cedar. Ornately carved pieces that are solid, slightly worn, and have a rustic feel to them are excellent choices. Look for pieces embellished with ivory or an accent piece that is lacquered. Flooring: Dark hardwood or pale, neutral ceramic tiles.

Assessories Ornately carved wooden boxes, wrought iron lighting, candlesticks, carved screens, beaded tassels or tie backs, anything decorated with tiny mirror or glass tile pieces, brightly colored cushions on the floor, pillows made from saris or brightly colored patterned fabrics, and ornate picture frames and mirror frames.

Fabrics Light floaty sheers in white or rich vibrant colors, silks, and embroidered cottons. Look for folk art patterns with figures of musicians, dancers, or animals. Geometric patterns, swirly patterns, floral, foliage, sun patterns, and the most associated with this style, paisley, will easily create an exotic, magical feel. Saris are a great source for fabric. They are usually fifteen to twenty-five feet long and forty-four inches wide, which is enough fabric to make two curtains.

(Top)

Egyptian Style

Picture Example of Egyptian style bedroom room

Egyptian interior design, one of the most unique of the exotic styles, can be bold, yet simplistic and elegant. Although easy to achieve, the trick is to create a space with a balance between ancient civilization and modern day Egypt. Too much emphasis on the ancient and not enough on the modern can make your space look like a room in a museum. Once the balance is achieved, however, the look is striking, unique, and inviting.

Colors - Deep beige, taupe, creams, reds, blues, yellows, purple, black, green and as an accent, gold. Keep the gold to a minimum.

Furniture - Simplistic furniture of low stature with a dark finish. Try accenting with one ornate piece like a wooden chair with gods and hieroglyphics carved into it. Walls: To keep the space from becoming too busy or overdone keep the walls smooth and paint them in warm earth tones. Try taupe, deep beige, or cream colors. If you want a more dramatic look try painting one wall a deep, rich red or blue color. Floors: Ceramic tile, marble, or dark hard wood.

Accessories - Ceramic vases in clusters, papyrus paintings, tapestries, reliefs, figurines, canopic jars, baskets, opulent pillows, Egyptian art work, and palm plants. Look for mirrors or picture frames in deep gold accented with black. Window treatments made from a deep gold silk that are too long so they pool on the floor can give the space an elegant feel. Try tying them back with a simple tassel. It is very important to keep accessories to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look.

Fabrics - Silk and silk-like fabrics, Egyptian cotton, and linen. A bold, thick striped silk fabric in deep colors like gold and black or gold and turquoise are an excellent choice. Fabrics with patterns of ancient designs or hieroglyphics will work well but are best kept to a minimum.

(Top)

See Also:

• Europe Inspired Decorating Styles
• Modern Decorating Styles
• Historical Decorating Styles
• Nature Inspired Decorating Styles
• Other Decorating Styles
• Theme Rooms