Western Society
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 noncolor 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 obis.
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 oneweek 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 were afraid someone whose given us something may come over and we wont 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 Dcor 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.