Asian decor

Asian decor book: Contemporary Chinese interiors

2005-10-31T02:20:00.000-08:00

China is fast becoming an economic power and with that comes fast development and changes in the people’s lifestyles, living standards and contemporary culture. This rapid development in a country with rich history and culture has brought about a unique evolution in Chinese design trends and styles.

Traditions provide a strong background to new designs, bringing about a harmonization of the old and the new, with the exploration of contemporary design concepts.

Such contemporary Chinese designs that showcase a unique palette of textures, colours, and elements is representative of Chinese roots and at the same time presents a set of aesthetics that is appealing to the modern world.

In recent years, contemporary Chinese designs have not only become popular in Asia, they have also gained a strong following in the western world.

This book features a collection of projects from the Asian region including China, Hong Kong and Singapore which will hopefully inspire designers the world over to continue to bring this design phenomenon to a higher level.

Turn the page and indulge yourself in a where acid jazz plays against traditional Chinese lanterns and antique furniture.

Available at ASIA BOOKS

Preview other books on Asian decor at: Asian decor books

Asian decor: reaping full benefits from the www promise

2005-10-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

asiannouveau.com, prefiguring the new generation of online marketplaces, offers Asian home decor producers and exporters a cost-efficient way to generate new industry trade contacts and B2B sales on the world-wide-web

Today, Internet is the most researched source of information for buyers, journalists and consumers and developing an active internet presence is key to any exporter’s success. But with the ever increasing number of websites on the world-wide-web (the world-wide-web is growing at a rate of approximately 7 to 8 Million new web pages everyday and Google currently indexes in its database a total of over 8 billion pages!), a website needs to be constantly updated and improved to rank well in search engine, attract new visitors and generate new qualified sales leads.

“Developing a user-friendly and comprehensive website is a significant investment. Search engine optimization is necessary but extremely time consuming or expensive when outsourced”, explains Damien Pfirsch, the founder and managing director of asiannouveau.com, who also regularly writes a column on search engine optimization for the Bangkok Post, Thailand first English language newspaper. “Many Asian home decor producers and exporters have already developed their own website, but due to a lack of time to update their site and optimize it for search engines, their online venue is enjoying limited traffic and generates very few new trade enquiries for their companies”.

asian nouveau’s goal is to give Asian home decor producers a cost-efficient way to be seen, noticed and contacted by trade buyers on the internet. For an affordable yearly fee, the company presents on its website Asian home decor accents and furniture producers and their creations.

“But unlike most online marketplace, we do more than just listing products on our site, and we go to great lengths to present our exhibitors in the best possible light: we write and edit all texts in English and French and take all pictures ourselves. Furthermore, we promote their company through our newsletters, and publish their news releases on our online news section. We promote as well our site to international media to generate more traffic to our site and increase our exhibitors’ exposure”, explains Mr. Pfirsch. The website has for example already been showcased in the Miami Herald Tribune and Lufthansa in-flight magazine, among other international media.

www.asiannouveau.com is the most visited website specialized in home decor creations from Asia (source: alexa.com). The site ranks at the top of major search engines (for example n.1 in Yahoo! Search and n.3 in Google.com (USA) for “Asian decor”) and welcomes an average of 400 unique visitors per day, who browse the website for longer than 4 minutes and view over 7 pages. “We offer exhibiting Asian decor producers and exporters a truly international exposure focused on Western markets: 55% of our visitors are from the US, 12% from France, 20% are from Canada and other European countries and 13% from the Asia Pacific zone”, says Mr. Pfirsch.

True to their mission to raise the international profile of Asian designers and serve as an advocate of the new trends in Asian decor, asiannouveau.com also features more than 60 designers and artists portraits as well as 150 texts resources on Asian art and Asian decor traditions and recent developments. “We want to support Asian producers’ exports growths, by giving them international exposure on the www. We also want to grow the international awareness of contemporary Asian design by advocating the latest trends in Asian home decor. Our mission is not only to generate new trade contacts for Asian exporters, but also to contribute to the growth of the global market for modern Asian design”, says Damien Pfirsch. “We strongly believe that with the growing need for targeted information, niche online marketplaces that offer user-friendly navigation, extensive and quality contents in terms of products but also the industry they cover, represent the future of international B2B promotion.

asian nouveau plans to further develop its reach by cooperating with international online and offline publishers, and working closely with government agencies and private industry association. “Today, the internet is mostly dominated by large website from the US and Europe. They appear the highest in search engines, enjoy the most traffic, and have the greatest impact on online audiences. Teaming-up together with government agencies like the Department of Export Promotion in Thailand and private industry associations, we could have an even greater impact and give Asian producers and exporters further opportunities to reap the full benefits from the information globalization on the www” says Damien Pfirsch.

To lean more on Asian Nouveau initiatives, visit the website online media room: asiannouveau media room

New book on Asian decor: Building the Japanese house today

2005-10-07T02:22:00.000-07:00

The traditional Japanese house is universally admired for its clean lines, intricate joinery, and unparalleled woodworking. The authors of this elegant volume, Peggy Landers Rao and Len Brackett, show how a classic Japanese- style house can be built to offer the warmth and comfort that modern homeowners require.

Len Brackett, rigorously trained in traditional architecture in Kyoto, has spent decades adapting the ancient Japanese design aesthetic to Western needs. He builds traditional live-on-the-floor houses, as well as versions that accommodate furniture. Both types provide the essential features expected in today's new homes - central heating, insulation, weather stripping, thermal glazing, streamlined kitchens, computerized lighting systems, and the latest electronics.

The book's primary focus is on a single guesthouse in California, but pictures of other adaptations of the traditional Japanese house in America exemplify various points.

Architects will find reference charts of the prescribed set of proportions and dimensions normally passed down through a strict system of apprenticeship. Builders and woodworkers can turn to explanations about selecting grain and anticipating shrinkage of various woods. A remarkable tool used to lay out precise joints is described in detail. Various sources are given for materials, including where to find a contemporary version of the distinctive, traditional earthen plaster.

Discover the latest published books on Asian decor at: Asian decor books

Asian decor book: India Modern

2005-09-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

A superb coffee table book presenting unpublished photography by leading Asian photographer Michael Freeman and showcasing the latest trends in contemporary Indian design and Indian inspired interiors.

Stunning, previously unpublished photography by leading Asian photographer Michael Freeman showcases the best of contemporary Indian interiors, focusing on domestic interiors and also presenting hip bars, boutique hotels, and luxurious shops.

Today Indian design is a fascinating mixture of local styles and modern interpretations and many of the interiors featured reflect the best in Indian craftsmanship in contemporary decor and interior design.

The gorgeous photography of modern Indian interiors reveal the changing face of Indian interior design, and the innovative ideas being introduced not only by Indians but also by foreign architects and designers who have moved to India. This book unveils a modern India that is still relatively unknown.

India Modern
Author: Michael Freeman
Publisher: Michel Beazley
Available at ASIA BOOKS

Review more books and publications on Asian decor at: Asian decor books

home decor fair: the 2nd International Art & Antique Expo – Dubai

2005-09-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

The 2nd International Art & Antique Expo – 19th - 21st April, 2006, Dubai

The 2nd edition of The International Art & Craft Expo, renamed as \'The International Art & Antique Expo\' will be held from April 19th - 21st , 2006 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Hall in Dubai , United Arab Emirates, with the earnest support and patronage of \'Dubai Cultural Council\' and \'Emirates Fine Art Society\'. Further, based on the success of the International Art & Craft Expo 2005, the International Art & Antique Expo will strengthen Dubai\'s position on the international art scene.

The International Art & Antique Expo 2006 is a special exhibition being organized, with the purpose to enhance the cultural exchange and the globalization of the affluent art market in the Middle East.

The exhibition will provide the opportunity for art and antique professionals and lovers to see and learn, to evaluate the market and to help expand the collector market by reaching out to new collectors and art enthusiasts. The Fair is intended for two types of buyers: a core group of trade agencies and a larger group of interested people wanting to buy a beautiful piece to complement their surroundings.

As a result of the exhibition\'s stated goal to continuously improve its attendance and presentation by adopting intensive and extensive marketing strategies, the 2nd edition of this prestigious show will no doubt fulfill the expectations of the most demanding collectors among them !

The Middle East being a budding market for the art & antique industry, an exhibition of this nature is expected to attract over 250 exhibitors from over 30 countries and draw trade visitors from all over the Middle East and neighboring region.

For more information, contact Ms. Sarita Lakhiani: sarita@globallinksdubai.com

To learn more on future Asian decor and home decor fair, visit Asian decor news

Asian decor aromatherapy

2005-09-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

Asian decor interiors are filled with aromatherapy products and aromatherapy accessories to soothe all senses.

Discover a luscious selection of relaxing Asian fragrances presented in elegant silk boxes aromatherapy gifts sets at: aromatherapy

Asian decor company: Doi Tung

2005-09-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

Reviving handicraft traditions to alleviate rural powerty

To alleviate the hardship experienced by the inhabitants of the harsh mountainous terrain of the northern areas of Thailand, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara, late mother of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, inaugurated the Doi Tung Development Project under The Mae Fah Luang Foundation in 1988.

The Doi Tung Development Project promotes alternative occupations as well as vocational training courses to provide new employment opportunities. Staff employed by the Doi Tung handicrafts centre work under the guidance and close supervision of designers and experts, who are engaged by the project to oversee the design and product development, and to take the lead in developing creative elements such as style, colors, fabric design and design innovation.

Decorative accents handcrafted from natural raw materials

Doi Tung home decor products are handcrafted from natural raw materials, many of them grown or harvested from the surrounding area. Natural cotton and silk are used in the production of textiles. Hemp and jute or reeds are used for handmade interior décor products to create innovative textures.

Doi Tung offers today a rich collection of modern handcrafted decorative accents:

- rugs and carpets: hand tufted and hand woven carpets in various sizes and forms creatively mixing cottons and other natural fibers such as hemp and reeds.
- home textiles fabrics and accessories in cotton and silk (throws, pillow cases, placemats…).
- an extensive collection of decorative ceramics characterized by sumptuous glazes: vases, bowls, plates and dishes.
- a growing collection of practical home decorative items made of mulberry paper (Saa papers): boxes, notepads, photo albums…

Recognized by the UNODC label

In view of its success in alleviating rural poverty and the effectiveness of its drug eradication initiatives, the Doi Tung Development Project Under Royal Initiative is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most successful projects in sustainable development.

As a result of these notable achievements, the Doi Tung Development Project was awarded permission by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to affix the UNODC label on Doi Tung products.
The UNODC label reads: "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The sale of this product contributes to the achievement of drug free world. Through alternative sustainable development, villagers who once depended on opium production and use can now earn secure legitimate incomes by making these products."

By purchasing creations from The Doi Tung Development Project, you not only acquire high quality handmade home decorative accents but also support its initiative and provide a brighter future to the inhabitants of remote areas of Northern Thailand.

To discover some of their handcrafted decorative creations, follow: Doi Tung

Asian decor book launch: Architectural heritage in Thailand

2005-09-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

Architectural heritage in Thailand: twenty years of architectural conservation award, 1982-2002

The ASA Outstanding architectural Conversation Award has been given for 20 years, despite economic uncertainties. Now, the economy has recovered, and experts estimate that it is also the right time to reconsider the role of conservation, that conservation is not only to keep but may also be used creatively.

This is in accordance with the current government policy that supports marketing the richness of Thailand’s exotic culture, along with spreading the idea of conservation among local communities. These communities will work together with the government to transform cultural heritage to tangible products which bring wealth to the communities. If the philosophy is followed, the 174 award-winning buildings will constitute not only the heritage, but also the fortune of each local community.

Reconsidering the philosophy of architectural conservation in the past 35 years… Conservation evolved from the first step of sustaining architectural heritage, which began with the Modernist school of thought, to the second step of exposing the idea of conservation to the public. It is now the point to re-conceptualize so that architectural heritage is seen as a cultural cost necessary to support society. Tourism, activities, events, and souvenirs retailing will be used to add social value to architectural heritage, revealing the uniqueness of each locality to be sustainable and appropriate.

All of the ASA's activities in the domain of architectural conservation, including the publishing of this book, have been attempts to reaffirm the value of our heritage without slowing down the country with an outmoded idea of conservation. The idea of architectural conservation in conjunction with development will support the advance of Thailand, harmonizing an international idea with our own cultural foundations.

Publisher: Periplus
Available at ASIA BOOKS

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Asian decor: Asian decorative crafts

2005-08-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

Inspired by traditional handicrafts, Asian decorative crafts offer numerous decorating ideas to add a singular touch to your decor. Create contrasts between the old and the new with handpainted wall hangings, decorative paintings, statues or intriguing musical instruments.

Discover a quality selection of Asian decorative crafts items at: decorative crafts

Asian decor company: Na Ame

2005-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Revamping traditional Thai arts and crafts creations

Na Ame was founded by Waranya Boonwiwat, an interior designer with a fervent passion for Thai arts and crafts traditions.

Willing to contribute to the preservation of Thai handicrafts, she also understood that most traditional decorative items would hardly fit in a modern decor. Introducing new vivid colors and simplifying forms, she started to create distinctively Thai but modern home accents.

A rich collection of handmade Asian decorative items

Cooperating with expert craftsmen

Na Ame decorative crafts creations are made in Thailand in close collaboration with experienced craftsmen. Revamping traditional home accents, Waranya Boonwiwat follows with the crafts masters each step of the prototype developments to fine-tune creations that can be hand produced in large quantity at an even quality.

Na Ame team systematically inspects all products before being packing and shipping them.

A varied collection of decorative items

Na Ame home decorative items are created with Thai traditional arts and crafts materials:

- silk: luscious Thai silk pillow cases and silk cushions painted by hand in gold, cotton and raw silk lamp shades, gorgeous silk throws and stunning silk wall hangings adorned with gold leaves.
- teak wood: small furniture, decorative statues and music instruments.
- lacquer ware: trays, boxes and other furnishing items.

Na Ame also proposes a growing collection of decorative paintings created by northern Thailand art students.

Showroom

Na Ame presents a large selection of their decorative items at Bangkok week-end market. Located in the new section of the famous Jatujak market, their showroom is open every day except Mondays.

To view some of their Asian decorative crafts items, follow: Na Ame

Asian decor Fusion Living - Damien Pfirsch discusses Asian décor trends with In Residence Magazine

2005-08-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

In Residence Magazine – August 2005

The Rise of Asian Décor

The recent surge in popularity of Asian décor can be partly attributed to its look of serenity: it graces spaces with a peaceful, natural feel, serving as an antidote to stress. Asian décor design elements are characterized by clean lines and simple forms. The effect is subtle yet dramatic, and creates a tranquil ambience.

Indeed, the essence of Asian décor is in its simplicity. The “less is more” philosophy con also be applied to Asian décor accessories, when carefully selected and placed within a designated space.

Furthermore, Asian décor harmonizes particularly well with contemporary styled interiors. Typically, the furniture is low and formed using clean straight lines; while Asian décor accents are often dramatic and add a unique and elegant touch to any modern interior.

Finally, the current shift away from against mass-produce looks and a desire for more unique, artist-inspired pieces explains the increasing appeal of Asian décor. With a few well-selected Asian décor accents, we can confer a singular and authentic feel upon any room.

The End of Zen Décor?

A decade ago, the most successful Asian décor style in the West was modern Japanese design - commonly referred to as Zen design. Zen design uses very clean lines and geometrical figures to project a sense of minimalism dominated by black, grey and white colors.

But recently, homeowners began turning away from the rigorous rules governing Zen décor, which are often regarded as too strict and requiring drastic changes to existing décor schemes.

The new Asian décor style is more relaxed and informal. It also facilitates more room to be creative, a reality that has seduced numerous interior designers and décor aficionados. It is certainly far easier to add elegant Asian-styled flourishes to a room, with a few artistic décor accents or furniture items. Furthermore, with bright colors and unique forms, new Asian décor accents project a warmer look and feel than their Zen counterparts.

Incorporating Asian Décor Accents

Asian décor accents and contemporary art creations, by artists and craft masters from Thailand and surrounding nations, are captivating art and décor fans around the world.

Interior designers and consumers alike are increasingly open to experimenting with different design elements and textures; and to blending contemporary Asian-inspired décor creations with Western design elements to create a unique, personalized look and feel.

This new trend, sometimes referred as “fusion”, offers endless possibilities. A carefully selected modern Asian décor creation can complement an already exciting room design in a subtle way, or as a bold and visually impressive centerpiece. Either way, this fusion of modern Asian décor elements with other modern features is easily accomplished and provides an opportunity to create a truly unique and distinctive home environment.

Another interesting point about fusing Eastern with Western décor is the freedom this ethos gives people to personalized their spaces. It’s surely more desirable than being restricted by a set of rules regarding minimal color combinations, shape, balance, and the need to leave lots of empty space. After all, this design evolution increases the options for homeowners or designers to follow their personal inspirations. Everyone is free to play with colors, materials. And shapes to create artful atmospheres that feature a distinctive Asian décor flair.

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor company: Human Touch

2005-08-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

Pioneering the Thai design scene

Human Touch was founded in 1998 by a group of Thai designers with a mission: introducing contemporary design in Thailand and creating inspiring home decorative accents and furniture with a practical function.

They launched their first collections to great media applause at the Bangkok International Gift and House ware Fair 1998 and since then, keep surprising design pundits with imaginative and functional designs. All their creations are manufactured in Thailand under their supervision in factories conforming to international standards.

Simplicity, functionality and humor!

Home decorative accents and furniture: pure lines and functionality

Driven by the quest of simplicity, Human Touch designers take their inspirations from the forms found in nature. Simplifying and transposing the shapes into the home decor universe, they create unusual and elegant decorative items made from ceramic or reinforced fiber glass.

Their collections of vases inspired by the forms of roots and branches have been featured in various international publications including Metropolis and the New York Times.

Their lines of elegant contemporary furniture, made from reinforced fiberglass and fabrics include tables, chairs, stools and armchairs, benches, bean bags and sofas. Clean and round lines bestow a trendy look while functionality and comfort are never overlooked.

Whimsical home accessories

Their extensive lines of whimsical home accessories include bedding items (pillowcases and bed sheets), table linens (placemats and napkins) and ceramic and plastic tableware (glass, plates, cups, saucers...) as well as clocks and other desk accessories.

Printed with maxims and quirky wordings, they reconcile design and humor and constitute highly original gift ideas that have already been featured in Elle à Table and Paris Match magazines among other international publications.

Custom design services

Human Touch is highly experienced in developing custom and exclusive designs for company gifts and exclusive give-away. Working in close cooperation with their customers’ marketing executives, they create unique products that highlight the brands attributes and underpin the sales message.

To view some of their ground-breaking contemporary Asian decor accents, follow: Human Touch

Asian decor company: take a luxe

2005-08-17T03:13:00.000-07:00

Exploring a new design approach to surfaces

Inventing new applications for industrial printing processes. take a luxe designers create singular modern furniture, lightings and gifts and house wares.

Exploring a new design approach to surfaces, take a luxe creates avant-garde lampshades materials, trays or furniture surfaces, and mold them into stylized forms. Relying on their printing expertise, they play with techniques, contrasts and graphics to give birth to unique textures and appealing visual effects.

Their creativity and ground-breaking works have won them immediate recognition and different awards, including the TSGA Awards 2005 for Commercial.

Contemporary lightings, furniture and home ware

Take a luxe trademark creations are their contemporary lightings made from acrylic materials printed on different layers and shaped into modern forms. The light sources radiate through the different layers, creating fascinating hologram-like contrasts of colors and tones.

Their other creations include contemporary furniture and home ware (trays and office accessories), characterized by elaborated graphics printed on the acrylic surfaces.

Custom design

Take a luxe is highly experienced in creating customized products, sets or collections of items that perfectly enhances your brand attributes to complete your collections with original creations.

To view some of their ground-breaking Asian inspired home decor creations, follow: take a luxe

Asian decor company: Silkroad Design

2005-08-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

gift sets and spa sets designed with an artist eye

Silkroad design creations have a reputation for high handcrafted quality, refined color work and design excellence. Constantly working on new collections reminiscent of the peaceful tranquility of the Silk Road, its designers fashion a universe of timeless elegance that flatters all senses.

Silk Road Design specializes in harmoniously coordinated gift sets and spa sets, marrying home decor accents, fashion apparels and aromatherapy products and accessories.

They are serving a fast growing base of customers from the hospitality and home furnishings industries in Europe, the US and Asia.

contemporary living creations

gift sets and spa sets

Also known as the birthplace of aromatherapy, the Silk Road was famous for the trade & manufacture of essential oils. Reviving the tradition, Silkroad Design creates gifs sets and spa sets combining colors, textures and fragrances to please and soothe the senses.

Their elegant high quality fabric covered spa sets boxes are neatly filled with plush spa products and accessories: candles, oil burners, incense, lotions, bath gels, message oils, essential oils, foot soaks, aromatic salts, eye pillow, potpourri, towels and slippers among others.

home decorative accents and stationeries

The timeless elegance of Silkroad Design decorative accents and stationeries has attracted critical acclaim from international media.

They offer stylish collections of pillows, throws, table runners, bed runners, placemats, foot stools, jewelry boxes, picture frames, tissues holders, bathroom accessories, and stationeries such as journals, address book and photo albums using high quality paper with beautiful silk covers.

fashion wear
Effortlessly crossing from the world of design to fashion, Silkroad design complements its offering with fashionable lines of spa wear, home wear and everyday wear.

Their most successful creations include colorful slippers and sandals, as well as shimmering kimonos reconciling comfort and style.

custom design and packaging

custom design services

Silkroad Design team is highly experienced in creating customized products, sets or collections of items that perfectly enhances your brand attributes and complete your collections.

They welcome projects ranging from one to several creations and excel at producing unique and luscious designs while staying within your budgets.

made to order fabric packaging

With packaging becoming key to any merchandising strategy, their fabric boxes offer a perfect way to elegantly present quality items and products such as jewelry, watches, gourmet foods, wines, and cosmetics.

Coordinating fragrances and colors, Silkroad designers custom creates neat and elegant boxes and fabric packaging to differentiate, enhance and add value to your products. No details are overlooked, boxes are expertly crafted, packaging meticulously hand assembled and ribbons hand tied.

To discover more Asian decor companies, visit: Asian decor companies

Asian decor company: Sukanya Thai Silk

2005-08-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

A quality driven silk manufacturer

Established in 1998, Sukanya Thai Silk is a rapidly growing silk manufacturer and exporter.

Managing all the steps of the silk production in their factory, they offer a large collection of silk scarves, silk shawls, silk fabrics, silk home decor creations and fashion apparels of uncompromising quality.

Their elegant and fashionable silk fabrics coupled with exacting color standards, flawless workmanship, and prompt delivery have won over numerous fashion and interior designers, as well as wholesalers and retailers in Italy, Spain, the USA, Hong-Kong and Korea.

Producing quality silk fabrics and silk decorative accents

A complete silk production factory

Employing more than 100 experienced workers, Sukanya Thai Silk 3,200 m2 factory handles all the steps of silk production, from weaving to dyeing, designing to sawing, quality control to packing.

New dyes are developed and tested in their own color lab, giving customers an extensive choice of shades and color combinations with the guarantee of long-lasting colors.

Silk modern home decor accents and fashion apparels

Sukanya Thai Silk proposes ever-evolving collections of silk modern home decor accents and fashion apparels:

- silk scarves and shawls, in timeless design or seasonal colors at different sizes.
- a trendy pillow collection with contemporary designs, made of silk only or blending other materials to create a unique look and luxurious feel.
- tasteful home decorative items in pure Thai silk or mixed materials: silk lampshades, table runners, placemats and coasters.
- a unique selection of handbags coming in various sizes from cocktail to travel.

Custom-orders and collaborative design

Sukanya Thai Silk designers and colorists are ready to assist you with your special projects. Following your inquiry, they send you different design ideas and silk swatches, as well as other suggestions for your new silk creations.

To discover more Asian decor companies, visit: Asian decor companies

Asian decor news: Launch of The International Furniture & Design Objects 2005

2005-08-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

The Thai Furniture Industries Association positioning Thailand as global market’s leader

The International Furniture & Design Objects 2005 was officially launched during a press conference held on July 19, 2005 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

Positioned as the greatest showcase in Thailand’s Furniture Industries. the new trade and public fair is endorsed by the Thai Furniture Industries Association.

The Thai Furniture Association is a private organization regrouping a large number of Thai furniture exporters. They cooperate to position Thailand as a leader in the global furniture market.

With a 20% export increase in value year-to-year, Thailand’s furniture companies are rapidly expanding. This shows their success in meeting the need of international buyers from the US, Europe and Asia, in terms of quality, price and modern and functional design.

The fair targets to attract more than 100,000 trade and public visitors and will showcase the creations of many Thai furniture export companies.

Planned just before the busy Christmas shopping period, the show also offers local residents a great chance to find unique and valuable gifts.

International Furniture & Design Objects 2005
Bangkok, Thailand
Challenger 3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
Trade Days: 18-20 Oct. (10.00-18.00 hrs.)
Public Days: 21-23 Oct. (10.00-20.00 hrs.)

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor news

Asian decor company: C&P Celadon

2005-08-08T03:31:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with new celadon tableware designs

Founded in 1999 by Pornchai Potikanon, C&P Celadon ambitioned to reintroduce celadon tableware into trendy restaurants and modern homes.

Experimenting with cooking curves and developing new colors, shaping elegant and contemporary designs, C&P Celadon has since developed an extensive collections of high quality celadon tableware.

The company’s first success with local restaurants and hotels has been quickly followed by purchases from international buyers from the hospitality and interior design industries, looking for functional, durable and elegant tableware.

Elegant, functional and durable celadon tableware

Reconciling elegance and functionality

Having worked 25 years in the hospitality industry, Pornchai Potikanon was well aware of the needs of hotels and restaurants: durable and functional tableware that ad a new zing to their venues and further enhance the look of their culinary preparations.

The natural properties of celadon made them a sound choice for hoteliers. Indeed, entirely organic, cadmium free and lead free, celadon tableware are not only food safe but can also be used in microwave ovens and washed in dishwashers.

But their uninspiring designs and colors made them unsuitable for the fast growing segment of trendy dining and entertaining venues. Pornchai embraced the challenge, creating new colors and shapes blending modern forms and Asian shapes, he successfully reintroduced celadon tableware in contemporary lifestyle venues.

C&P celadon now designs and produces a complete collection range of celadon tableware including celadon plates, bowls, serving dishes, cups and saucers in a variety of seasonal and distinctive colors.

A complete ceramic production facility

Located in Kanchanaburi Province, 155 km Southwest of Bangkok, C&P Celadon employs 80 skilled craftsmen and has a production capacity of 7,500 pieces per month.

Equipped with high quality kilns, the factory produces an extensive palette of colors, from various shades of greens to an array of blues, as well as different tone of reds and blacks.

With quality being of paramount importance, all celadon products are systematically controlled at each and every steps of the production process.

Special projects

C&P Celadon welcomes special projects from restaurants, hotels and retailers and is highly experienced in producing custom designs in close cooperation with interior designers.

To discover more Asian decor companies, visit: Asian decor companies

Asian decor company: InSync

2005-08-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

Reviving celadon tableware

Experimenting with new glazes and tweaking cooking curves, InSync was one of the first Thai celadon tableware producers to revamp traditional items into trendy creations.

Offering a unique and always evolving collection of vibrant, exciting and useable tableware, InSync breathes a new life in this centuries-old Asian craft tradition.

With the renewed interest in organic and natural materials, InSync modern celadon creations have captured the interest of worldwide interior designers and home decor accents retailers.

Innovative and flawless celadon tableware

Contemporary forms and groundbreaking finishes

A type of porcelain, celadon products were traditionally made in the light greens and blues and their shape often conventional.

Blending modern forms with new glazes as seen in their gorgeous turquoise and finely crackled vitrified fusion plates, InSync creates tableware that ultimately convey a stimulating look and feel and commands a sense of “exclusivity.”

InSync designs and produces a large range of celadon tableware including ceramic plates, serving dishes, bowls, cup and saucers. Thriving on the success of its celadon tableware, InSync also offers a growing collection of art de la table accessories: wooden chopsticks and spoons, napkin rings and table clothes.

A complete ceramic production facility

InSync relies on its own ceramic factory located in the city of Lampang in the North of Thailand.
They can produce large and small runs, resulting in a wide selection of unique designs, colors and glazes.

Specialized in celadon and stoneware, the factory handles in-house all the steps of the production, from the clay preparation, to molding & casting and firing & glazing.

All products are systematically controlled before being individually packed and shipped.

Custom-made designs

InSync welcomes enquiries for custom-made designs from restaurants, hotels and retailers and special orders made to your specifications.

To discover more Asian decor companies, visit: Asian decor companies

Asian decor company: Graceful Craft and Design

2005-08-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

Fusing craftsmen skills into modern design

Graceful Craft and Design was founded in 2003 by Oranun Lakkanapinit. Having studied in the United States, Oranun was well aware of the contemporary home decor trends. Thai at heart, she also highly valued the expertise and skills of traditional craftsmen.

Working closely with energetic designers and experienced craftsmen, she decided to create Graceful Craft and Design to propose contemporary ceramic home accessories enhanced with handpainted finishes by skilled artisans.

Quickly noticed for its original and unique designs, Graceful Craft and Design is now serving a fast growing consumer base in the USA, the UK and Asia.

Modernity, refined hand finishes and quality

Unique finishes enhanced with handpainted colors and motifs

Key to the success of Graceful Craft and Design is their enthusiasm to create innovative designs with unique finishes.

Graceful Craft and Design designers and craftsmen are continually experimenting with new techniques. The durable sand-like finish created by coating the stoneware with a special preparation burnt at a 1,000 degree Celsius is one of their signature ceramic creations.

Skilled craftsmen then enhance the gracious ceramic home decor accessories with hand painted colors and motifs.

Graceful Craft and Design designs and produces a large range of ceramic creations including ceramic vases, lamps, and burners. Their new lines of gifts sets presenting coordinated set of vases and burners in elegant boxes covered with Thai silk or cotton are also enjoying a growing success.

A ceramic factory managing all the steps of the production

Graceful Craft and Design manages its own ceramic factory located in Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand.

They can produce large and small runs, resulting in an extensive collection of unique finishes, shapes and sizes. Specialized in stoneware, Graceful Craft and Design handles all the processes in house: clay preparation, molding & casting, firing, hand coloring and hand painting motifs.

With quality being their first concern, they inspect systematically every ceramic home accessory before packing and shipping.

Custom-made orders

Graceful Craft and Design welcomes custom-made orders, based on their existing designs or third party designs for a wide variety of ceramic home accessories.

To discover more Asian decor companies, visit: Asian decor companies

Asian decor book: Asian style hotels

2005-07-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

Asian style hotels: Bali, Java, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

Asian Style Hotels showcases the best hotel and resorts in Bali, Java, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Southeast Asia is renowned the world over for its superb standards of resorts Asian decor architecture, hotel service and interior design.

This book contains the cream of the crop. Be it a drop-dead, urban hostelry, a retreat in the hills or a five-star beach resort, the property is at the forefront of modern hoteliering.

Each has been hand-picked according to a set of criteria that includes a strong design aesthetic, architectural integrity, a commitment to service and sense of individuality a million mile away from the cookie-cutter approach of chain hotel.

Over half of the hotels have never been featured in guide before-and many are recently opened. With over 500 ravishingly beautiful full-color photographs, Asian Style Hotels is the follow-up to cool hotels, the first books in the series. Ultimately these books will be the definitive guides exclusively showcasing the best of Asia's unique places to stay.

Publisher: Periplus
Available at ASIA BOOKS

To discover more Asian decor books: Asian decor books

Asian decor: ceramics

2005-07-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

Learn more on Asian ceramics, from the history of porcelain to the new developments in Asian celadon wares at: ceramics

Asian decor: Deco Siam

2005-07-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

A company with a philanthropic mission

Marc Thesmar, a retired French born businessman who formerly traveled the world as a sales representative for a Swiss company, settled in the quiet village of Ban Mara located in Eastern Thailand in 1997. He was shocked by the distress of its inhabitants, though often hidden behind a truthfully welcoming smile.

Willing to create a sustainable financial complement to the agricultural revenues of the villagers, Marc, with the invaluable help of his friend Alex Lichtenauer, a furniture designer based in Alsace, France, set up in 2002 an atelier to develop and fine tune the production of partition screens.

Following the first successes of their creations, they created the company Deco Siam to support their growth within a sustainable legal framework.

A company with a philanthropic mission, Deco Siam reinvests part of its profits in the development of its production facility and the remaining share is used to better the living conditions of Ban Mara villagers, by improving the village infrastructure, sponsoring children schooling or buying much needed agricultural machinery and supplies.

Contemporary Asian decor screens made from rare handmade materials

Contemporary design – traditional and natural materials

Regularly traveling to South East Asia for their respective work, Marc Thesmar and Alex Lichtenauer were amazed by the beauty, finesse and diversity of traditional and natural handcrafted materials. They started collecting samples, and Alex, a talented furniture designer quickly started to fuse them into his contemporary design.

Among other Asian inspired furniture, screens were offering the biggest surface to display the delicate and elegant materials. Alex decided to develop a wide range of artful screens, creating functional and valorizing displays of Asian handicrafts traditions.

Surfing on the recent screens’ come back in interior design trends, their creative, elegant and contemporary creations are now in high demand.

A large range of creations

Deco Siam offers a wide range of Asian decor screens at different sizes.

Playing with colors and textures, Alex Lichtenauer creates elegant assortments between the largest displays and the trimmings to give birth to contemporary Asian screens that perfectly complement any modern decor.

Deco Siam spares no efforts to source the rarest and finest materials, from the mountains of Nepal where they found gorgeous natural papers handmade from a high altitude grass, to the Philippines islands where they discovered flawless bamboo mats.

All their Asian decor screens are double-sided, giving home owners and interior designers the opportunity to hide untidy corner or define new spaces in style.

Screens custom-made design and production

The possibilities offered by traditional handcrafted Asian natural materials are endless! Deco Siam welcomes custom made design enquiry and can also produce its existing decorative screens collection according to your size specifications.

To discover their contemporary Asian inspired screens, follow: Deco Siam

Asian decor: silk

2005-07-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

Learn more on one of the most sought-after Asian decor material; the silk. From its legend and history to the numerous silk weaving techniques at the following URL: silk

Asian decor: O-Clay Ceramic

2005-07-03T23:45:00.000-07:00

Founded by designers, driven by quality

O-Clay Ceramic was founded in 1996 by a group of talented and energetic Thai designers led by Ms. Sorrarin Tantiwatyano.

Appreciated for its innovative and functional design, O-Clay Ceramic has since thriven on international markets, building and managing its own ceramic factory to supply high-quality wares to a fast growing consumer base in Europe, the USA and Asia.

Creativity, functionality and quality

Innovative and elegant ceramic creations

Creativity and functionality are the key concepts driving O-Clay designers in their new developments.

O-Caly designers are continually pushing themselves to embrace new ideas, to explore new design for functional accents in imaginative and unexpected ways. And while they are always looking forward to what's next, their quest for simplicity and functionality remains is at the core of their developments.

O-Clay designs and produces a large range of ceramic creations including ceramic vases, lamps, burners, planters, and a complete line of bathrooms decorative accessories.

A complete ceramic production facility

O-Clay has built and developed its own ceramic factory to meet the growing international demand for its innovative Asian inspired ceramic home accents.

Located in Nakhonpathom Province - 97 km from downtown Bangkok - O-Clay ceramic factory is equipped with industry standard machines, including 4 gas kilns with a capacity ranging from 1 cbm to 4 cbm, and is operated by a team of 25 well trained staffs.

O-Clay proprietary technology and manufacturing facility enables them to produce large and small runs, resulting in a wide selection of unique colors, shapes, sizes and styles. The result is a compelling array of products that maintain a distinct look and exacting technical standards.

Specialized in white earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, the factory handles in-house all the steps of ceramic production, from the clay preparation, to molding & casting, firing & glazing and coloring and applying decal motifs.

With a true concern for quality, all products are systematically inspected before being individually packed and shipped.

Custom-made order and collaborative design

O-Clay also welcomes custom-made order or specific design for a wide variety of products.

It is their belief that the process of creating beautiful design will always be a collaborative one, and that the only way to get to far more interesting places is by going together.

To view the latest Asian decor creations by O-Clay, visit O-Clay Ceramic

Asian decor: Gifts & home products fair – Shanghai – October 2005

2005-06-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

The China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Asian decor Home Products, Shanghai, 18-20 October 2005

The China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Asian decor Home Products is specifically designed to bring buyers from around the world face-to-face with a new community of international standard, yet lesser-known China suppliers.

Managed by NASDAQ-listed Global Sources, the show is a key opportunity for international buyers who want to expand their sourcing options and improve their bottom lines by buying direct from established and emerging suppliers in the "world's workshop", China.

Unique suppliers
Many of the exhibitors at the show will not be exhibiting at other shows in the region, making the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products a unique opportunity to meet with suppliers from all over China, all conveniently under one roof.

Hot products
The show will focus on China's hottest products. Major categories include:
• Gifts, premiums, toys, stationery, party & holiday products
• Asian decor and home living products
• Outdoor living products

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor news
For inquiries about the China Sourcing Fair, please contact: visit@chinasourcingfair.com

Asian decor trends

2005-06-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

Find more on the latest Asian decor trends and discover practical Asian decorating ideas: Asian decor trends

Feng Shui influences on Asian decor

2005-06-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

Léa Silk: Léa Silk

2005-06-20T02:40:00.000-07:00

A not for profit initiative

A unique corporate organization in Thailand, Studio Léa is the commercial arm of the Ban Reng Khai Foundation which focuses exclusively on supporting the self-sufficiency of village communities.

Studio Léa is a not for profit company. It buys all the silk from the Ban Reng Khai weavers. A small percentage of the profits generated from the sales is allocated to the company operating and marketing budget, and the largest share is entirely donated to the Ban Reng Khai Foundation.

Silk creations and awards

Reviving Thai silk with new developments

Léa has been the first artist to revitalize Thai Silk, constantly working to improve the silk quality and enhancing the superb materials with her ravishing design. Her handpainted natural Thai silk fabrics are highly praised in the worlds of fashion and interior decoration.

Through experimentation with dyes and weaving techniques, Léa has also developed proprietary methods to create unique silk fabrics. Her “rainbow silk” is one of her trademark creations. The colors are achieved using vegetable based dyes and environment-friendly materials only, following a new method developed by Léa. Warp threads are spanned in the open and painted with several colors. The solar dyes fix in the sun for 8 hours before being washed and hand woven with a plain weft.

Awards

11 of Studio Léa’s creations have been awarded the UNESCO-Aphada Seal of Excellence.

The Seal of Excellence is effectively a “seal of approval” which guarantees that the handicrafts products with this seal conform to the rigorous standards set by the program established in Southeast-Asia in 2001 by UNESCO and the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (Aphada).

The showroom at the Raffles Promenade

Studio Léa, located at the Raffles Promenade on Wireless Road in Bangkok, is the place to go for an exquisite shawl or fabric.

The shop at the prestigious mall, which was rented to the company to support the Foundation, always carries the latest collection, including, besides the stunning silk fabrics, ready-to-wear items such as silk scarves, handpainted silk shawls and lavish silk sarongs, unique and artful hand painted silk cards, boxes and cushions cases.

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: Thai handicraft traditions

2005-06-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Lear more on Thai handicraft traditions and history from Thai temple decorations,the classic Thai style, Thai decor and Thai design to the development of Thai ceramics: Thai handicraft traditions

Asian decor designer’s week of Bangkok - 14-24 June 2005

2005-06-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

From the 14th till the 24th of June 2005, Thai and French designers will exhibit theirs works in three major venues in the City of Bangkok. It is the first Asian decor designer’s week of Bangkok, this event is co-organized by the French Embassy in Thailand, the Alliance Française in Bangkok and Art4D magazine with the support of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Thai Knowledge Park and Playground. On this occasion the Thai and French designers will present in dialogue the most representative pieces of their creations.

The designers have been chosen by Pratarn Teeratada, managing editor for Art4D and independant curater for the Thai part and Céline Savoye, designer and curator for the French part.

Together they have chosen to present this event in three chapters: furniture, product design and graphic design. These exhibitions will take place at Playground for the product and industrial design and furniture, Sky Walk for graphic design. The Thai Knowledge Park will screen extracts of animation and motion films from graphic designers.

The Thai designers exhibited are:

Asian decor furniture : Udom Udomsrianan (chair); Suwan Kongkuntian (chair); Pawinee Santisiri (vase/carpet); Kanit Setaruchi (chair); Jitrin Jintaprecha (chair); Nattapong Charoenkitivarakorn; Duangrit Bunnag; Rush Pleansuk (chair).

Asian decor objects : Pornpilai Meemalai (jew); Apinya Boonprakob (jew); Chaiwat Wattananukit (jew); Propaganda (accessory); Juku (bath room product/packaging design); Rapee Leelasiri ; Sedtawat Harnsiriwattana (jew); Root3:Sarawut Srithong; Supavee Sirinkraporn (jew)

Industrial Design : Celebrum (mobile phone design) ; pasaya (textile) ; Meah Fah Laung ; Ploenchan Phornsurat

Graphic Design : Color Party ; Blind ; BePosl+Ive ; Graphic be&havior ; Kelvin Wong ; Waroot Punyarachun ; Very design ; Drucstore the design guru (CD packaging); Mali Jaturajinda ; Boonchai Boonnopphornkul (CD packaging) ; Design from devil island ; Bored (motion graphic at TK park) ; Duck Unit (motion graphic at TK park) ; Good Citizen (motion graphic at TK park) ; Pongstorn limanon (motion graphic at TK park) ; Yota (motion graphic at TK park)

Locations :
Playground - 946/4 soi sukhumvit 55, sukhumvit rd
Skywalk (entrance near Siam BTS station)
Thai Knowledge Park- Central World Plaza – 6th floor

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor books

2005-06-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Asian decorating trend is all the rage from San Francisco to Paris. Learn more on Asian outdoor architectures and indoor living spaces with a selection of Asian decor books at: Asian decor books

Asian decor: contemporary Thai design

2005-06-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Thai design is rapidly gaining the attention of Asian decor and design connoisseurs. A fusion of ancient subject and matters and contemporary stylized forms, Thai design is now on the forefront of the international home decor scene.

To learn more on contemporary Thai design, click the following link: contemporary Thai design

Asian decor book: Tropical Asian Architecture

2005-06-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

New Directions in Tropical Asian Architecture
Author: Et.Al. Goad
Publisher: Periplus
Available at Asia Books

New Directions in Tropical Asian Architecture reflects the excitement and dynamism of the emerging countries of the Asian continent.

A sophisticated and globally aware generation of Asian decor architects is redefining the design of private houses, public housing, public buildings and resort hotels. The pleasures and rewards of designing in some of the world’s most exotic locations are tempered by the realities of architectural responsibility in some of the world’s largest and most congested cities.

New Directions in Tropical Asian Architecture features extended profiles of the region’s most interesting and influential Asian decor architects. Their recent significant projects are fully documented with plans, drawings, colour photographs and extensive text. Introductory essays by Philip Goad and Anoma Pieris provide a balanced and analytical overview of the extremes of practice which oscillate throughout Tropical Asia.

Essays and project descriptions on each of the eleven architectural practices are written by Philip Goad, Anoma Pieris and Amanda Achmadi . Photography is by Patrick Bingham-Hall.

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor online

2005-05-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

ASIANNOUVEAU.COM FINE-TUNES ITS STRATEGY TO OFFER GREATER VALUES TO THAI HOME DECOR ACCENTS AND FURNITURE DESIGNERS AND PRODUCERS

Launched 6 months ago as an online gallery selling Asian decor accents and paintings to individual customers located in the US and Europe, asiannouveau.com focuses its strategy on foreign trade buyers to offer an increased visibility and higher revenues to Asian home decor furnishings and furniture producers

Strong from high rankings in search engines and following excellent features in some major US newspapers and online media, www.asiannouveau.com is now welcoming between 180 and 250 unique visitors a day. The number of trade buyers’ requests has also significantly increased in the last 2 months, and the company recently decided to improve its business model to better answer the needs of that growing Asian decor demand.

“Our middleman position impacted the selling prices, and as a result, our associated designers and producers were missing sales”, explains Damien Pfirsch, the Founder and Managing Director of Asian Nouveau Ltd. “After discussing the situation with our partners, we decided to focus on the trade channels and directly present the producers’ contacts”.

This solution is more attractive to foreign trade buyers who can benefit from better prices by buying directly at the source, and offers greater advantages to the Thai producers: they have a direct contact with the Asian decor buyers, can cross-sell by offering their complete collection, and establish a valuable long-term business relationship.

Ranked n.1 in Yahoo.com on major keywords like “Asian decor”, “Asian vases”, or “wholesale Asian decor” (rankings as of the 12th of May 2005), asiannouveau.com offers a qualified exposure to its associated partners. “Today, building a website is relatively easy, but the challenge resides in generating targeted traffic. With an ever increasing number of sites on the www, securing good rankings in search-engines and generating sufficient traffic is an uphill battle. As a result, many Thai home furnishing and producers have created a website, but it does not receive enough visitors”, explains Damien Pfirsch.

Asian Nouveau offers a comprehensive Online Promotion and Public Relation Program, that guarantees exposure to targeted buyers, specifically interested in finding and buying Asian decor items like ceramic vases, dinnerware, cushion covers, furniture. For a minimum yearly marketing fee that can be amortized with the first order, asiannouveau.com presents in two languages the producer (English and French), its designer and 10 of its creations. They also offer to take the creations pictures at no additional charge.

Hosting a few pages on a general directory is cheaper, but Damien Pfirsch is adamant that asian nouveau’s Program largely surpasses any online solution. “Our key strength is our online catalogue. Visitors browse the different pictures and descriptions, and once they find an interesting item, they can directly contact the producers. We go great lengths to promote our partners, writing and editing all texts ourselves, taking the pictures, offering free features of their press releases on our homepage… We are also continuously promoting our site to foreign media (asiannouveau.com was recently featured in the Miami Herald Tribunes and the San Jose Mercury News), the more visitors we have, the more trade inquiries our partners will receive. Furthermore, we are not a general directory, we only present Asian decor creations and all our visitors are specifically looking for Asian decor creations”.

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor book: New Asian style

2005-05-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

New Asian decor style celebrates the growing trend towards globalization in interior decorating. More than 20 stunning, contemporary houses and apartments evoke the essence of a unique modern Asian decor style that is gaining popularity the world over.

All achieve a synthesis of styles that traces, yet transcends, their Eastern origins, thus allowing ready recreation in other cosmopolitan settings.

Over 200 full colour photographs chronicle a variety of Asian decor styles: from simple, minimalist apartmen ts to tropical houses with ethnic accents, the book focuses on practical ways to capture a number of different looks. From the bathroom to the home office, storage tips to Feng Shui applications, this book is a comprehensive guide to contemporary Asian interior decoration and design.

New Asian style: contemporary tropical homes in Singapore, Author: Jane Doughty Marsden, Publisher: Periplus, Available at ASIA BOOKS

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor news

Asian decor book: Modern Asian living

2005-05-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

In recent year, Asian decor and design -in architecture, interiors and product design- has catapulted on to the global stage. Gone are the thatched villas and vernacular furniture of yesteryears. Replacing them are sleek, modern spaces, decked out with high quality furnishings and furniture, beautiful artworks and and state-of-the-art technology.

This book showcases a number of brand new properties in Thailand -be they shops, homes, holiday houses, restaurants, bar or offices- that represent this new trends of Asian decor.

Each space has been chosen and styled carefully, often with furniture and products from some of Bangkok's hot manufacturers and suppliers. Dramatic floral arrangements by top florist, Sakul Intakul, and an exceptional eye for detail in the styling by Wongvipa Devahastin na Ayudhya, have produced some eye-catching, innovative interiors. Work from all the leading architects, interior designers, product designers and artists are showcased-and full listings are given at the back of the book.

Author: Ayudhya & Iintakul - Publisher: Periplus - Available at Asia Books

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: Thailand on show in Sydney

2005-05-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

25-26 June 2005 - Hall 5, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

A fun-packed weekend filled with vibrant colours, tantalizing Thai delicacies, fantastic Asian decor shopping opportunities and cultural entertainment is being promised at the Thailand Exhibition taking place from 25 to 26 June at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

The exhibition, organised in association with The Thai Trade Center will feature over 170 exhibitors direct from Thailand. Admission is free and visitors can also purchase a wide range of unique Asian decor products and also clothing and footwear, leather goods, fashion jewellery, gifts, health and beauty products, and much more. See authentic Thai cooking demonstrations and experience the best of Thailand on show.

Details:
Thailand Exhibition - 25-26 June 2005
Hall 5, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: Asian furniture and Asian decor fairs – June & July 2005

2005-05-13T00:37:00.000-07:00

08-10 June 2005: Ambiente Japan
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Asian decor items: arts & crafts, table decorations & accessories, crystal/glass, porcelain/ceramics, metal ware, plastic ware, pots & pans, kitchen utensils, cleaning tools & utensils, household articles & tools, leather goods & bags articles

23-26 June 200 : Zak Interior Exterior Expo & International Furniture Fair
Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India
Asian decor items: furniture (modern, traditional and antiquated), lighting, kitchen and bathroom accessories, beds, bedding and linen, blinds and curtains, paintings, prints and frames, wall covering, wall paneling.

08-11 July 2005: China Glassware & Glass craft Beijing
China World Trade Center, Beijing, China
Products: Utensils, candleholders, vases, glasses, decorative items, artifacts & accessories

14-17 July 2005: 2nd Malaysian International Trade Fair
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Asian decor items: handicrafts, textile & textile products, gifts, house wares, leather products, toys & dolls, stationery & office supplies,

20-22 July 2005: Singapore Gifts & Premiums Show and Stationery 2005
SUNTEC, Singapore
Asian decor items: home decorative items, arts & handicrafts, bags, , fashion accessories, desktop accessories, electronic products figurines, leather products, novelties, sports & leisure goods, toys & games, travel accessories

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: Opening of the Asian decor porcelain museum in Bangkok

2005-05-11T01:19:00.000-07:00

The Bangkok University – Rangsit Campus –is opening an Asian decor porcelain museum

The museum features more than 2,000 rare Asian decor porcelain creations, from Thailand and surrounding countries; China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. Opened to the public, it will also welcome scholars and researchers and ambitions to establish itself as one of the main research center on Asian porcelain.

The Asian porcelain museum is open to the public every day, except Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free. For more information, call +662 350 3626.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor news

Asian decor company: Lao Coco

2005-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Lao Coco is a small and independent handicraft and company. Specializing natural materials such as coconut and eggshell, Lao Coco strives to create items of simplicity and elegance to brighten homes, offices and hospitality venues.

History and milestones

Lao Coco is an association of Lao artists and artisans founded by Mimi Shada, a self-taught French artist who arrived in Laos in 1993. Mimi was impressed by the simple beauty of everyday Lao utensils, such as the coconut ladle, and started experimenting with local materials. His creations became popular and he went into production, beginning with a small workshop in a coconut grove.

As demand for his art and crafts grew, he organized exhibitions in both Vientiane and Bangkok, and expanded his production facility by training local people in the preparation of raw materials and in the techniques of shaping them into works of aesthetic beauty. In 1997 the T’Shop Lai Gallery opened near the city’s Vat Inpeng, to showcase items made at the new workshop nearby and to promote fine art in Laos. Lao Coco now creates and sells products made by in-house artisans and other Lao craftsmen, with a philosophy of fair trade and equitable development driving us forward to the future.

Activities and Asian decor creations

Handicraft

The Lao Coco range of handicrafts is ever expanding as the imaginations of our designers and artisans test the limits of their local recycled materials. Coconut wood and shell, eggshell, buffalo horn, recycled timber and steel are the main hard materials with textiles, mulberry paper and leather used to finish and cover certain items.

Practical goods such as coasters, vases, bowls and boxes compliment a range of games, ornaments and jewellery. These inexpensive goods are made by Lao artisans trained at our workshop and part of the profits received from their sale goes towards educational development in Laos. Small commercial orders for export to shops are considered, and customised goods such as chess or backgammon sets are one of our specialities

Furniture

Lao Coco supply custom-made furniture to clients both in Laos and internationally, earning a reputation for top quality design and materials. Tables, desks, chairs, beds and specialised pieces, such as shelf or drawer units and card tables, are made from carefully selected rosewood, a beautifully coloured pest-resistant tropical hardwood still abundant in Laos. Forests are shrinking however, and newly cut wood can warp or crack when exported to different climates. For these reasons, Lao Coco source old wood from obsolete houses and fixtures, salvaging and recycling seasoned pieces of perfect timber for a new life as beautiful furniture.

As well as crafting customised pieces for individual clients, Lao Coco design and supply furniture and fixtures for hotels, offices and businesses. Unique flooring, lighting and mural inlays can add an invaluable touch of class to your premises. Ask by e-mail about our interior design and commercial furnishing services.

Popular items include those featuring our distinctive coconut and eggshell inlays, particularly on classic Asian low tables. Our furniture is guaranteed to be free of hidden nails or plywood panelling and can be made to almost any specifictions you require. To reduce costs and damage risk, export pieces are shipped in parts for assembly and varnishing at the customer's location.

T’Shop Lai gallery

The Gallery is a popular venue for art lovers and shoppers in Vientiane, capital of Laos. Opened in 1997 after extensive renovation and remodelling design by Mimi, T'Shop Lai is situated in the quiet heart of the city behind one of Laos's most famous temples, Vat Inpeng.

As well as showcasing Lao Coco's furniture designs and handicrafts, the gallery is the place in Vientiane to see contemporary art and photography, staging regular exhibitions of regional and national artists' work. Exhibition opening nights are highlights in the cultural calendar, but the gallery always offers a soothing environment full of innovative ornaments, Asian antiques, contemporary lamps, mirrors and much more.

Training for development

As one of the world's Least Developed Countries, Laos is a focal point for international organisations seeking to help income-poor people evolve ways of improving earnings and living conditions. At Lao Coco we believe that the country's abundance of beautiful and cheap natural materials can be exploited by a people with a rich and unique culture to create items of beauty that can be sold around the world. Since its earliest days the company has sponsored an underfunded school in central Vientiane, and the idea of educating people to take care of themselves is one of our central beliefs.

To this end Mimi Shada, founder of Lao Coco, began training jobless young people in Vientiane in 1993. Some of these artisans are still with the company, and having mastered their tools and materials are now creating handicrafts and furniture from the imagination. The success of his simple training methods was spotted, and in 1998 United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the Lao Youth Union asked Mimi to create and run a training course for a group of unemployed people. The course proved popular with the participants and two more courses were commissioned between 2000 and 2002. Noting the quality of Lao Coco's funiture, UNESCO then asked the company to provide a training course for carpenters and later invited Mimi to assist and give training at the construction of a model renovation house in the World Heitage Site of Luang Phabang, northern Laos. The company's games were the inspiration behind a Danish Red Cross project to provide education through simple locally-produced games, which were designed and manufactured by Lao Coco.

As the company's horizons have broadened, the scope of our experience has grown. In 2002 Lao Coco were behind the initial ideas and proposals taken by Lux Development for an Integrated Rural Development Project in southern Laos. Handicraft training and production will of course provide an important element, but Lao Coco have shown an ability to design larger-scale activities that will benefit rural and under-privileged communities.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor company : Intentio

2005-05-06T01:56:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Creativity... vision... inspiration... and thorough knowledge of Asian natural materials and craft masters is what makes Intentio one of the leaders in the Asian decor and interior design industry.

History and creative concepts

Established just over three years ago, Intention is a young and innovative home accents design and interior design company combining the creativity of dynamic Thai designers and the talent and experience of French born designer Laurent Bedouelle.

Linear simplicity and luxurious natural materials’ combinations are the two key-concepts driving the company’s projects, from the creation of a new lamp to the design of a new hotel.

Activities and specialties

Asian decor creations

Intentio thrives on creating contemporary Asian inspired home decor accents resorting only to natural materials abundant in Asia; such as copper, wood and silk. Through long years of cooperation with Asian crafts masters, Laurent has mastered the art of shaping these materials into elegant contemporary design forms.

Laurent and his team’s trademarks creations include an extensive range of contemporary lightings fusing wood, silk and other natural materials such as rattan to create elegant and unique shapes and forms.

Many of Intentio’s creations have been featured in design and home decor magazines and interior design books.

Sourcing and export

Having worked in the fields of product design and interior design in Asia for the last 10 years, Laurent has forged relationships with many factories and ateliers in Thailand and neighboring countries.

Strong from its extensive network of manufacturers and talented craftsmen, Intentio sources home decor accents and furniture throughout Asia. Intentio sourcing team prides itself on offering pro-active sourcing services and thorough quality controls, along with an expertise in world-wide export regulations.

Interior design

With proven expertise in design projects for offices, retails spaces, hotels and private residences, Intentio Design combines an innovative Asian inspired design approach with a full understanding of today's technical and technological requirements.

Its interior design services cover the space utilization analyses, fit-plans, program analyses, standards creation, schematic layout, design and specification of furniture systems, custom furnishings and the selection of all interior finishes, lighting and equipments

The company has worked on commissions in Thailand, Singapore and other Asian countries.

Showroom - gallery

Located in downtown Bangkok on Convent Street in the lively commercial district of Silom, Intentio showroom offers a great chance to see a comprehensive selection of Laurent’s trademarks Asian decor creations, including his contemporary Asian inspired lightings and copper vases and bowls.

The elegant space also presents the works of craft masters and artists from throughout Asia.

To learn about intention and explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor trade fair: BIG

2005-04-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

The BIG trade fair, that has become one of the leading international Asian decor fair over the past years, is now taking place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

With more than700 exhibitors, the fair present the latest trends in Asian decor and handicrafts.

Fair information:

Organizer:
Department of Export Promotion
Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government

Supporter:
Thai Gifts & Premiums Association of Thailand
Thai Toy Industry Association of Thailand
Thai Housewares Trade Association
Thai Stationeries and Office Supplies Association
Northern Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association
Design & Objects Association

Products:
Gifts, Asian decor Items and Handicrafts
Artificial Flowers and Plants
Christmas Decorative Items
Asian decor Home Textile and Fabric Decorative Items
Toys and Games, Household Products, Stationery

Exhibitor profile:
Local and overseas manufacturers/exporters

Visitor profile:
Importers, wholesalers, distributors from Japan, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, the European Union, Middle East countries, African countries, Malaysia, Singapore and Asian countries

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: asiannouveau in the news -1

2005-04-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Asia-Pacific Tropical Homes, April 2005
by Simon J. Hand

Asian art only a mouse click away

A new website is set to bring Asian art to the world. The creation of Bangkok-base Damien Pfirsch, asiannouveau.com showcases a “fusion” of contemporary and traditional art and crafts from around the region, with the ultimate goal of including works from artists throughout Asia.

But this is no mere slick sales tool or get-rich-quick website. Beyond the marketplace of home décor items and striking original artworks lies layer upon layer of well-informed and beautifully presented pages of art and crafts history and detailed biographies of the site’s featured artists.

“Creating asiannouveau.com has been a passion, “says Pfirsch. “I want to give consumers a unique opportunity to peruse contemporary and distinctive home accents directly from Asia, and to make these creations available to discerning consumers through a convenient and reliable online gallery.”

The unique collection currently includes 350 creations, ranging from abstract and figurative paintings to colorful home décor creations.

“We will soon be featuring additional artists and creators of crafts from countries located throughout Southeast Asia and China as well. We anticipate that we will expand the number of items available on the website by as much as 200 percent within the next year.”

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: teak wood

2005-04-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Teak wood, one of the most valuable timbers in the world, is one of the most used timbers in Asian decor.

The teak wood tree (Tectona Grandis tree) is native from South East Asia (mainly Laos, Myanmar, India and Thailand) and its wood was originally used for building boats as well as houses (pillars, floors and walls).

Teak is indeed more durable than any other hardwood and can withstand all types of weather. It contains a natural oil that protect it from moisture and the heat.

First imported in Europe by the British, and carved by British craft masters into Victorian furniture, teakwood is now widely used in Asia decor to produce exterior as well as interior furniture. Both interior and exterior teak wood are finished in several ways, including totally natural, oiled, sealed, and varnished. If left un-oiled and untreated, teakwood will turn into the characteristic silver gray color, appreciated for its modern look.

The use of teak wood was usually restricted to the production of exterior furniture, but new Asian decor designers are now also designing interior furniture in teak wood, creating modern furnishings with a contemporary look.

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: restaurant decor in Bangkok-1

2005-04-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

The physical elements of a restaurant can often make the dining experience... so ambience and personality is of vital importance.

In creating the right kind of atmosphere for JW Marriott's new Japanese restaurant, the hotel approached top interior designer Rujiraporn "Pia" Wanglee, President of P Interior and Associates (PIA), one of Thailand's leading Asian decor design firms.

Pia's brief was to create two very differentiating restaurant facilities within one vast area of over 800 sq.m. In doing so, Pia's team conceptualized a link between the two restaurants using a wave created from wood. The wave gave Shrimp Asia, JW Marriott's Design & Communications team, inspiration to develop a theme around the name "Tsunami", and as such, further inspiration to the creation of "Tsu", a classical Japanese style restaurant and "Nami", a contemporary Japanese Teppanyaki bar.

Tsu is Japanese for Bay or Harbour that nurtures the perception of heomeliness and a traditional atmosphere; whereas Nami, meaning wave, represents movement and activity.

Pia's wave represents a seamless flow that runs the length Tsunami and is a key focal point throughout the restaurant. It's form can also been seen winding past the entrance of the restaurant and again in the two and three-dimensional graphics.

This dynamic graphic provides the essence of Tsunami. Cool, crisp lines, dramatic lighting and a refined attention to detail are an integral parts of the Asian decor restaurant's essence. Nothing has been overlooked... nothing overstated

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the bamboo

2005-04-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Whether it is to create traditional or avant-garde furniture and home decor accessories, bamboo is one of the most used natural resources in Asian decor.

Some people believe that it is due to the Asian belief that Bamboo brings good fortune in every aspect of their life, health, wealth and business. But more significant is probably its versatility, and availability in large quantity but also various sizes and shapes.

Bamboo has always been used in Asian decor to create furniture. Large or smaller trunks of bamboo are dried, treated and assembled like wood planks or ligatured with grass. Smaller branches have also been used the past years to create Asian decor picture frames, trays or vases.

Cutting the bamboo trunks in stripes and pressing them to create a flat surface, Asian decor artisans also use bamboos to craft mats, wall coverings or furniture inlays.

Another less notorious application of bamboo in Asian decor is the coiling and drying of tiny strips of bamboo around a shape. When the bamboo stripes are dried and glued together, they can form objects as varied as plates, vases, carafes or bowls. Formerly used as the base of lacquered creations, these objects are now available covered with transparent, neutral or colored lacquer, and are thought after for their simple and natural beauty.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the chopsticks

2005-04-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Symbols of Asian decor art de la table, chopsticks are used on a daily basis in Japan, Vietnam and China. Originally made of Bamboo, chopsticks are now produced using different materials; porcelain, resins, animal bones and various metals. Silver has long been favored, as people believed that silver would change color if it touched poison.

Some chopsticks can be very artistic and can make for exquisite Asian decor table accents. Some are lacquered and finely handpainted, others are made of gold and embossed, while others combine precious wood and valuable metals.

Some experts believe that the use of chopstick was promoted by Confucius as he believed that knifes and forks were too aggressive looking to be used at a table.

Weather you plan to use them or not, some chopsticks are great accessories to create an original table decor with an Asian decor flair.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the futon

2005-04-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

The futon, emblematic creation of the Asian decor universe has been widely adopted by style and space conscious home owners.

The traditional futons are quite different from the futons we find today in Asian decor boutiques. Originally, the futons were light comforters stuffed with cotton or silk. They were spread on the tatami mats to serve as mattress, and also used as a blanket. After the night, they could be easily rolled and hidden, to create more space for the days’ activities.

In the sixties, futons began to appear in students pad. They have now grown thicker and are mainly used as mattresses that are laid directly on the floor. Futons are also coming in different materials and design, but their function remains unchanged. A futon is practical, comfortable and a space saving bedding option that allow you to create an airy and uncluttered space with an Asian decor flair.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: Japanese decor

2005-03-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

Characterized by a love for “all things natural”, Japanese decor is arguably one of the most well known Asian decor styles.

A Japanese decor is generally composed with a simple background created using the colors found in the nature (cream, shades of green, grey or brown). The natural colors provide a calm setting, essential to design a soothing Asians decor.

To achieve a strong emphasize on architectural forms, many furniture placed in a Japanese decor are black. They stand out from the natural background colors and delimit the space of the room. The focal point of the room will usually be created in the center of the space. This could be a fountain, a garden or a large but elegant piece of furniture made of wood.

The emphasis on nature is found as well in the textures associated with Japanese decor. Wood, silk and cotton, granite and bamboo are combined to create an earthy feeling.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the spa trend

2005-03-30T00:33:00.000-08:00

One of the latest trends in home decorating, the spa trend, has found a lot of its inspiration in the Asian decor universe.

The spa trend is now moving to our homes, where we want to create a peaceful oasis to break-way from every day life’s stresses. And considering the Asian decor magical power to create soothing spaces, it is now wonder that Asian decor principles and guidelines have found their way into our renovated bathrooms.

The first paradigm of Asian decor that is widely applied to the design of spa-bathrooms is the concept of less is more. The clutter free guideline, derived from Feng Shui theories aiming at improving the flow of good energies (the Chi), is today a general rule to be followed to design one’s own home-spa.

Minimalist furniture with built-in, concealed design that are to be found in many home spa are also springing from contemporary Asian decor furniture styles.

The comforting natural colors advocated by Asian decor designers are another of the Asian decor guidelines widely adopted by spa designers.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the Chinese decor style

2005-03-28T00:55:00.000-08:00

The Chinese decorating trend is probably one of the most recognizable Asian decor styles. Composed of Chinese paintings, calligraphy, furniture and ceramic accents, traditional Chinese decor item are characterized by their patterns, colors and shine.

First of all Chinese accents or furniture are often decorated with heavy patterns in different styles and forms. Those can be calligraphic signs with auspicious meanings (health, wealth, luck…), but also drawings of animals like the five clawed fire-breathing dragon.

Color is another way to recognize the Asian decor Chinese style. Chinese decorating items are traditionally created in a limited range of colors: red, black and white. They are also usually lacquered with a glossy material: if it does not shine it is probably not Chinese!

Asian decor Chinese cabinets, chairs and stools are now very popular in the West and can indeed add a touch of originality to any interior decors. The rule is to add those accents sparingly as too many Chinese decor objects in one room, and the resulting abundance of patterns and glossy surfaces, would usually result in a too busy scheme. But used in moderation, Asian decor Chinese accents and furniture make superb center pieces or accents to redecorate a corner of your room.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the Thai style

2005-03-25T00:28:00.000-08:00

To fully grasp the concept of Thai Style in Asian decor, it is most useful to have a look back Thai history.

A thousand years ago, the Thais began to migrate to what is Thailand today from the Southern Chinese Yunnan province. Earlier groups also settled in the Northeastern province of Thailand, as suggested by archeological evidences of Prehistoric settlers going back to the Paleolithic Age. Two of the most significant ethnic groups in terms of influence on the Thai culture were the Mons and the Khmers. The Mon created their kingdom in the western part of the country while the Khmers established in the northeastern plateau. Buddhism was also introduced from India, and Indian influence remained strong for several centuries, especially on Buddhist art forms and matters. More recently, and after the new Thai capital was established in Bangkok, the Thai culture has also been influenced with European styles and ideas brought in by the European merchants.

As a result of this rich history, the Asian decor Thai style is one of Asia’s most flamboyant and also one most permeable to outside influences. This eagerness to learn from others also explains how fast the new generation of Thai designers has embraced the new modern decors’ canon of simplicity. They have notably streamlined their creations to create a new Asian decor Thai style with a strong contemporary feel.

But one thing that Thai artisans have not lost is their superb skills. Adapting methods once reserved for temples and palaces, such as gold-leaf stenciling, they create quality crafts accents appreciated for their elegance.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

characterizing Asian decor

2005-03-23T00:28:00.000-08:00

Asian decor, so vividly revealed in the different architectures and interiors of Asia is the product of a distinctive landscape and climate, a skilful use of varied influences and a history unique among its people. Asian decor is easily recognized, not only in Asia but throughout the world, where architects and interior designers have embraced some of its expressions.

But recognition of the Asian decor style is easier than it analysis and definition; its varied components are as varied and diverse than the people of Asia, and also influenced by the rich history of trade Asia shares with western countries.

One could define Asian decor by those few characteristics: sinuous and elegant curves, geometric patterns, and a sense of restraint. But the opposite statements would also be true: straight horizontal and vertical lines, plain colors and furnishing, and a whimsical use of vivid colors contrasts.

But in the opening of the global design era, where home owners are increasingly mixing accents from various continents, is there really a need to characterize Asian decor?

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor and Feng Shui -4

2005-03-21T01:20:00.000-08:00

According to Feng Shui theories, the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) are the keys to create a well balanced and auspicious Asian decor. In this article, we will consider how Asian decor designers make sure some of these elements are represented in each room.

The first element to consider in a decor is wood, because it is the creator of new life; the beginning of the five-element cycle. In Asian decor, the wood element is incorporated with the use of plants (like bamboo, bonsai or bushy potted trees). The color green is also a way to represent this element and is therefore a recurrent color in Asian decor.

Fire is the most "Yang" elements. Because fire is so strong, it has to be used sparingly in a decor. An ambiance lamp with a red shade or some candles will usually be enough to make sure this element is sufficiently represented in an Asian decor.

The metal element is represented under various forms in Asian decor: silver, gold, copper, and bronze are its main forms of expression. One can be creative when using this element; it could be bronze bowls, copper vases or silver trays. Asian decor designers always look at the shape of the accents and sharp points or angles are always avoided.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor and Feng Shui -3

2005-03-18T00:52:00.000-08:00

Asian decor trends and forms are greatly influenced by Feng Shui theories. For example, Asian decor interiors are usually bright and uncluttered to improve the circulation of good Chi (energy) in the house.

And Feng Shui believes do no only influence Asian decor interiors, but also Asian architecture.

According to Feng Shui theories, a building should have three main positive attributes: stability, balance and smoothness.

- Stability: the building should not rest on pillars or be built on a slope.
- Furthermore, no level (except for the ground floors) should be larger than others.
Balance: a construction is considered well balanced if it has a symmetrical architecture.
- Smoothness: there should be no strong angular features.

These three attributes also apply to Asian decor interiors: smooth shapes, symmetrical arrangements and stable arrangements are the keys to create a soothing and harmonious Asian decor.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor and Feng Shui -2

2005-03-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

The word Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) which translates to "the wind and the water," is the Chinese art of correct placement. The main goal of Feng Shui is to enhance the “Chi”, literally translated as energy, to create a harmonious and positive environment to live in.

Science has shown us that colors can affect mood, actions and emotional and biological responses. Feng Shui beliefs are no different. Here are some examples on how colors are used to maintain, calm or enhance a specific Chi energy in Asian decor.

Red is the most yang (male element color) color. It is linked with fire energy and associated with luck, probably the reason that Chinese brides wear scarlet red wedding dresses. It is therefore a considered as a very good dominant color for the entrance of a house, to invite good energy in a house. In Asian decor, this color is also represented through most of the house through vivid red home decor accents or furniture.

Another recurrent color in Asian decor is green. Green is yin energy and emblematic of the growing phase of energy. It is also considered to be a color of freshness and peace and therefore a very good color for a bedroom.

Another Feng Shui principle is: the stronger the color, the less is needed for it to be effective. This is why in Asian decor, backgrounds colors tend to be pale where as accent colors are livelier.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor and Feng Shui -1

2005-03-16T02:23:00.000-08:00

Feng Shui theories stem from the Taoist vision of nature, especially that our environment is animated by various energies. The Taoists categorize natural elements as Yin (the female elements) or Yang (the male elements) and Feng Shui theories advocate to create the right balance between Yin and Yang elements.

The applications of Feng Shui in Asian decor are numerous. In this first article, we will illustrate two rules applying to Asian decor interiors.

1. To enhance the flow of positive energy, corridors and stairways should be wide, sufficiently lighted and uncluttered. This theory is one of the reasons why Asian decor interiors are usually bright and not overwhelmed with too many home decor accents and furniture.
2. Round and smooth features help the development and of positive energy. Wedge-like, knifelike, and arrow-like walls and furniture should also be avoided. This explains why Asian decor advocate circular and round free flowing shapes.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor boxes and bowls

2005-03-15T01:25:00.000-08:00

Decorating rooms with handmade Asian decor boxes is the latest in home decor. Practical, it also gives to your interiors a subtle Asian decor flair.

From traditional rice lacquer boxes to contemporary black and white mahogany veneer container, Asian decor offers a invaluable number of styles and design to choose from.

Place a handmade ceramic bowls in your entrance to leave your keys, and arrange an eclectic display of lacquer boxes and bowls in your living room to sort out all the remote controls.

With well selected Asian decor boxes and bowls, you can give an artful coup de grâce to chaos!

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the colors

2005-03-11T00:31:00.000-08:00

Asian decor color schemes are varied and range from subdued to pulsating.

Neutral colors reflecting natural tones usually form the background of Asian decor interiors. They provide a calm setting that aids in creating soothing spaces as a retreat from stress at the end of the day. But warmer colors, like copper, amber and honey, also begin to appear in contemporary Asian decor background. Black is also an essential color that contributes to create an Asian decor feel.

Unlike Zen decor, contemporary Asian decor trends advocate incorporating vibrant home decor accents to liven up your room. This helps balance the calm energy of the background with energizing silks, ceramics or lacquer accents. After all, we are not Zen monks, and a livelier Asian decor will usually better suit or lifestyle.

To explore the emerging trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

arranging Asian decor accents

2005-03-10T01:57:00.000-08:00

Homes are often judged by the condition of their interior finishes. More than anything else, we notice and remember the details of a room’s decor: the singular touches that express the homeowner’s tastes and personality.

Asian decor accents, furnishings and works of art can have a dramatic impact upon the atmosphere of a room. They can make the difference between a space that looks aesthetically designed and thoroughly thought out, and one that looks uneven or half-finished. But certain rules need to be followed to create an organized and neat Asian decor scheme.

Some of the best details than can be found in the Asian decor universe are works of art: exquisite ceramic wares, striking abstract paintings, picture frames, and fabrics, among other items. Or they could be collections of accents such as vases, trays and boxes.

When arranging Asian decor objects and creations, keep proportions in mind. The size of pieces relative to each other and the space itself is their scale. For example, a large vase on a small console looks awkward. A tiny box on a large table appears lost. If furnishings are out of scale, you’ll notice that it just doesn’t feel comfortable or right.

Similarly scaled Asian decor accents are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of accents creates a harmonious atmosphere, utilizing differing physical qualities of height, depth and width throughout the room. You should always balance one large object with several smaller ones. You can also group dissimilar object (for example a vase, a box and a picture frame can be set on a corner table.) But link them by color to create a harmonious display.

The relationship of items to one another to form an agreeable whole is termed balance. There are two forms of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Asymmetry refers to an imbalance, such as two candles of slightly different heights next to one another. Symmetry is restful, while asymmetry represents motion and excitement.

To learn more on the emerging trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian paintings to create an artful Asian decor

2005-03-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Displaying a well chosen Asian painting will not only create an artful and unique focal point in your decor, it will also add an elegant touch of Asian decor to your room.

The rule is to consider the dominant inspirations in your room decor. Is the room contemporary or classic? Contemporary Asian art creative currents are as varied as the Asian decor styles and making sure that the work of art matches your existing decor will help you avoid any faux pas.

There are many other rules advocated by Asian decor designers but the most important one will always be for you to choose a painting you love!

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the end of Zen decor?

2005-03-08T00:54:00.000-08:00

10 years ago, the most successful Asian decor style in the West was Japanese design, commonly referred to as Zen design. Zen design includes very clean lines, uses geometrical figures, and projects a sense of minimalism dominated with black, grey and white colors.

But recently, home owners have begun turning away from the Zen Asian decor rules, often regarded as too strict and requiring drastic changes in an existing home decor.

Less formal and leaving much more space to creativity, the new Asian decor style has seduced numerous interior designers and decor aficionado. It is indeed much easier to ad elegant touches of Asian decor in a room, with a few artistic Asian decor accents and furniture. Furthermore, with bright colors and unique forms, the new Asian decor accents project a warmer look than the Zen decor.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor accents for unique table settings

2005-03-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

Characterized by a mix of the unique artistry, creative workmanship, and a distinctive Asian touch, contemporary Asian decor table accents offer numerous possibilities to create festive and singular dining decors.

Colorful Asian decor ceramics gives wide choices of atmosphere. Create a modern and daring setting with bright colors Asian decor ceramics or a toned-down atmosphere with light cream celadon wares. Celadon wares are not only decorative they are also very practical as they can be used in micro wave ovens and washed in machines.

Mix dinnerware and spice it up with colors and silk fabrics to compose elegant and enticing atmospheres. Silk table runners and place mats arte the other essentials of Asian decor dining settings. Colorful or with a natural color scheme, they add a touch of luxury to any table decor.

Mixing straight and curved lines will also add a creative touch to your setting. Finally, a well chosen Asian decor vase will give the final exquisite touch to your composition.

But no need to follow convoluted exotic recipes! The latest trend is to fuse western culinary dishes and Asian decor art de la table: gracefully serve your white truffle risotto in black celadon sushi dishes!

To explore the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the new celadon wares

2005-03-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

Celadon has been known for its beautiful greens and blues. Its glaze comes from a mixture of several natural materials and is fired in a gas kiln at at least 1280 degrees Celsius. Celadon’s characteristic cracks are caused by the contraction of the body of the celadon product under the glaze during the firing process.

Modern Asian designers have skillfully blended the new Asian decor trends with the centuries-old craft traditions to create breathtaking celadon wares which are now available to Asian decor enthusiasts around the world.

For example, celadon is normally green in color. But contemporary Asian decor designers, through experimentation and the use of new “cooking curves” create new colors (varying from turquoise to white) and new effects (vitrified, crystallized). These creations make for truly unique Asian decor accents but that are still celadon.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

the rising stars of Asian decor -1

2005-03-04T01:52:00.000-08:00

Born in Bangkok, Ms. Kittisasikultorn is a rising star of Asiandecor. After graduating in 1995 from the prestigious Silapakorn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she established a firm place in the Asian decor and interior design industry, working for various luxury hotels, including the Sofitel Silom in Bangkok.

She has also designed different Asian decor accents for the Armani Home Collection. Her trademark collections, made with exotic pieces of wood and wiener, are one-of-a-kind. Being true to her concern for the environment, she experimented with master carpenters using pieces of discarded wood scraps as a medium. Amazingly, she molds and fuses wood materials into interesting tube lamps and fine boxes that can be used as Asian decor room accent or to hold personal keepsakes. Most recently, Ms. Kittisasikultorn began incorporating leather into her creations.

Ms. Kittisasikultorn’s creativity has not gone unnoticed in the world of Asian decor. She recently earned a 2004 Design Award from Silapakorn University.

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor – reviving ancient traditions

2005-03-03T01:26:00.000-08:00

Contemporary Asian decor forms are much simpler, less intricate, and project a warmer look and feel that is more easily blended into a Western design. In time, the trend of adding one or two contemporary Asian creations to western contemporary interior decor will gain momentum.

Emerging Asian decor artists and craft masters are capturing the interest of interior designers, home design enthusiasts, and art aficionados because their creations are superbly made. The new creators are reviving ancient traditions and fusing them with modern design developments.

Contemporary Asian decor accents, artworks, and fine creations are made with high quality materials, including hand-painted silk, teak, rosewood, copper, ceramics, porcelain, and other interesting materials and textures that ultimately convey a stimulating look and feel that also commands a sense of “exclusivity.”

To learn more on the latest trends in Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor furniture

2005-03-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

Incorporating some Asian decor furniture in your decor can have a dramatic impact for a very reasonable cost.

Minimalism and multi-functionality are the key characteristics of Asian decor furniture. Natural materials used for furniture may include rosewood, teak or maple woods, stone, bamboo, woven wicker or rice paper.

Some other elements of Asian decor furniture include hand-hewn and matte finishes; a subdued color palette in natural tones; an absence of trim; and hidden storage.

Those unadorned Asian decor furniture often reflect a modern air and can easily be incorporated in any contemporary decor. Their clean, straight, lines will add a neutral and natural feel to any of your space, small or large.

Platform beds, rattan and wicker storage pieces, and simple wood accent tables are good example of Asian decor furniture that can aid in the creation of soothing spaces.

To explore the latest trends in contemporary Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: spark your interiors with contemporary Asian decor accents

2005-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Asian decor accents and contemporary Asian art creations, by artists and craft masters from Thailand, and surrounding nations, have captured the interest of art and home decor aficionados around the world.

Interior designers and consumers alike are increasingly open to experimenting with different design elements, textures and blending contemporary Asian-inspired Asian decor creations with Western design to create a unique, personalized look and feel in their homes.

This new trend, sometimes referred as fusion, offers endless possibilities. A carefully selected modern Asian decor creation can complement an already exciting room design in a subtle way, or as a bold, and visually impressive centerpiece. Either way, this fusion of modern Asian decor elements with other modern features is easily accomplished and provides an opportunity to create a truly unique and distinctive home environment.

Finally, another interesting point about the notion of fusing modern Asian decor with Western decor is the benefit of a decorating style that leaves much more space for the home décor aficionado to create his or her own personalized space. This also removes the feeling of being restricted by a set of rules regarding minimal color combinations, shape, balance, and the need to leave a lot of space empty. In the end, this evolution in design opens a wide range of options for the home owner or designer to follow his or her inspirations. Everyone is free to play with colors, materials, and shapes to create artful atmospheres that feature a distinctive Asian decor flair.

To explore the latest trends in contemporary Asian decor, visit Asian decor

Asian decor: the reasons for its success

2005-02-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

The recent success of Asian decor can be attributed to its look of serenity - a peaceful, natural feel that serves as an antidote to stressful lives. Asian decor design elements are characterized by clean lines and simple forms. It is subtle, yet dramatic, and creates a peaceful ambiance.

The essence of Asian decor is simplicity. The "less is more" philosophy can also be applied to Asian decor accents accessories, which are carefully selected and placed within a designated space.

Furthermore Asian decor harmonizes particularly well with contemporary styled interiors. The furniture is low with clean straight lines. Asian decor accents are dramatic and add a unique and elegant touch to any modern interiors.

Finally, the growing “rebellion” against the mass-produced look and a desire for more unique, artist-inspired pieces explains the increasing appeal of Asian decor. With a few well selected Asian decor accents pieces, we can confer a singular and authentic feel to any room.

To explore the latest trends in contemporary Asian decor, visit Asian decor