- 1). Begin with a clean palette. Take a long, cold look at your possessions and determine what you can recycle, sell or repurpose. Your goal is to keep surfaces clear of papers and daily detritus, so the clean lines and the artisan flourishes of the Chinese look can show through.
- 2). Establish storage systems to hide and organize your possessions. Invest in a closet-organizing system to maximize vertical storage behind closed doors. Add to the storage options by investing in furnishings that integrate hidden storage areas. A wooden Chinese chest of drawers may integrate a cabinet as well as drawers of different sizes. A platform bed may include drawers underneath for stowing small objects or textiles. You can also opt to store objects in plain view by placing them in lidded baskets. Try a tall lidded basket in the corner for laundry, or a series of baskets in contrasting sizes, weaves and textures on a floating shelf.
- 3). Change the room's palette to show Chinese style. A modest Chinese palette may feature earth tones and natural materials, but many opt for the brighter look of bold red against golden yellow. Integrate accents of plum, dark green and gold for depth of color and visual pop. Try an accent wall in moody red, or paint a glossy wooden bookcase with a gold trim. Cover a wall with a Chinese scroll or a woven textile to add texture, dimension and color instantly to the room.
- 4). Invest in a focal point piece of furniture that shows Chinese craftsmanship. A plain Jane bed may feature an ornately carved wooden headboard with hand-painted trim. A trifold screen may have images of mythical creatures painted on its panels. A corner becomes a meditation altar courtesy of a lacquered wood shelf lined with Buddha statues.
- 5). Accessorize with Chinese art and handicrafts. An Asian rug by a window creates an eye-catching vignette of color. Try silk embroidered pillowcases on throw pillows or floor cushions. Fill a display shelf with Chinese statuary of animals or fantasy creatures. You can transform a light into a Chinese lantern courtesy of a paper or silk shade.
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