It is not for nothing that ethnic styles in interiors occupy a special niche: they cannot be attributed to any of the international styles, but they serve as the “starting point” for the development of architectural and interior design. Sometimes they are a whole original branch, unlike anything else; sometimes – just shades that set the tone for the whole look.
Unfortunately, when it comes to national design, the first thing that comes to the mind of most ordinary people are paper lanterns, Far Eastern painting, and Japanese rice paper partitions.
Accents in ethnic interior design are placed precisely on accessories of predominantly Asian cultures – this is not surprising, considering that stylization rarely goes beyond decorative elements, and Eastern culture is very popular.
Philosophy is the basis of ethnic styles
But the ethnic style is not only outdoor decorations – it is a certain philosophy behind which lies a considerable history, features, and way of life of a particular culture. Some of its elements will create the necessary flavor, and some – thoughtlessly transferred to our realities – will be ridiculous and inappropriate.
This feature also has a downside: many believe that they cannot use the favorite elements of this or that ethnic group, without having a thorough understanding of its way of life.
Of course, if you are a lover of Turkish culture and history, no one will forbid you to study it, but studying encyclopedias to use silk pillows with tassels is also not at all necessary.
As in many things, when choosing an interior design in an ethnic style, it is important to measure and understand the environment in which it finds itself. You can stop on one precise culture or mix some of them together or you can find some design decisions that already have in different ethnic inspirations. Like this furniture brand that takes its inspiration from the various cultures and epochs.
Different ethnicities – different accents! In this article, we will go over the main ethnicities in an overview form, since each of them deserves special attention and a separate article, but it will indicate the subject of the conversation – it is always useful.
The style for those who miss the sun, colors, and warmth. The colors of these interiors are orange, turquoise, crimson. Invariably bright and rich, but placed in the necessary color, they do not hurt the eyes at all.
The Indian style in the interior is, first of all, intricate embroidery on drapery fabrics, wood carving (mainly lacquered), and many characteristic accessories: tigers, elephants, elements of Hindu beliefs.
Although you have to be more careful with the last one: religion is a delicate matter when it comes to a collision of two or more personalities.
Arab countries
Anyone fascinated by the stories from A Thousand and One Nights will love this style. His striving for bright colors, unusual mosaics, specific arches, spaciousness, and luxury could seem feigned and overly pompous – if not for the cultural influence and huge heritage inherent in the southeastern countries.
It is impossible not to appreciate the special attitude of the Arabian styles to comfort – here it is preferable to relax on a multitude of pillows, fitted to suit yourself than to pack your body in some kind of furniture.
The Japanese ethnic style is distinguished by its special calmness and simple aesthetics. It is not overloaded with details, prefers calm tones, and creates a feeling of lightness.
It is from here that the minimalist trend in interior design originates, but if minimalism is a triumph of functionality, then Japanese ethnicity is a style filled with deep and centuries-old philosophy.
The fashion for Japanese paraphernalia recently burst into our lives, and now it is peacefully drifting on a plateau of popularity. It is not surprising – the island state, cut off from the rest of the world, developed along a completely unique path: in culture, in society, and in the interior, of course. This is the reason for the continuing interest in the Japanese culture.