Patterned walls, opulently trimmed fabrics and antiquated decorative accents are all Asian elements that can be incorporated into a living space. Aspiring decorators looking to get the look for less can be inspired by the continent's use of regal wall treatments, rich fabrics and minimalistic lighting. A do-it-yourself paint job can be a less expensive way to add an Asian-inspired motif to the walls, while paper lanterns can be a cheap and stylish lighting fixture.
Wall Treatment
One design element that can help introduce an Asian theme into a room is to recreate a simple landscape on the walls. The patterned walls that are prevalent in Chinese and Japanese decor can be mimicked by first selecting two coordinating paint colors, one much lighter than the other. Apply the light-colored base coat on the wall, and draw an organic scene, such as clouds or trees, on top of it. Once satisfied with the simplistic line drawing, use a thin stretchable tape to cover the lines, before repainting the wall with a darker, but complementary color. To finish the look, apply a glaze using a horizontal brush stroke. Remove the tape, and the wall will appear to have an elegant etched appearance as featured in the likes of "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine.
Paper Lighting
Simplistic lighting is an Asian design feature that can be cheap to duplicate with the right paper shade. Large globe-shaped paper lanterns can help illuminate a room, while being a cost saver, according to the article "Speaking of Style." Multiple smaller paper lanterns can be hung in clusters or in organized groups of three or four, creating cosmopolitan lighting figure. Spherical or cylindrical, solid colors or brightly printed choices, there are many Asian paper lanterns options available to light up a room.
Fabric Hangings
Wall hangings and canopies are two modern ways to incorporate the feeling of Asia into a living space. Some fabrics feature a stylized motive, drawing or calligraphy printed down the length of the material. By selecting a piece of material that already has a border, there will be little to no sewing needed. Printed fabric can be slung over a bed's canopy, producing a modern and Asian look to a bedroom. Or it can be gathered onto a short curtain rod and hung in the living or dining room in lieu of a painting.
Decorative Accents
If a whole room can't be decked out in Asian furniture, one way to get the look for less is to choose simple contemporary furniture, and accent the room with Asian-inspired decorative pieces. In a minimalistic room, a strategically placed wall screen can make a design difference. Other ideas include the mounting of wall sconces or the inclusion of large decorative floor or sofa pillows. Decorators can choose whether to add one large piece or sprinkle many decorative accessories, such as ceramic vases, a tea set, figurines or a table runner.
