Features of the style
Without going into details, oriental design is divided into Asian (Japan, China) and Arabic styles (Morocco, India). Each of them has its own characteristics, but there is something common to all types:
- Natural materials. We are not only talking about wood and clay, but also about silk.
- Patterns. Ornament in decoration and decor is a bright distinctive element.
- Decor. Frames and figurines, soft pillows and unusual curtains.
- Light partitions. Ideal for separating the dining area.
- Elegant furniture. Wicker or thin material.
The photo shows a U-shaped kitchen sofa with oriental style patterns.
What color scheme should I choose?
An oriental style kitchen involves immersion in the warm spectrum and the use of bright summer colors – yellow, turquoise, red, orange. But their combination depends on the chosen direction:
- calm light shades with black, brown and other dark contrasts are characteristic of the Japanese style;
- gold and scarlet are preferable in the Chinese interior;
- white, terracotta, blue distinguish the Moroccan style;
- deep chocolate, coral, sand distinguish the African direction.
What furniture and appliances are suitable?
A kitchen in oriental style should, if not be expensive, then at least look such. This is especially true for the Arabic style – you can’t do without high-quality furniture made of natural materials. The Arabic style is also distinguished by the decoration of interior items with stained glass, carving and metal.
The Asian (especially Japanese) style, on the contrary, advocates simplicity. The best choice is a minimalist set of regular geometric shapes. Often they use a combination of frosted glass with glossy facades – it looks very advantageous. In favor of minimalism, also refuse classic handles: use hidden door opening systems.
The Chinese style is also against abundance, but the main shape here is a circle. The most suitable material for furniture is bamboo or rattan. The kitchen set, table and chairs can be decorated with hieroglyphs or painting.
A kitchen in an oriental style requires inconspicuous household appliances: choose the most laconic models that will not argue with the decor and attract attention. Hide the appliances that do not require constant presence on the surface in the cabinets.
The photo shows white built-in shelves in Moroccan style.
Decor nuances
The design of a kitchen in oriental style stands out among others primarily by three elements:
- Arch. Rounded partitions are installed in studio apartments or ordinary doors are replaced with them. Ideally, if they have a domed vault.
- Mosaic. Unusual patterns of small stones, like a teleporter, take us to the East. Use this bright decor in your interior.
- Ornament. Decorating the floor or walls with unusual painting will add color to any kitchen in oriental style.
The floor in the Asian style is preferably wooden, in modern conditions it can be replaced with laminate or linoleum with imitation texture. The main material of the Arabic flooring is porcelain stoneware or patterned tiles.
The walls of the Asian style are monochromatic – paint them or choose the appropriate wallpaper. This cannot be said about the Arabic style – the wall decoration here is expensive, ideally it should imitate silk (special wallpaper or decorative plaster).
The design of the apron also varies. For Asia, monochromatic or with a suitable print skinali, or invisible tiles are suitable. Mosaics, painted ceramics and other interesting ways to decorate Arabic kitchens.
To imitate a Chinese or Japanese ceiling, use wooden beams and matte luminous panels between them. Moroccan ceilings attract attention with their shape and color: create a plasterboard structure in the form of a dome or paint an oriental fresco.
The photo shows domed niches.
Choosing the right curtains and kitchen textiles
Luxurious curtains in the Arabic style are sewn from expensive shiny fabrics or thick velvet, decorated with fringe, decorative tassels and lambrequins. To imitate China and Japan, neutral roller or paper blinds are used in the apartment.
The photo shows a kitchen design in an oriental style with blue curtains.
The rest of the textiles echo the design of the curtains. In Morocco and India, they love softness – so a low sofa with many bright small pillows is an ideal companion for the dining table.
The Asian style does not accept pillows and tablecloths, here the accent on the walls will be traditional fabric panels. And for serving, use bamboo or linen mats.
The photo shows an interesting idea for decorating a kitchen in an oriental style with colored rugs.
What decor and accessories are suitable?
Although the Japanese and Chinese love minimalism, a little decor in oriental design will not hurt. Paintings with traditional motifs in the form of dragons or landscapes, frames with hieroglyphs, netsuke and other figurines, beautiful porcelain, fans, ikebana will do. From living potted plants, place an orchid, dracaena sandera (similar to bamboo), bonsai.
Arabic style adheres to the position of “there is no such thing as too much decor.” Therefore, in addition to pillows and accent curtains, add a soft carpet in the dining area, unusual vases and dishes, a hookah, and beautiful lamps.
What kind of lighting should I choose?
The kitchen should be the brightest place in the house, so use several light sources.
First of all, let’s choose the central lamp. Moroccan design suggests the presence of a chic large chandelier, which will become the center of attention in your kitchen. Classic combinations are metal with transparent or mosaic glass. For the traditional Asian direction, lamps are hidden behind ceiling panels or square lanterns are used.
Arabs prefer semi-darkness above the dining table; wall or ceiling lamps made of colored mosaics will do. Recreating the Japanese and Chinese trends, turn to the same panels, paper lanterns or laconic pendants.
The work area in the Arabic kitchen is illuminated with beautiful sconces or hidden lighting. Minimalistic built-in lamps will cope with this task in the Asian interior.
The photo shows a metal pendant lamp.