Red, gold and beautiful

CHINESE WAYS are deep rooted in all aspects of Thai society whether in schools of belief, arts and culture, or just simply the long-lasting heritage passed on from generation to generation. The beauty of Chinese culture also inspires a harmonious way of living, covering lifestyle, fashion, health and cuisine, and the renowned feng shui – the Chinese philosophy of harmonising human existence with the surrounding environment. 

Today, feng shui is infused with home furnishing designs that aim to attract good luck and wealth to the home owner. 

“Chinese culture has been highly influential in Thai society for a very long time, and it is one of the cultures that best represents the oriental tradition. Chinese-themed home decoration predominantly emphasises the use of red and gold colours, because they are believed to be auspicious,” says Kridchanok Patamasatayasonthi, managing director of Index Living Mall. 

“Wood is a material of choice that is often used. Minimal and structural design is softened with meaningful floral and oriental motifs such as peonies and dragons.

“Utilising traditional Chinese home decorating techniques may not be well suited to modern day living. However, modernised Chinese themes have become more popular because most home owners are still fascinated by the culture.”

As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Horse, Kridchanok offers a few tips to add the essence of Chinese charms to your home decoration. 

Bedroom: For bed and wardrobe, choose darker shaded items, and match these with complementary bedroom accessories. For furniture, choose wooden furniture to reflect the Chinese theme, such as a simplified Chinese table lamp or floor lamp to help accentuate the 

 Chinese concept. In addition, the light bulb should be in a warm yellow tone because it is believed that yellow is the colour of prosperity. The warm light is also easy on the eyes while helping to increase relaxation and promote deeper sleep. By adding a few final touches such as Chinese children statuettes, and accessories such as a mannequin in a Chinese dress, your bedroom will be infused with incredible oriental charm.

Living Room: To beautify a living room, it’s important to select the “lead” furniture, such as the sofa, first. If a red sofa is chosen, then match it with a white rug or one made from natural material to absorb the vibrant colour. Pair both items with a white coffee table that has a simplified structure resembling an antique Chinese table. 

Accentuate the oriental style with silk cushion covers and a floor lamp in red and gold, or a wooden lamp with a fabric shade placed next to the sofa. On top of a nearby side table or shelf, choose emperor and empress statuettes or Chinese guards to amplify the Chinese theme or simply decorate the room with a jumbo sized vase filled with branches or colourful flowers to liven up the atmosphere. Chinese calligraphy, or other auspicious home decorating items such as trees, jewellery, or Chinese junk boats can also attract good fortune into your home.

Kitchen: Despite the focus on its function, injecting a Chinese theme into your kitchen will help transform a purely functional space into a stylish cooking space for the whole family. Add simple accessorising elements such as stools, accompanied by bright red cushions, or replace a modern candelabra with Chinese pagoda-like candle holders on a dining table. A wooden lamp can also serve as a striking centrepiece that is both functional and inspiring.

Home lovers can also beautify the outside of their homes including entrances or lawns by using a suitable size fountain or adding ceramic or marble lion figures to draw inspiration from the harmonious Chinese way of living.