Designers told how to fit Africa, India and China in the home interior

Exotic styles periodically appear in modern projects, and ethnic elements are quite deservedly gaining popularity. Integrations are more common: intersperses and individual details, rather than a “pure” style. Of the general practice, about 10-20% of projects have such elements. If the design is developed in Russia and for our climatic zone, then hot styles in pure form in residential interiors are rare - rather public spaces or accents.

The popularity of brightly expressive styles is often associated with social trends. If tourism is now showing interest in China, then we can expect the demand for Chinese style in the interior: people get the opportunity to go to this culturally rich country, see something, love and want to introduce a piece of culture at home. Chinese style, especially modern, is actively gaining momentum. India has always attracted a certain part of the population - this culture is closely related to spiritual practices and in our troubled times is very popular. Chinoisery, especially in terms of images on panels and frescoes, has always been popular because of its “fitting” into the European interior.

Statistics show that now even Scandinavians are tired of minimalism and more looking towards softening and vintage. In a recent survey, 17,000 Finns reported that they were tired of white cubes and gray-beige living rooms. Russians often choose for walls not white or gray, but something more “colored”. Interiors become more soulful and personal, everyone wants more history and warmth. And exotic styles are great for individualizing your interior.

For African style, it is better not to use everything at once. It is important to understand what elements you like the most and what will organically fit into the space. When outside the window is not a hot desert, but snowdrifts or gray rain, such contrasts are difficult for the psyche. Therefore, it is worth softening the “hotness” of Africa: exotic woods of rich brown color on the floor can be combined with light walls and textiles to emphasize the style. Geometric patterns, zebras and giraffes are not only a recognizable motif, but also a fashion trend. But there shouldn't be many of these patterns. African mask decor is a great idea of the interior, it is clear and will not be overloaded.

Indian style, more blurred in color, but very colorful. More greenery and less sun-scorched earth (this is more typical of the African theme). Characteristic arches, openwork spans, caissons are an excellent element in decoration or furniture. Less contrast, more yellow flowers, natural brown wood (often teak), cotton and plenty of wild silk. Fabrics with embroidery and brushes. Beauty lies in the details. The interior can be assembled for any area - the question is only in the number of elements.

Chinoisery can be compared with classics - it is best suited for larger spaces, although in decor and resembles a small fabulous oriental box. Everything begins with walls: wallpaper, frescoes, painting with floral ornamentation. Exotic birds, mythical subjects, elements of Chinese architecture. Then - elegant furniture, porcelain and gold finishing of details. The interior is voluminous in color, finely worked out, like a hand-painted vase.

If you look at the cost of implementation, then it is Chinoiserie that will cost the most: mural panels and murals of good quality are expensive, and they are an important part of such an interior. African masks can be brought from a trip, Indian furniture is often made from reclaimed wood – it is quite affordable. A little imagination and vivid impressions from trips will help determine the right space. In any case, you can create a mood and set an image in small details, spending a modest budget. The main thing is to feel the measure and not turn the apartment into an ethnographic museum.