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One of the basic principles of the Chinese is simplicity. This principle manifests in many things they do, including how they decorate their homes. The Chinese interior design style shows balance in the combination of traditional and contemporary styles. Read on to learn how to decorate your home that many homeowners and designers adore. 

The Chinese-style interior

China is one of the oldest countries on the planet. The Chinese also have one of the oldest civilizations that have influenced most of the countries in the world. Their history is likewise colorful in the way that many events have happened to their country that made them what they are today. 

As one of the world’s largest countries, China is composed of different provinces and cities with various traditions and customs. The way they design their infrastructures has influenced other nations. These days, you can see the Chinese interior design style employed in many homes, offices, and other establishments for many good reasons.

The development of the design

The Chinese design style has been in existence for over 5,000 years. Since the feudal society, the culture and tradition of the Chinese have formed the techniques and concepts that greatly influenced their neighboring countries. These days, many architects and designers combine traditional and modern ways to create unique and popular trends in construction and design. 

The Chinese design style has also influenced western culture. However, with the fusion of ideas and concepts, the traditional design concept has weakened and nearly resulted in the extinction of the old Chinese traditions. With the blending of traditional and modern images, traditional Chinese culture is being recognized again. This concept has created a new identity for the Chinese interior design style.

The modern design style of the Chinese is the result of the long years of evolution of Chinese interior design. It represents Chinese spirituality as it focuses on achieving people’s physical, psychological, and environmental needs. 

Chinese design style characteristics

Known for being one of the ancient countries in the world, Chinese culture and tradition have significantly influenced their decorating style. It is also no doubt that the Chinese design style has many similarities with the Zen and Japanese interior design styles. Here are some of the characteristics of the Chinese design style that you may add to your home to achieve the style. 

Decorations

The Chinese design style focuses on clean straight lines, similar to the Japanese design style. It is common to see interior decorations like bamboo, gold ornaments, Chinese-themed paintings, etc. 

Lighting

Paper lanterns are common in many Chinese homes. In addition to illuminating the rooms, lanterns also give the interior a warm appeal. 

Colors

It is common to see the Chinese interior design style in a bold fusion of black and shimmering lacquer with gold or red accents. 

Accessories

To enhance the design style, you may add oriental vases and tea lights on tables or shelves. Shoji screens may also be used as room dividers. 

Red Chinese lanterns have been displayed since ancient times. They were used to provide illumination and were influential in religious practices. Nowadays, Chinese lanterns are used for decoration and worship. They represent national pride and are commonly seen in homes and public areas. Traditionally, the lanterns are seen in red and adorned with gold tassels. 

The origin of Chinese lanterns

Red Chinese lanterns were initially seen during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The lanterns were used as lamps or covers. They were also used in several religious practices, like Buddha worship. Buddhism was known to spread in China due to the efforts of the Eastern Han emperor. The emperor ordered that lanterns be lit every 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Buddha. This practice eventually became the famous Lantern Festival. 

During the Tang dynasty in the year 618-907, paper lanterns were displayed to celebrate China’s peaceful life and power. This led to the popularity of lanterns throughout the country. 

The beauty of Red Chinese Lanterns

During Ancient China, creating lanterns was a collection of crafts, including painting and paper-cutting. Various materials are used in making them; the most commonly used are bamboo, wood, wheat, straw, paper, and silk. Illustrations were also seen in traditional lanterns, showing some of China’s beautiful landscapes, portraits of key personalities, and mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, birds, and fish. 

The colors and what they represent

Colors say a lot about the culture and traditions of China. They have different symbolisms and are used on occasion. Red lanterns represent wealth, fame, and prosperity. These lanterns are usually used at weddings and family reunions.

During imperial times, yellow lanterns were displayed in palaces as the color represented the emperors of ancient China. As such, it was forbidden to use yellow lanterns by the public. These days, yellow lanterns are displayed to bring good luck to students. 

On the other hand, white lanterns are used in any event that has something to do with death. Therefore it is common to display or see white lanterns during funerals. In contrast, green lanterns symbolize health, prosperity, and harmony. These are likewise seen during temple fairs or the infamous Lantern Festival. 

The popular Lantern Festival

These are the days to feast your eyes on colorful and beautiful Chinese lanterns. The tradition of viewing lantern displays can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, around 2000 years ago. One of the favorite activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. People gather around the displayed lanterns and guess the answers to the riddles. It is a form of competition wherein the person who answers the most riddles wins.

Wall art is a fantastic addition to your home that can significantly impact your home. Read on to learn more about adding wall art without difficulty. Here is some information you can use to create wall art in your home. 

Why add wall art to your home

Creating wall art is one of the great ways to set the right atmosphere in your rooms. Any wall can easily be transformed into something extraordinary with wall art. Often, wall art is treated last after the other decorative items and furnishings have been placed in their respective places. However, this should not be the case, and that wall art should be planned ahead of time so you can have a harmonious home interior. 

Many think that wall art only comes from paintings or portraits. There are different forms of wall art. For instance, you can create a wall gallery by grouping your family photos to show your most treasured moments with your family. Sculpture and other 3-dimensional decorative items may also be placed against the wall, which may serve as the room’s focal point. 

DIY ways to create wall art

Whatever you are hanging on your walls, a collection of pictures or pieces of artwork, this guide will help you install them without getting a headache:

1. Determine the height difference between where the nail sits and the top of the art. It is necessary to measure the length from the hooks, or the top of the taut hanging wire, to the top of the frame.
2. The art should be hung about 60 inches above the ground, considered the average person’s line of sight.
3. Mark the spot, hammer, and hang.
4. When hanging above a piece of furniture, leave at least 6-8 inches of space between the top and the bottom of the art.
5. When hanging art above a sofa, the width should span no more than two-thirds the length of the sofa.
6. How about if you are applying more than one piece of art on the same wall? There should be at least 2 inches of space between each piece of art.

Importance of wall art in your interior

Many homeowners hesitate to add it to their homes. This is because they are probably contented with the color of their walls or perhaps because they are uncomfortable adding wall art to their home interior. However, there are many benefits wall art can provide to the home interior. Wall art can provide an instant color palette; you do not have to worry about picking the color palette for your home. The appropriate wall art can also be the focal point of the room, drawing the eye into the space and giving the viewer a sense of what to expect. Wall art can also add texture to the home interior using various mediums. Lastly, wall art can be a finishing element that can help pull a space together and make it feel complete. 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it is time to surprise your loved ones with heart-warming home designs. Read on to learn how to make your home look fantastic for Valentine’s Day.

A brief history of Valentine’s Day 

Valentine’s Day, also known as the feast of St. Valentine, is an annual holiday celebrated on February 14. Originally from a Western Christian liturgical feast day honoring one or more early saints named Valentinus. The day has been recognized in many regions worldwide, though it is not considered a public holiday. 

These days, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many individuals worldwide together with their loved ones. Sales of flowers, chocolates, and stuffed toys were high during this period as these items have been some of the favorites for many couples. In addition, many homes and establishments put up Valentine’s Day home decorations to further feel and experience the atmosphere of Valentine’s Day.

DIY Valentine’s Day home decorations

Here are some exciting ideas for creating fabulous home decor for Valentine’s Day: Rest assured that these ideas are heartwarming and appropriate for the special day. Also, remember that decorating your home for Valentine’s Day need not be that expensive. You can create DIY home decor for Valentine’s Day. With imagination, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can successfully achieve the home decor you have been dreaming of. At the same time, your loved ones will also appreciate your Valentine’s Day home decor. Here are some of the home decor that you can have in your home for Valentine’s Day:

• Paper heart trees – an adorable home decor made with craft paper, glue, and a foam cone tree. Decorate it with items around the house, such as stickers or ribbons. This decor can be placed on the table as a beautiful centerpiece.
• Paper Straw Heart Garland – create this garland to hang on your mantel or in a kid’s room.
• Doily Mason Jar decorations – attractive with battery-operated candles on your mantel.
• Heart Doilies – a beautiful way to decorate for a sweet dinner party, or you may use them as garlands for your mantel.
• Valentine tree – make your own with sticks and paper hearts, and add family pictures or bows.
• Valentine’s Day table runner – let your kids add a cute table runner, especially if you are having a dinner party, game night, and pizza at home.
• Fifty-two reasons why – create this cute 52 reasons why you love your sweetie with a book or cards. This will let them know why you love them so.
• Candle hurricanes – are filled with colorful conversation hearts that are cute and can give off a great ambiance.

There are other home decorations that you can purchase, like trendy prints and personalized posters. Choose exceptional poster designs that will make extraordinary transformations to your home. Show your loved ones how much you love them with these fabulous and easy Valentine’s Day home decorations.

It’s a month before Valentine’s Day arrives, and time to start to think about how the day will be celebrated. There are many ways to celebrate it with your loved ones. This is one of the days when the streets are filled with flowers and sweets for gifts to your loved ones. 

What you can give this Valentine’s Day

One of the gifts you can give is something you have created. Wall art creates a fantastic interior and conveys a message to your loved ones.  You can always buy a picture frame or even use your old ones and start to create art in them. Hearts never go out of style during Valentine’s Day. It comes in different sizes and can look great on the wall. Hearts can be made out of paper, ceramic, or wood. Have fun and enjoy the day with your loved ones!

How the world celebrates Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, various stores are now filled with candy hearts, chocolates, stuffed animals, flowers, and balloons. However, not all countries turn to greeting cards and chocolates to celebrate the day. In one country in Asia, mass wedding ceremonies have gained popularity, leading couples to gather at malls or other public areas around the country to get married or renew their vows. Many individuals in various countries commonly celebrate Valentine’s Day by having a romantic dinner with their loved ones and exchanging presents. 

Valentine’s Day-themed wall art

Valentine’s Day may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the love-filled holiday offers an opportunity to add beautiful decor to your home.

Whether planning to have a romantic dinner with your special someone or a drink with your friends, creating Valentine’s Day-inspired wall art is an essential act of self-love.

Add warmth to your home with floral prints, gilded typography art, and geometric patterns in a rosy color palette. Aside from looking great during the holiday, the design will also look fantastic all year round. 

There are different materials available in the market to create wall art. Examples are trendy prints, personalized posters, tapestries, personal collections, photos, and others. 

Better yet, you can create your own DIY Valentine’s Day-inspired wall art to show your loved ones how special they are. The wonderful thing about DIY wall art designs is that you can customize them to create and send the message to your family or friends. 

Chinese New Year is one of the important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. It is also known as Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Chinese New year is traditionally celebrated from the evening preceding the first day to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. 

The Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a popular celebration due to myths and customs. This is the time the Chinese honor their deities and ancestors. The activities involve using firecrackers and giving money in red envelopes. 

Many establishments, homes, and offices prepare for the celebration. Glittering decorations are usually displayed to capture the magic and energy of the holiday. It is common to see colors red and gold, bright lanterns, and auspicious plants and flowers. 

Decorating your home for the Chinese New Year

Traditionally, homes and various establishments are decorated with the following: red lanterns, orange and mandarin trees, banners with messages of good fortune and prosperity, and cherry blossoms. 

Red lanterns

Red lanterns are the most popular items to spark the Chinese New Year and symbolize vitality and prosperity. The lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and have become a symbol of Chinese culture. 

Red and gold banners

Red and gold banners with New Year messages of good luck offer a warm welcome and wishes of prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year. The decorations could be at the room’s entrance or near the main entrance. Red and gold are considered lucky for the Chinese, as red symbolizes the vitality of life and happiness, while gold is for wealth and prosperity. 

Garlands and wreaths

In the Chinese tradition, firecrackers made out of bright shiny paper hanging alongside door entrances are used instead of using garlands and wreaths. These decorations add a festive and lively atmosphere to the house since they represent the season’s loud, happy, and cracking noise. Firecrackers are believed to scare away evil spirits when they are lit.

Yuanbao

Yuanbao or Sycee are boat-shaped gold ingots. They are traditionally made of silver or gold and used as money in Ancient China. They represent wealth and prosperity. 

Chinese Knots

Chinese Knots are hung or given to loved ones as good-luck charms to the loved ones. They protect an individual from evil spirits, and the endless knots signify everlasting life or longevity. 

Lucky coins

Coins are known to be associated with wealth and prosperity. It is common to see coins with a square hole in the middle used as decorative tokens. It is common to see charms with three coins tied with red string for good luck. 

Fruits, plants, and flowers

Since the Chinese New year is a celebration marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, fruits, plants, and blooming flowers are essential decorative items. These represent the earth returning to life and wishing for prosperous new beginnings. 

Mandarin and Orange trees and kumquat plants are more than just decorative items. They represent good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. They are commonly given as gifts and decorated with shiny red ornaments, red envelopes, and good luck messages. 

Chinese also love “Lucky Bamboo” plants, commonly seen in homes and offices. This plant is widely used in Feng Shui and is associated with health, resilience, abundance, and a happy home. Bamboo is also believed to attract positive Chi energy.