Looking for a way to dress up a drab room in your home? Taking your living room or bedroom on an Oriental adventure could be the perfect excursion. With it's exotic flavor, Asian decor can be a beautiful decorating choice, but requires some restraint. When it comes to the perfect Asian influenced decor, simplicity is critical. No need to overdo it, when it comes to Asian themed decorating, less is more.

Color: For the walls, think beige or tan, inspired by aged bamboo or rice parchment. The neutrality of the beige tone sets the stage for an exploration of some Asian inspired colors at the bolder end of the color spectrum. Monochromatic colors can work well in Asian decor. Green factors heavily into many Asian designs. They can range from the vivid greens of the bamboo jungle to the subtle luxury of a jade sculpture. A touch of bold red and some gold also conjure up images of the Orient.

Floors: An obvious choice is bamboo flooring which looks great but can be costly. most home improvement stores offer bamboo look laminate flooring. Any wood flooring should do just fine. Terracotta tiling is another great option, but light stone and ceramic tile look great too. Avoid the temptation to use an oriental rug unless you feel strongly that it works. You'll save a few bucks. Instead, seek out a jute rug.The loomed structure and natural fibers are perfectly suited to your Asian themed room.You should be able to find a 6’ x 9’ rug in the 0 range. For the budget conscious, seek out a wool blend or synthetic version.

Silk drapes in dramatic colors can be the perfect look for window treatments. Consider using gold cord and tassels to pull them back and take advantage of the ambient light. Roll-up bamboo shades are a great selection when you're looking to create a more casual mood. You can find bamboo blinds that are painted in Asian themes with calligraphy, classical oriental art of Asian symbols.

Lighting: Oriental lanterns come in all shapes, colors and sizes. You'll find one to suit your budget for sure. these are great. The use of candles or faux candles can complement the room as well. Do your best to avoid modern or period-specific lighting. A lighted water fountain can be a gread stand-in for a lamp that creates a true Asian atmosphere.

The smart shopper can find a bargain anywhere, but if you're going to splurge this is the area to do it. Lacquered furniture is frequently seen in Asian homes. Often finished in a polished black tone, it can make a grand statement sure to please the eye. Think about a small table, trunk, armoire or stool. These furnishings generally painted with scenes of life, landscape or floral designs. Bamboo furniture and wicker are also excellent choices for Asian inspired decor.

Decorations: Now you get to really have some fun. Make bold decisions, just remember the axiom that "less is more". A Shonji divider can be used to separate the room and create more intimate areas. You might consider a statue of Buddha or a Kuan Yin sculpture. A laughing Buddha statue is believed to improve one’s chances of prosperity, but at the very least can add a bit of whimsy to a room. You may want to do a little research on Feng Shui as its theories will surely give you inspiration and instill your decorating ideas with meaning.

Carvings in jade, porcelain statues and figurines, silk paintings and Asian wall art are all great choices. A Chinese vase or fishbowl on a stand will work well too. Ginger or tea jars, bonsai trees, bamboo plants, Asian clocks and mirrors are all excellent decorating options. The possibilities are as limitless as the imagination.

Have a blast with all the great decorating options, just remember that in the case of Asian-themed decorating it's important not to overdo it. Keep the room sparse and free of clutter to get the desired effect. Let a few key pieces in the room carry the theme and emphasize the approach that less is more.