Chinese New Year: Celebrate The Year Of The Pig With Eastern-inspired Decor

“As Chinese New Year approaches, the interiors world is travelling East, and the first port of call? Chinoiserie,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair’s resident style advisor.

“This intricate and highly decorative trend is often attributed to traditional lacquered Chinese cabinets. Delicate bird and butterfly motifs that embellish them will create an illusion of distant lands, but be sure to modernise the look by opting for a bright, exotic hue,” she adds.

Eastern-inspired interiors can be both opulent and minimalistic, she points out. “Select items glazed with bold metallics – deep gold and sultry silver – which will update traditional shapes such as bamboo legs or pagoda inspired table tops,” McCowan Hill suggests.

A dragon mural will be a mesmerising focal point in a room that celebrates Asian style.

Bright, vivid colours are used in Oriental-style decorating, with red, gold and black being dominant. A favourite feature are gold or multi-coloured dragons, a popular creature in Eastern mythology which symbolises power and strength.

“An easy way to incorporate this trend into your home is with textiles and accessories,” says McCowan Hill. “For a bold look, go graphic with an illustrative geisha cushion, featuring ruby lips and endless fashion inspiration.

“For on-point textures, stick to silk and brocade inspired by the hand craftsmanship of the Far Orient.”

If you want to increase your chances of good fortune, according to Chinese tradition, incorporate red into a scheme. The colour is associated with good luck, and is a key theme for any New Year celebrations.

Asian-style interiors instantly evoke an image of serenity and tranquil calm, perfect for sanctuaries where we can retreat and escape our fast-paced lifestyles.

Keep the backdrop as neutral as possible. But remember, that does not have to mean white is the only option – pale or dark blue, or even and elegant grey will work well. Then simply pay a nod to the East with a display of blue and white porcelain or china pieces, such as jars and vases.