East meets West

You may be totally loyal to your current interior style and comfortable with it, but it's time for an affair - or at least a mild flirtation.

The East should be the object of your desires, and capturing the essence of its elegant, harmonious look - particularly from China - is essential this year for a fashion-conscious home.

You might choose a glossy lacquered box possibly in red (considered a lucky colour in Chinese culture), a highly- decorated ginger jar, or maybe a playful touch like a colourful parasol. However, if your passion becomes more serious - and this style is highly addictive - you could embrace hand-decorated, dark wood furniture or paper your walls in beautiful floral prints such as Cherry Blossom.

The look is termed Chinoiserie - an art form where furniture and accessories are patterned in the style of the detailed embellishments and complex decoration of Chinese designs, and you will find the genuine article taking centre stage in upmarket interiors shops but also appearing in the chain stores.

Jemma Page, founder and partner of Orchid, a specialist in Chinese antiques and stylish accessories, is just one expert who forecasts that the style will find a place in our hearts.

She says: "Western interiors have drawn influence from the East for many years but the new look that's emerging is much more about combining the best of both worlds.

"Modern interiors have moved away from a total 'look' - with rooms dominated by one style. Now people are seeking to stamp their own personalities on their interior schemes. The new Chinoiserie trend is much more pared back approach, which is about combining sleek, simple contemporary lines with statement pieces, such as an old antique with a story behind it. It's an approach that shouts 'worldwide chic'."

Jemma points out that it's easy to create the look. "Perhaps start with your favourite mementoes from your travels or a colourful collection of souvenirs, and display them on a dark wood console table or sideboard. Mix some shocking pink silk cushions with a dramatic dark teak table and offset the look with white walls. You could make a statement with a decorative piece, that is painted with floral designs or scenes from

Chinese life.

"Don't be afraid to mix textures and colours as long as they are generally within the same colour theme. The symmetry - pairing tables, chairs or even ornaments - gives a sense of order and harmony. It conjures a restful, calming atmosphere which will appeal to those who want their rooms to be an escape from the stresses and strains of

everyday life."

Bamboo - perhaps as a screen - and stone and other natural materials provide the basis for a soothing colour palette of brown, grey and green, and the effect will be brought to life by soft floral patterns and colours incorporated in decorative pottery and embellished textiles.

Colour symbolism has always been extremely important to the Chinese. Black represents the will to gain wisdom, red a desire to express oneself, yellow symbolises the earth, white is the colour of purity and green is a symbol for plants and Springtime. Echoing those shades in wall decoration, and furnishings, is one of the simplest ways to effect this style.