Cultural Decorating

Culture is defined as a societies' way of life. It includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, art, food, rituals, institutions and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. Cultural influences can be found in architecture and interior decorating.

Some people decorate according to their own culture or ethnicity, with items being passed down from one generation to the next. Others use cultural decor that reflects their personality, their life's experiences or its just simply a matter of personal style. A trip or vacation abroad can often lead to discovering new treasures from a foreign culture that end up becoming part of your design scheme.

A good example of cultural decor can be found in the American Southwest. If you've ever traveled to New Mexico or Arizona, you will notice heavy influences in the architecture and decor from the Native American Indians that are indigenous to that area and from Mexico. This blending of cultures has come to be known as Southwestern style.

Another style of cultural decor that has a blend of different cultural influences is Asian decor. The continent of Asia is a vast region that encompasses many different countries, cultures and environments. East Asia consists of the countries of China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Buddhism and Taoism are the prevalent religions. The cuisine and decor from this region is typically referred to as oriental, although there are still many distinctions within this genera.

South Asia, or as it is commonly called, the Indian subcontinent, includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Tibet. This region shares a common heritage from the Indus Valley Civilization and the Mauryan, Kushan, Mughal and Gupata empires. Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam are among the most prominent religions here. Pakistan and India are rapidly developing countries that export a lot of textiles, furniture and other home decor. These products are usually handmade by local artisans and reflect the rich cultural influences of this area of the world.

These are just a few examples of how different cultures provide us with such distinctive decorating styles. Learning more about the history behind the art and crafts of a particular culture gives the decor a more meaningful purpose. Decorate with the cultural influences that inspire you and embrace how much it can enrich your home and your life.