for one reason or another an object inspires you, your heart jumps and it's love at first sight. it happens to be the most beautiful Chinese antique cabinet, and your home is decorated in a formal traditional western style - rolled arm sofa in the living room, crystal chandelier in the dining room, and a claw-foot tub in the master en-suite. your first reaction might be "it just won't work". but just like the yin energy complements the yang, eastern elements can work with most western interiors.
Kelly Hoppen, an interior designer from the uk, is known for her signature timeless look - simple, sophisticated, yet invitingly luxurious. drawing inspiration from all parts of the world, she brings global flavour to a home in subtle ways. "i try not to overdo it - a little can go a long way", says Kelly in her book Kelly Hoppen Style The Golden Rules of Design.
an interior designer based in New York, Vicente Wolf is famous for his modern and elegant style. an avid voyager, Vincent travels to immense himself in the cultures of distant lands. "i like to use pieces from different countries and periods so they comment on each other visually and culturally".
our local calgarian designer Nam-Dang Mitchell, who's works we see in such publications as canadian house and home, and canada's style at home, has created stunning interiors for the mission stonepine showhome integrating a whisper of mystery by mixing modern with traditional, light with dark, industrial with organic, and east with west.
at the end of the day, the word "style" implies originality - do not be afraid to introduce an unexpected element to your space, and let your personality shine through the objects you surround yourself with.
While living in England I would often stroll by Kelly Hoppen's showroom and it influenced me and my interior design tastes dramatically! -Thank you DaDe for offering unique and beautiful 'Asian themed' (amongst so many other gorgeous things) elements to decorate with in Calgary, Alberta, Canada!