Looking to the east

Oriental-influenced decor, like others, is sometimes an obvious statement

Sometimes it's less so

And sometimes it's just a hint

If you like this style you don't have to go all the way, you can just choose some accent pieces
 

As I've done with this chair. The style is a traditional wing back, but the fabric is the inspiration.

Less is more

Minimalist design risks appearing cold and unwelcoming. As far as I'm concerned that's the problem with the the first living room below (the winter landscape doesn't help.) However, add some colour and that doesn't have to be the case. As you can see, although it predominates you're not always restricted to modern furniture to achieve the look.

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My own tastes lean more toward transitional-styled major pieces with Asian-influenced smaller pieces and accessories. To a certain extent my choice is driven by a few things I have inherited or have purchased over the years that I love. None are newer than 40 years old - a Chinese-inspired hand-knotted Indian area rug that's going on 100, two painted chests, and a Chinese-style display cabinet in which I have my pre-1965 Innuit sculptures. The sculptures have a minimalist sensibility, but it's surprising how well they fit the more elaborate yet uncluttered style of my room.

The holly and no ivy

My inexpensive solution to Christmas decoration. Mug from the dollar store, holly from the bush outside, and candy canes. The wrapping on the candy canes isn't noticeable in regular lighting.

Christmas trimings or toys to be?

Only a couple of weeks to Christmas, so having finished my first batch of baking on Saturday, I started some decorating yesterday. I'm not sure how much I'm going to do, but no tree. Last year the cats had it on the floor more often than it was standing up - or so it seemed. I only have the one spot where it needs to sit on a table in the window and it has to be small, just the right size to become a challenging toy. It will be interesting to see if the mantle remains intact or if I find bits and pieces some time in July.

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