Tatami is a kind of mat, which is used in traditional Japanese houses for flooring. Tatami originally means "folded and piled". It is generally made of rice straw to form the core with a covering of woven soft rush straw. Sometimes the core is made of compressed wood chip boards or polystyrene foam. It was originally a luxury item for the nobility. Tatami mats are kept as clean as a bed surface or dining table surface. Tatami are also used for protective purposes when training Japanese martial arts.

The size of tatami differs between different regions of Japan and in Japan the size of a room is typically measured by the number of tatami mats. Some common room sizes are 4.5 mats, 6 mats and 8 mats. Shops are traditionally designed to be 5.5 to 6 mats and tea rooms are frequently 4.5 mats.

The layout of the tatami mats in a room follows some rules. There are distinct difference between "auspicious" tatami arrangements and "inauspicious" tatami arrangements. The tatami accordingly would be rearranged on different occasions. In the "auspicious" arrangement, the junctions of the tatami form a "T" shape. Nowadays, these arrangements are ordinarily used. In the "inauspicious" arrangement, the layout follows a grid pattern wherein the junctions form a + shape. This layout is said to bring bad fortune. So, in any layout there is never a point where the corners of three or four mats touch.

Tatami are a part of Japanese culture. Even in modern Japanese homes there is at least one tatami room.

The Persian rugs are essential part of Persian art and culture. The art of carpet weaving existed in Iran in ancient times and the first documented evidence is found in Chinese text. This art went through many changes in different eras.

Persian rugs are usually made of wool. Cotton and silk is also used. There is a large range in types of wool used for weaving, which include Kork wool, and in some cases even Camel Hair wool. Silk carpets are less common than woolen carpet because silk is more expensive and it doesn’t last long. Silk carpets are often hanged on the wall rather than being used on the floor.

Persian rugs can be divided in three groups – Farsh, Qalicheh and Gelim. The size of Farsh is greater than 6 X 4 inch and anything sized under 6 X 4 inch is called Qalicheh.

Persian rugs generally follow some distinct pattern or layout. Nineteen basic patterns are identified in Persian rugs. Various kinds of patterns can be thought by slight alteration or improvement of the main patterns. The weaving of these rugs is a difficult and tedious process and may take a few months to several years to complete depending on the quality and size of the rug. Various types of instruments are used to weave the rug. A loom is used to provide the correct tension and the means of dividing the warps into alternate sets of leaves. Other necessary tools are knife, steel comb, bidjar, scissor etc.

Persian rugs are the finest in the world and their designs are copied by weavers from other countries as well. It has its own appeal among the people because of its ability to add a look of warmth and elegance to home’s decor.

Interest in Oriental plants has grown in the United States, and many people are using oriental plants in their house or creating oriental themed garden. The most common oriental plant is Bamboo. There are different kinds of Bamboos. It can be grown in soil or water. Indoor bamboo plants are trained to grow in curly-cues to make it more attractive. Another well-known Oriental plant is the Chinese maple. The most popular is the red Chinese maple with its rust red, spike-like leaves. These plants can grow 30-4- feet tall. It gives a delicate appearance to your landscape. You have to place it in the place which gets mostly sun. Another kind of maple is found which grows in dome shape. It grows only between 15 - 25 feet tall. This kind of maple is called Japanese maple. Some of the well-known Oriental flowers are camellias, magnolias, water lilies, cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums. One of the most popular Asian flowers is the Japanese iris. It is known in Japan as Hanashobu. For best rewards, these plants must be placed in the sun, moist location and acidic soil. While planting Iris, there must be a indentation around the plant to catch water. Balanced fertilizer should be used with equal parts of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Most of the Japanese Iris flowers come in a combination of red and violet colors. The best time to plant Iris flower is when the weather is cool but not freezing. To add some more oriental flavor to the garden many kinds of grasses are also used.

Asian furniture have changed is old pattern recently. They are now more comfortable, attractive and useful before they were. Feng shui’s movement now deeply engrained in the Western culture, amateur and professional decorators are turning to Asian-inspired décor to complement their new found respect for all things eastern.

This passion of throwing a few silk pillows onto a bed or putting a bamboo wall hanging in the dining area; it extends into furniture in the East. Europeans and Americans are now attracting to Asian elements. The designs of modern Asian Furniture are functional, warm and luxurious. These furniture are not popular in individuals and families only who have swung so far to the east in their decorating tastes, but also many business leaders are also starting to realize that a calm, relaxing environment de-stresses employees.  

Hotels are using Asian décor bandwagon. Asian-inspired room is found at some of the finer luxury hotels and spas and even some smaller, niche-market bed and breakfasts or inns. It translates to rooms filled with warm colors, gentle lines, restrained lighting, and soul-soothing auras.

Asia overall has experienced an incredible surge for its manufactured goods from some of the world’s largest markets namely the United States, and this fad is only presumed to continue for many years to come. There are problems with this assumption of a gain in popularity in the future, namely that there would be risks to Chinese and ASEAN dominance .The demand for Asian furniture will increase around the world and therefore cause the actual production of Asian furniture manufacturing to rise in the United States as well.

Japanese transplants have a fanatical emphasis on quality until they can meet or exceed the quality levels attained by their home plants in Japan. Water is an important aspect of Japanese culture and is widely used in landscaping, which helps to grow more plants. Japanese gardens contain many natural elements as possible such as water, with little use of rocks, gravel or fences. The Japanese plants are wide spread in numerous types. It is important to know the proper care for these plants, and which plants are suited for definite climate. The most popular are flowering trees such as cherry, plum, quince and wisteria etc.

The Japanese Azalea is an evergreen flowering shrub that is a popular garden plant that ranges in color from white to vibrant pink or purple colors in the spring. It grows well in light shade, should be watered daily during the hot, summer season and less watering in the winter months. Its need loose soil and the land not to over water, moderate temperatures with humid conditions.

The Japanese Red Maple Tree is named after its bright red, blooms in early summer. This Tree thrives in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.  It grows well in the northern parts of the United States, but can grow in the warmer climates as well.

Water Lilies are usually used in garden ponds because they grow and float on top of the water. They are bloom brightly colored and should be positioned in direct sunlight in the pond. The temperature of water should be warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bathing styles differ in different countries in this world. Japanese bathing style has some distinct features. Japanese style bath is called “Furo” and “Furo Bench” is an important part of it. It is a kind of bath bench and is often called “Japanese Bath Bench”.

The Japanese clean their body outside the bathtub. They soak in the tub only after their bodies are thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed. While cleaning the body outside the tub, the bather will normally sit upon a small bench. This bench is called the “Furo Bench” or “Japanese Bath Bench”. You can also use the bench to place a towel, book, or glass of wine while in the bathtub. The size of the bath bench is very small, so it doesn’t take much space in the bathroom.

Modern benches are generally made of plastic. But for those who has a great attraction to wooden stools there are many stores where wooden bath benches are available. A special kind of Japanese bath bench is made of Suginoki wood. Suginoki is a Japanese cedar tree and it is often used for making bath benches and shower stools. The main reason behind its choice is that upon hitting hot water Suginoki releases cedar fragrances. This enhances the bathing experience through aromatherapy.  One of the interesting features is Japanese wooden bath benches are assembled without the use of fasteners or adhesive. They are held together by tightly fitted wood joints. Sometimes the joints are strengthened by using glue.

Japanese bath benches generally cost $40 to $70. The price may very depending upon the quality of the wood used and its antique value.

The Japanese art of flower arrangement is known as Ikebana. It is also called Kado. Ikebana is more than simply putting flower together and a more disciplined art form of flower arrangement. It often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves.

Ikebana vases are the integral part of Ikebana arrangement. You may find a lot of vases that are designed for Ikebana. But it is not necessary to confined to only these vases. You can use your own creativity and imagination to choose your appropriate Ikebana vase, which can properly display your intended flowers. Only the flowers must not be in your consideration while selecting Ikebana vases, because it often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves. The size may vary depending on the display situation as well. For example, a large, substantial container fits an entry hall whereas a small vase looks good on bed side table.

The traditional flat bottomed shallow container used for Ikebana is called suiban. It comes in various shapes such as oval, round, triangular or rectangular. The diameter is normally 30cm and 4-5cm. This shape is ideal for where you want a low arrangement that people can see over. A tall vase would be about 30-40cm high in a cylinder or prism-type shape. A compote shaped container is often used when a certain height is required. Bamboo baskets are also used for modern Ikebana arrangements.

Whatever you choose for your Ikebana the vessel must be appropriate, stable and there must be water container in it. You must change the water frequently because fresh water is flowers’ best friend.

The term Feng Shui means wind and water. These are the two fundamental forms of life energy. It is part of ancient Chinese philosophy and metaphysics, that studies life energy. Feng Shui tries to understand the movement of energy in our environment and how the design of buildings and interiors affects us.

There are some simple principles of Feng Shui that you can use to change your life for the better. But first of all you must believe and have faith in the principles of Feng Shui. The basic principle of Feng Shui is positive energy attracts positive energy. So if you are expecting positive things will happen to you, you must have positive thoughts in your mind. You must have to forget negative beliefs to overcome the obstacles that are preventing positive things from happening to you. Only those things should be in your mind that you want to happen to your life. Another important thing in Feng Shui is following the rules of nature. Feng Shui deals with wind and water, symbol of the energy flowing in the place we live and it is a means of harness this energy. This positive energy should be allowed to flow freely. It is to be ensured that there is no obstacle especially when you enter a room, as it will obstruct the smooth flow of energy through the room. While arranging your room it should be done in such a way that you can see anyone entering the room. It is possible in a particular room by placing a mirror opposite to the door.

Feng Shui is not something that one can do by just reading a book. It would take years. But anyone can follow these principles it will improve his life a lot.

According to the Chinese, everything in the world belongs to one of the five Feng Shui elements or energies. These are fire, earth, wood, water and metal. These elements are believed to have effect on everything we do. There are five different ways by which Chi energy can be manifested. In our horoscopes we have all of the five elements. The quantity of these elements determines our personalities and degree of success in our life. These elements interact between themselves in certain ways, defined as the Productive and Destructive cycles. Each of these elements is represented by a specific color. Color is the easiest way to use the five elements principle of Feng Shui.

The first element ‘wood’ is creative and innovative. A large amount of this element in our charts will express us creatively in some way. It also represents the color green, the season spring, and the direction east. The second element fire gives energy and enthusiasm, but can also be a sign of danger. Fire represents the color red, summer and south. It also represents the growing years before puberty. Earth is also an element of Feng Shui, which gives stability and also relates to real estate and legacies. It represents the color yellow, the center and the teenage years. Metal generally indicates harvest, business and success. The color of metal is usually white and represents the adult years. The last element water indicates travel, communication, and learning. It can be both gentle and violent. The water represents the color black.

The chosen Feng Shui color must have a good relationship with the other inhabitants of your home, such as your furniture pieces, decor objects etc. The light patterns throughout the day in the room should be studied before bringing the colors in the home.

Bamboo furniture has its roots in Asia because bamboo is native and rampant through out most of Asia. It has been long favored through out Asia. There is also a huge growth in popularity of bamboo furniture in the United States in recent years. Through out the world, there is a huge movement toward natural palettes and earth friendly materials both in and outside the home and bamboo furniture certainly fits for this reason.  It makes your room looks elegant, stylish and classy.

Every type of furniture can be found made out of bamboo. Couches made from bamboo are very popular. You will find these couches with loose cushions and pillows. The frame and the body of the couch is made from bamboo and the cushions will be added for comfort. The cushions can also be made from material that is made from bamboo. Tables that are made of bamboo are generally supported by other types of wood to add some more strength to the base or the legs of the table. Bamboo is seen to be used extensively as window shade and blind. For some home owners it is a good wood flooring option.

Bamboo furniture last longer than any other types of furniture if adequate care is taken. This is not very difficult. Regular dusting and applying furniture oil like linseed oil periodically will keep your bamboo furniture shining for years.

Bamboo furniture is certainly making a big noise in today’s furniture world. It really has an ability to enhance any surrounding.