The most obvious result of this transition is the modern, ethnic interior design, conceived as experimentation of new ways of expression which combine Middle Eastern atmospheres and Western elements.
But how to decorate a house in ethnic style? And, above all, what does “furnishing in an ethnic way” nowadays mean?
Here is a guide with recommendations and suggestions to understand and use this style.
What is the ethnic style?
The strength of ethnic style is contamination. It is the ability to create interiors where one main theme is replaced by the combination of elements which “break”, astonish and give personality to the space.
When we now speak of ethnic style, we do not only mean “pure craftsmanship” born from the hands and the traditions of a people. Rather, we refer to a contemporary vision of living, to an Ethno chic style which derives from an aesthetic research that reproduces themes such as ethics, sustainability, valorisation and preservation of local traditions in interior design.
That is why we find objects of recycled wood, bamboo, terracotta, wicker, natural fibers in modern ethnic interior design. Handcrafted objects, sometimes precious and artistic, other times simpler and more essential, yet always perfect for creating unusual combinations and refined cosmopolitan atmospheres.
How to decorate a living room in chic, ethnic style?
To furnish a modern, ethnic living room, you have to carefully select every object, from pieces of furniture to housewares. The reference to nature and to different cultures must guide every choice and inspire the use of natural, sustainable materials and of the weaving of wood and fabric.
Pieces of furniture of the ethnic living room
As for the pieces of furniture for an ethnic living room, you have to choose eco-friendly materials such as wood, rattan and bamboo, and products of design which embody originality, quality, innovation, craftsmanship.
An interesting idea can be a wardrobe with wooden decorations and black metal particulars. This is an example of the combination of materials we spoke about before, which contributes to create an important piece of furniture for an ethnic corner in your living room.
Seats are another necessary element in an ethnic living room. The armchair with high back, black metal structure and rattan seat is perfect. Clear, essential lines and warm, exotic style and atmosphere.
The extra element? A bench with dark wooden structure and jacquard fabric coating. If you like, you can combine it with a pouf of the same line but with different colours.
Ethnic tables
Nothing but an ethnic table can create and show the charm of this interior design style. The structures of these pieces of furniture seem to embody an intriguing, charming dimension. That is how they can make every interior special and refined.
Top quality pieces of furniture which can maintain their beauty over the years and combine tradition and modernity through clean shapes, chromatic research and materials selection.
The wall of an ethnic living room
When furnishing a wall in modern, ethnic style, you cannot disregard furnishing objects. In this case, the trend is to play with materials, shapes and colours. As for shapes, for instance, you can choose wall decorations in the shape of a tree. A piece of furniture with perfect, ethnic elegance which will focus one’s attention on whatever walls you decide to hang it on.
The colours of the walls of an ethnic living room are inspired by the colours which recall natural landscapes of faraway countries: beige, sand, burnt sienna, ochre and then bright tones like yellow, red and orange. And don’t forget the sea and its colours: intense blue and light blue, sky blue and its endless shades.
A decorative panel of enamelled metal, with floral motives and the colours of nature, is perfect for an ethnic corner in your living room.
Modern paintings in an ethnic living room
The paintings to furnish in an ethnic style help create a unique interior.
The refined motives and the colours which seem to design the profiles of faraway countries are a perfect way to give warmth and personality to your living room, providing it with the exotic atmospheres which belong to Ethno Chic world.
Textiles and carpets in an ethnic living room
Warm colours inspired by the earth are a must also for textiles and carpets, where they show their natural ability of decorating interiors.
Ochre, beige, green are predominant in cushions.
As for carpets, you’d better choose models whose design and size enhance the other pieces of furniture and the decorative objects in the room, without hiding or dominating them. This way you will have furnishing objects which can harmonize different elements, providing the house with a warm, cosy, intimate atmosphere.







