By Katherine Bailey
Exotic, ethnic, tribal, global–whatever you call it, this motif has been a favorite since European explorers returned from the Far East laden with delicate porcelain, hand-painted tiles, and brightly patterned rugs.
Over the past few years, as imports from distant lands have become more easily available, exotic designs have emerged as a simple way to add panache to a room without taxing your budget.
I like to call it the “Aladdin’s Lamp Effect”–adding as many colorful accessories and hand-carved furnishings as you like to inspire you to dream of exotic locals such as India, Morocco, Tibet, Nepal, and Bali. A virtual trot around the globe if you will.
Luckily, an amazing array of stores, catalogs and online e-tailers have cropped up offer an overwhelming amount of inexpensive pieces. Some, like Pier 1 Imports and Cost Plus World Market, have been around for many years. Other companies, such as West Elm, E Bella Designs and Anthropologie, offer contemporary twists on classic ethnic motifs.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Moroccan tea glasses ($30 for 6)
ikat-print pillows ($19 each)
hand-carved mango wood vase ($15 to $25 each)
The best part? The look works well with almost any interior. A few wooden vases or woven bowls will soften a contemporary room. Tribal patterns work beautifully with classic designs, and many of the newer designs are moderately priced so you don’t have to sell your car to buy one.
If you want to go all-out, stick with the mantra that more is more. Layer vibrant colors and prints with carved woods, woven rattans, and soft textures. You will feel as though you are lounging in a souk’s tent with nothing but sunshine and sand for miles.
However, if you are shy of overdosing on color, start with something simple, a candle that hints of cardamom or coriander, or a set of curtains from John Robshaw ($140 each).
No matter what you choose, I guarantee that it will have you longing for your own genie lamp to grant you three wishes too.
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