The beauty of ethnic-inspired interiors is their inherent warmth – whether the interior is inspired by our own culture or one from across the world.
The aesthetic is based on ancient tradition, which brings us all together due to its homey appeal.
Depending upon the extent to which you wish to implement cultural and ethnic elements in your interior, it can be an easy task or a really difficult one.
At the same time, it may require little to no money or be a serious investment.
Either way, here are 10 gorgeous interiors that embody cultural aesthetics from around the world.
1. Chinese
Though the Chinese cultural design includes many different ethnic groups, each with its own specific aesthetic, for practical purposes I have to be broad.
When you look up ‘Chinese interior design’, you’ll get a lot of furniture with particular ornate shapes like in the above picture.
Dark wood is a must and the furniture tends to be slim-line and tall.
If you were looking to incorporate the aesthetic in your decor and walls, then ornate and floral wallpaper is a must-have.
Pottery with Chinese motifs can be a great addition, too.
2. Spanish
Spanish interior design is generally eclectic and vibrant.
It varies from the Mediterranean rustic to the Moroccan style. The crucial thing is to keep the balance in mind.
Don’t go overboard with the patterns and colors, but use them as accents instead.
You may notice a lot of wrought iron elements in the Spanish style, as well. These vibrant patterns are commonly combined with eggshell or white surroundings.
3. Egyptian
Egyptian design entails ancient inspiration, cultural heritage, and a touch of contemporary.
You don’t want to go overboard with hieroglyphics and sacred animals so as to not make your interior look like a temple, but a piece of art or two depicting them can be great.
For the color palette, focus on creating a combination of sandy hues and an occasional bold yellow, red, blue, and turquoise.
Keep the Islamic influence in mind, so try to incorporate some geometric and arabesque elements, too.
4. Mexican
Mexican traditional interior design has a lot in common with the Spanish, though there are important differences.
Much like in Spanish interiors, you want to prioritize bold and vibrant colors, but on a much larger scale because of the indigenous heritage of Mexico.
Strong and diverse patterns are omnipresent in these interiors and you want to pair them with handcrafted furniture and decor.
Houseplants are another important element of these interiors, especially those that are native to the region.
5. Bavarian
Bavarian aesthetic is all about the rustic and cozy elements that reflect the region itself.
This particular part of southern Germany is renowned for its picturesque villages and alpine landscapes.
When designing a Bavarian-inspired interior you want to focus on natural materials. For furniture, that’s going to be solid wood, often adorned and handpainted with ethnic symbols.
When it comes to textures, you ought to prioritize wool and linen, and often plaid.
Ornate pieces such as sideboards and vintage wardrobes can play a big part, as well.
Edelweiss flowers, hearts, and stylized animals are the motifs to keep in mind.
6. Russian
When designing a Russian and overall Slavic interior, you can go about it two ways – extra ornamental or lowkey.
Pastoral and botanical motifs are present everywhere – in furniture design, patterns, and decor.
Russian interiors can be very colorful and vibrant, but one thing that’s indispensable is the hand-knitted cloth you may use to adorn pretty much anything.
You want to prioritize robust furniture, like chests and benches.
Lacquered miniatures and ceramic wall accents are characteristic of the aesthetic, too.
These interiors may also contain diverse elements because of the influences from other cultures – such as the French, Mongolian, and especially Byzantine.
7. Indian
Indian interiors are well known for their intricate patterns and impactful colors.
Fabrics play an especially important role in Indian-inspired interiors, ranging from silk, cotton, wool, jute, etc.
Embroidery, tassels, and decorative seams are characteristic of the aesthetic.
Low tables are common, joined with floor cushions for sitting. They help promote a sense of intimacy and comfort.
The decor usually draws major inspiration from India’s rich heritage and may include motifs like paisleys, mandalas, peacocks, and Hindu art.
8. African
Designing an African-inspired interior requires you to keep in mind the importance of two things first and foremost – nature and community.
Now, regional diversity may imply various differences, but again, I must take a broad approach.
Geometric patterns and animal motifs are a big part of the design. Various symbols that may suggest a tribal identity are also highly decorative.
The color palette is overwhelmingly warm, though deep reds, yellows, blues, and greens can be used to create an accent.
When it comes to furniture design you want it to reflect the continent’s abundant natural resources. There’s no mistake in choosing stone, wood, and clay.
For decorating, you may focus on masks, sculptures, and beadwork.
9. Italian
Where Italian home design is concerned, the vast majority of us think of Mediterranean villas and the classic Roman elements.
But much like any other part of the world, Italy has its rustic side that’s purely characterized by simple beauty.
Natural stone walls and floors are paired with wooden beams. The colors are mainly muted and soft.
In the warmer areas, the layouts are commonly open and airy, blurring the lines between the indoors and the outdoors. Not to mention, natural light is a must!
Terracotta and ceramic tiles, handcrafted pottery, and houseplants can help create a warm, Mediterranian-rustic look.
10. Turkish
Turkish interiors often incorporate elements from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Persian architectural styles.
They’re highly ornate and colorful, but can also be quite rustic. Wall tapestries and rugs with rich patterns are very popular.
The typical seat in traditional Turkish interiors tends to be located right under a window.
And while natural light is paramount, you’ll want to include Turkish lanterns in the design to really promote the wanted aesthetic.
Spaces are typically organized for comfort and socialization, as hospitality is a well-known Turkish tradition.
Deep reds, blues, yellows, and earthy tones are the best choices when it comes to color, and they’re often layered as part of intricate patterns.