The influence of the Silk Road, the infamous ancient trade route that connected the East and West through the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas, lives on. This historic route has influenced art, architecture, and interior design in many different ways. The Silk Road brought the colours, textures, and patterns of the Orient to the Western world, with these elements continuing to inspire interior designers like myself today.
If you’re interested in incorporating the Silk Road into your interior design, here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
RICH COLOURS
The Silk Road is known for its rich and vibrant colours, including deep reds, golds, blues, and greens. These colours can be incorporated into your interior design through textiles, rugs, and decorative accessories.
Experimenting with exotic table settings such as the Cabana magazine tablescape below is a playful way to introduce the colours of the Silk Road, especially if what’s on the menu has a spice route influence.
FURNITURE & LIGHTING
If you’re looking for larger elements to incorporate into your interior design, consider furniture and lighting. Look for pieces that feature ornate carving and intricate details, such as a Chinese-style console or a Moorish lantern. Pieces like this can add a touch of well travelled elegance to your space and create an interesting talking point.
Fortuny’s iconic silk lighting such as the Saraceno pendant lamp in the image below evoke Ottoman palaces and splendour.
TEXTILES & PATTERNS
The Silk Road is perhaps most famous for its textiles and intricate patterns. You can incorporate these elements into your interior design through cushions, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Look for fabrics with ornate patterns, such as paisleys, florals, and geometric shapes.
I’ve recently discovered Huddle’s gorgeous Indian block cushions shown in the bedroom vignette below.
ART & ACCESSORIES
Incorporating art and accessories from the Silk Road is another great way to add visual interest to your home. Look for ceramics, porcelain and decorative objects that feature traditional motifs like tigers, dragons and pagodas.
I enjoy the challenge of rooting around in antique shops and vintage markets for hidden gems but undamaged and striking antique oriental vases can come with eye watering price tags and there are lots of wonderful contemporary pieces like the Oka vase below that look as if they could have been unearthed on a successful antique hunt!
PLANTS & NATURAL ELEMENTS
Finally, consider adding plants and other natural elements to your interior design. The Silk Road passes through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, and you can capture some of that natural beauty in your home. Consider adding potted plants, bamboo, or a water feature to your space.
Large planters, or jardinières if you’re feeling fancy, such as the classic blue and white Decoralist one below are perfect for adding lusciousness to spaces that would benefit from purifying verdant leaves.
Incorporating the Silk Road into your interior design can add a sense of exotic elegance to your space. Whether you choose to incorporate small decorative elements or larger pieces of furniture, the rich colours, intricate patterns and natural elements of the Silk Road can help create a unique and beautiful home.