Whether you choose an absence of color - white - or a trendy color, such as red, the effect on the ambiance of your home and future decorating plans will be significant. 

Many people chose white for major pieces because they are afraid to use any other color, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea- assuming you can keep it clean. When your furnishings are white and decorating trends or your personal preferences change, all you have to do is alter the accent pieces to achieve a new look. By rearranging furniture and adding colorful new vases, lamps, screens or sculptures, a room can be transformed from dull to vibrant.

For those who are comfortable with bold hues, red has become a popular choice. In rooms with lots of bright sunlight, a richly colored red for the walls can actually cut down on glare. Red is also worth considering for rooms that are mostly used at night. Red looks wonderful by candlelight or firelight because it casts a flattering glow. It’s also ideal for a library or a stunning dining room, according to our designers, but is usually too intense for bedrooms where it can make people feel jumpy or overstimulated.

Red can also be the perfect antidote for a boring room when used as an accent, but whether it’s used with caution or daring, red adds warmth, excitement and drama. 

Strong shades of red have always been favored in Chinese art and furniture and our collection includes many beautiful pieces. Deep, rich red carries auspicious significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing joy and good fortune. The practice of feng shui favors red to boost the flow of beneficial energy. An entrance door painted red should open inward so positive energy flows in when the door opens, but can’t flow out. And in China, red lacquer pieces are particularly thought to bring luck and good fortune. 

While most people hesitate to use bold colors on walls, our decorators recommend it as a way to use color to pull together old favorites with new elements. A collection of colorful plates, for example, would look beautiful mounted on a wall painted that picks up a strong tone in the plates.

Our current collection of furniture and fine Chinese art includes every color of the rainbow. If you’d like to add spice to a neutral room or additional zest to your already colorful décor, you’re sure to find the perfect piece among our tens of thousands of treasures.