Embark on a design odyssey sparked by the spirit of the Far East

The Western world has been borrowing beautiful elements of Chinese and Japanese design since the 1600s, but somehow these Eastern influences have never felt more current than they do right now. From the whimsical motifs of chinoiserie to the geometric fretwork patterns of Chinese Chippendale furniture, decorators and homeowners are finding that this look can be incorporated into almost any style of room. The movement is even making its way into fashion, where kimonos and kitschy handbags are of the moment. Drawing from Asia’s splashy and serene sides, the exotic items shown here are fresh for fall.