How Pan-Asian furniture can work in any Florida living space

Pamela Gentry, Tribune Content Solutions

Asia and Florida seem like opposite ends of the Earth, so how could the distinctive furniture styles of one possibly work in the other? It turns out they’re a perfect match, according to Janet Graham, a designer at Baer’s Furniture, a collection of fine furniture stores located throughout Florida.

Graham said the distinctive curving lines of Asian furniture can be integrated beautifully with contemporary decoration. The tropical-inspired design of Southeast Asia is also a perfect match to both the climate and the laid-back feel of Florida design. In either instance, a sense of balance is built right into the furniture.

Tommy Bahama furniture has taken these Pan-Asian designs and adapted them to their line of contemporary furniture. The innovative combination, which Graham said is influenced from timeless Asian architecture, has proven to be forward thinking. “To put this Asian twist into contemporary form is something we haven’t seen in years,” said Graham.

Try either of these two collections to add some Asian-inspired flair in your home.

Island Fusion Line

For a perfect combination of tropical style and art, look no further than Tommy Bahama’s Island Fusion line. This unique collaboration pairs a tropical look with Asian accents. Tropical woods and finishes are blended with geometric patterns for a clean, composed look.

Lexington, the Tommy Bahama Furniture’s parent company, describes the collection as a “refined yet restrained.” The pieces feature express peacefulness. Its modern look combines vertical, parallel lines with expressive, bold hardware.

The Island Fusion line uses natural touches that give each item a one-of-a-kind look. For example, the Shanghai headboard features intricate wooden fretwork with contrasting dark walnut on the back panel. Also trimmed in dark walnut, the Java tall chest features bold drawer pulls. Accent the room with the Kobe round mirror.

The Taipei media bookcase also features a beautiful wooden frame, combines with floating shelves that will echo Florida style’s breeziness. For a versatile, simple piece, consider the gentle curve of the Midori slat bench, clearly inspired by Asian architecture but at home in any room

Subtle and timeless, Janet Graham described the Ocean Club Tommy Bahama line as a “great addition to all collections” with a contemporary Asian feel.

Ocean Club Line

The Ocean Club by Tommy Bahama line provides a fresh take on coastal living. With inspiration subtly drawn from the Pacific Rim, Ocean Club joins Eastern and Western influences using natural components such as woven rattan, crushed bamboo, etched sea glass and travertine. Comfort and personality are expressed through a combination of white linens with bold bursts of color and coordinating textiles.

A standout piece in the Ocean Club line is the Salina sofa. Fully customizable, the Salina sofa features a beautiful woven rattan combined with a neutral fabric and coordinating pillows, and is sure to be the focal point of a room. Coordinate with the Salina Ottoman, with its woven dark wood base and tropical-inspired fabrics for perfectly Florida interior.

Looking to add some Pan-Asian flair to your home? Look no further than the Tommy Bahama Collection that is featured at your local Baer’s Furniture showroom. Their expert design staff can help you create the perfect combination of old-world styles and modern comfort for a look you won’t find anywhere else.