Global-inspired living room ideas

India is a land filled with deep color, rich texture and stand-out prints. That's part of what makes the Indian culture one of the most vibrant in the world. Embrace Indian design with this intricate, handcrafted wood chair with ivory cloth detail that folds away for easy storage (World Market, $175). Then add in sari-inspired curtains, woven on a hand loom from fine silk (Overstock, $55), and vibrant color in the form of this blue, pink, red and green foot stool (World Market, $50).

Explore your wild side by combining basic black, white and beige furniture pieces with classic animal prints. Add African-inspired pieces, like this zebra print area rug (Wal-Mart, $161), and wood-crafted knick-knacks like this giraffe piece (Target, $30). Use plenty of atypical silk plants and frame faux leaves (Oriental Trading, $15) in shadow boxes for a classy take on this look gone wild.

Red colors, silk materials and natural elements like bamboo combine in Chinese culture for a visually stunning look. Hang Chinese paper lanterns (Amazon, $5) which contrast bright red statement furniture and beautiful Buddha statues (Oriental Furniture, $59). Add in pops of gold accessories and traditional red medallion art (Pier 1, $30).

Scandinavian design blends modern, IKEA-like aesthetics with more traditional antique pieces. Furniture with clean lines like this ultra-chic coffee table (IKEA, $179) blends with floral-patterned curtains (Country Curtains, $130) that turn shabby chic. Bring it all together with white accessories like vases, candle sticks and picture frames, then add bits of color in the form of silk flowers.

South America embraces every color under the sun — and even the sun plays a tremendous element in their culture. Bring the sun into your living room with this sunburst mirror (homeclick, $274), and bright, ornate accessories in gold, red, orange, green, blue and any other color that tickles your fancy. Top it off with textures of the region, like a super-soft, lush alpaca throw (Crate&Barrel, $169) and woven picture frames (Pier 1, $20).

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