Diffa Decor Trend: Ethnic Influences

Editor Margaret Russell decked out Elle Decor's tables with brightly colored Asian touches. Paper lanterns hung from black umbrella skeletons, and vases in different shapes, sizes, and colors sat in the center of the table.

Richard Simms for Wildflowers used his years in Japan to create a serene table with an Asian feel. The simple black-and-white look included white screens with black frames circling the table, a hand-painted tablecloth decorated with a Chinese character in each of the four corners of the table, and Simms' hand-painted poster of the Chinese character for peace, tranquility, and quiet.

David Easton's design for Lee Jofa's table was reminiscent of a Moroccan tent with a cusped arch entryway, lounge seating, patterned pillows, an ornate mirror, and hookah pipes. Pink, gold, and red colors contrasted the natural hue of the woven mat floor and the banquettes' upholstery.

Interior designer Jamie Drake channeled the lush exoticism of Phuket and Bangkok, using Bergamot's spring line of fabric. The table's environment included a traditional Thai dancer's headdress, a mural of sampans, and gilt touches that echoed Thailand's golden temples.