Global-inspired colors and décor are

gaining popularity in the design world

and will infuse your home with instant

international ambiance. There’s no need

to trek to far-flung locales, simply borrow

exotic shades and design elements

from some of the world’s most colorful

destinations to evoke the sights and

sensations of an African safari or an

Asian resort in your very own home. Incorporate cultural design elements into your home for a chic, cosmopolitan flair

© 2009 Behr Process Corporation

You’ll find that unique color palettes coalesce to bring to mind the landscape of foreign lands,

while providing an open canvas for displaying international art & textiles. Whether you strive

to recapture the hazy red of a sunset that glows over Cambodian temples, the vibrant teal of

the ocean off the coast of Southern Thailand, or the rich, earthy brown of sun-dried vanilla beans in

Madagascar, a global theme in the home can add a dose of sophistication and tranquility.

No matter what global elements you are

drawn to, don’t be afraid to experiment

with darker colors. You will be pleasantly

surprised at how the richness of the

tones can create a truly warm and

welcoming space. The reddish brown

wall color in this kitchen accentuates

the subtle African influences of the wall

art and intricately patterned window

covering. Meanwhile,

stainless steel

appliances, copper

accessories and

ebony-stained

furniture contrast

with the wall color

to ensure that the

room maintains its

contemporary edge. The

key to global design is to

balance ethnic elements with modern,

streamlined pieces to create an original

atmosphere through a fusion of styles.

The light flooding in from the window

and pendant lamps gives the walls

a warm glow, demonstrating that a

darker color palette can be an elegant

and intriguing choice for any

room in the home.

Out of AfricaA bold kitchen to be proud of

© 2009 Behr Process Corporation

The understated elegance of this dining

room can make you feel as though you

are unwinding at a lush Indonesian resort.

The abundant natural beauty found

throughout this Southeast Asian island

chain inspires a wealth of design options

from which to create a

tranquil living space.

Sea-hued colors are

known to inspire

relaxation of the

mind, making this

soothing dining

room an ideal place

to lounge. You’ll notice that the lush teal

wall color perfectly evokes images of

the waves off Bali’s beaches on a sultry

summer day, while the soft, velvety brown

wall that grounds the room brings to

mind the color of ocean-drenched sand

on the island of Java. The tropical textures

of the wicker furniture and wood

floor further add to the beachside

bungalow feel. Overall, the

peaceful wall colors and the ocean-

inspired textures combine to create

an exotic yet refined

ambiance.

Asian-Inspired Tropical Retreat Entertain family and friends in style

© 2009 Behr Process Corporation

© 2009 Behr Process Corporation

Sunny colors will enhance and enliven any room

A space to eat and gather in tranquility

SubTlE HARMOnIES THROugH

JApAnESE DESIgn

EClECTIC AnD STRIkIng

ASIAn InfluEnCES

Japanese design is a streamlined

masterpiece, with each color and accent

perfectly completing the unified whole.

The Asian undertones of this kitchen

are as subdued as the gentlest hues of

a traditional tea garden—the green of

lily pads floating on a koi pond, the soft

white of blossoming camellias and the

tawny brown of stately stalks of bamboo.

Intricate accents such as the hanging

lamps, floral wall art and rocky textured

backsplash—which lend visual interest

to this simple kitchen— subtly bring to

mind traditional Japanese design and

infuse the room with a global theme.

Whether making a cup of tea for yourself

or cooking a meal for a large family

gathering, the natural colors and textures

found in this kitchen create a harmonious

space ideal for rejuvenation.

From the kaleidoscopic array of textiles

and spices, to the continent’s intriguing

flora and fauna, Asian nations are filled

with vibrant color. The hues found in

the countries of the Far East are an

inspiration to us all, and you can see

that this attractive living room pulls from

the best of what Asian color and design

have to offer. The dark chocolate brown

accent wall provides a dramatic yet neutral

backdrop, while the soft golden sand

tone of the adjacent wall lightens up the

space to create an effect that is visually

balanced. This palette lends itself well

to bright splashes of color and ethnic

accent pieces such as the yellow-gold of

the throw pillows and the jaunty red and

yellow stripes on the window coverings.

Sumptuous accents such as the embossed

silver lamp, lavishly patterned area rugs

and Chinese tea set give the room stylish

appeal making it a perfect haven for

relaxing or entertaining.

© 2009 Behr Process Corporation

Optimal OfficeSometimes the most unexpected of

colors combine to create perfect beauty

and balance. The décor and accent

pieces that you already

have are often great

sources to inspire your

color combination selection.

In this case, the striped lampshade

contains both warm and cool tones,

thus the combination of dark red and

warm taupe in this peaceful office makes

for an eye-catching background. In

addition to color play, by incorporating

a variety of textures into a room, you

can achieve instant panache. The

African art along with the

dark wood, rattan and

bamboo accents add a

natural, soothing touch that

makes this room an ideal workspace—it

allows you to maintain concentration and

focus in this atmosphere of serenity.

Create a workspace that will inspire you for years to come

Whether you choose the warm palette of an Asian sunrise or the cool tones of a seaside retreat, a

simple walk through your home can become a global experience with each room exuding its own

special flair. A global design scheme is ideal for those possessing incurable wanderlust, and those

who want to incorporate into their home the varied colors and textures the world has to offer.