Bamboo Wall offers Asian Furniture and Accessories
Recently opened store is at 2145 First Street
by Shelly Riley
November 21,2002
Decorators have long known the calming and tranquil aspects of eastern decor. Many are drawn to the high contrasts that pure Asian sytle exemplifies with its simplicity and the clean lines that blend beauty with tranquility. By complimenting this starkness with the richness of deep colors and highly textured fabrics and wall coverings, a sense of warmth and welcome pervades.
Creating a happy medium between the artistic and the functionality demanded of everyday life, the Far Eastern cultures hit upon a style that has over the ages complemented and influenced the burgeoning styles of a wide range of different cultures.
With the aesthetics being more about minimalism and simplicity and not about making a bold statement, Asian decor has seemed immune to the vagaries of perceived style trends. Although never out of style it has never seemed to be popular in style than today. With growing demand for Asian furniture and decorative arts that can be incorporated into our contemporary rooms, imports of these items have been stronger than ever before.
The Bamboo Wall featuring Asian and tropical home furnishings, has opened its doors in downtown Livermore
as a direct result of this increased demand. Owner and operater Mel Chiong is quick to point out that
Bamboo Wall is not just about shopping, it's about exchanging cultureal ideas and imagination as well.
A lot of the decorative items offer more than just a pretty picture; they offer an insight into a different culture and the long history behind it, according to Chiong. She likens it to a decorative piece with a story waiting to be retold. For instance, Bamboo has been a symbol of good fortune in the Asian culture for over 4,000 years.
Mel and her husband, both with parents in business for themselves, decided early on that they should do the same. Mel, Philippine and Chinese descent, lived in the Far East for a good deal of her life and was well versed in the history and culture of her ancestors. So starting a business highlighting the Asian lifestyle was an easy reach and the pair began by attending the local trade shows and developing a web site to capitalize on the current boom in e-commerce.
Well received they responded to increasing demand and chose downtown Livermore as the ideal location to open their first bricks and mortar operation. With two children and four years invested in the community, they are excited and committed to their expansion into a permanent location. Mel has much to share and has planned out a whole calendar of events involving her new store over the weeks to come. These will include a writing demonstration, by Mel, of basic Chinese calligraphy, hula demonstrations, and wine tasting, among other events to be scheduled in the future.
Mel's plans include an active participation in the Livermore Main Street scheduled events as well.
Since Mel has been the buyer for the business since its inception, it is her duty and pleasure to travel to the Philippines at least three times a year. Renewing family ties and keeping in touch with her culture is only part of these excursions. Finding the meticulously hand-crafted items that she will bring back with her is an adventure into the customs of contemporary artists who infuse natural indigenous materials with her imagination.
Mel is inspired by the simple and chic elements of these designs and feels it is easy to blend the beauty and tranquility of Asian furnishings into anyone's lifestyle. With the growing complexity of our lives, she says it impart feelings of welcome and comfort, and give us a sense of balance and focus.
Mel says that scent plays a big role in achieving this along with other Feng Shui elements, such as metal, water, and wood. The Bamboo Wall has a wide variety of scented objects along with descriptions of their properties. Furniture is arranged in tranquil settings and there are tea sets, sushi and sashimi plates, silk art, design books and any number of gift ideas. Mel gives decorative advice, when asked, to help encourage the finding of an individual style that will incorporate the elements of balance and harmony with the practical.
Mel says the road to simplicity and tranquility in our homes may be a bit bumpy. Moving items around to improve the flow is the easiest part, decluttering can be the hardest. The Chinese dispose of items they don't want, rearranging what's left to create that harmony in the personal space.
Going to the Bamboo Wall and spending some time with Mel will aid those trying to find their way in displaying oriental objects in a creative and contemporary style. Finding the right blend of traditional with today's more modern decor to create an elegant effect that is both stimulating and easy to live with.
Bamboo Wall is at 2145 First Street in Livermore. 925-243-0058 or www.bamboowall.com. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.