If someone asked me to say I'm Lao without saying I'm Lao, I'd show them a picture of the interior of my home. For many Lao expats living abroad, many of us have often thought of ways of expressing our culture without it being tacky.
Depending on where you live, we're also challenged by the lack of access to interior design elements that we would deem to be specifically Lao. Sometimes the situation does necessitate borrowing from what's available around us.
Truth is, combining elements of our ethnic heritage into one's living space is easier than you might think.
A traditional Lao weaved textile sash as a wall hanging, a beautiful Lao painting, a weaved basket, a Buddha statue - and you're on your way to creating something special.
And remember you don't need to make up the entire room entirely of just Lao elements. It's perfectly fine to include elements that are already in your home or with decor items that are more readily available in your city. It's a fine balance of keeping things eclectic and lived-in yet still on point with the overall look.
For those out there who might think that having too many Lao decor items in a single room might be too much, then optionally, you can spread out more of those items throughout your home.
So on your next trip to Laos remember to pickup not just souvenirs but decor items.
Placing some of your favourite Lao decor items into your home is a gift to yourself and it allows you to create interesting vignettes that spur conversations. It's also a chance for others to appreciate Lao culture too.
Spoil yourself and make that space your own. And let is say you're Lao.
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