How to Decorate Your Home Like a Hanoi Hideaway

By Dobrina Zhekova
Updated: July 06, 2017
Getty Images/Westend61 RM

Legend has it that when Emperor Ly Thai To arrived with his convoy in the new capital of Vietnam, Dai La, a golden dragon rose next to his boat, so the emperor changed the city’s name to Thang Long, or “The Rising Dragon.” That was more than 10 centuries ago, and since then Thang Long has been renamed again, this time to Hanoi (Ha means "river" and noi "inner").

Vietnam’s capital has been through quite a lot over the past thousand years, including Chinese, Japanese, and French occupations, that mark the city’s landscape and culture to this day. The elegant Parisian-style buildings and tree-lined streets in the French Quarter will transport you to the Old Continent, while the pagodas and Buddhist temples in the Old Quarter strike a fascinating contrast. And even though most of the city’s narrow streets are bustling with motorbike traffic and people sitting on small chairs eating bowls of pho, there are still a few quiet places left where locals can be seen practicing Tai Chi early in the morning.

So if you have embarked on a home makeover adventure inspired by Vietnam’s capital, you’re in for a treat. While Hanoi has a diverse urban landscape, characterized by the many foreign influences, that doesn’t necessarily have to translate into a busy and over-the-top interior décor aesthetic—quite the contrary.

Creating a zen space and finding order in the chaos is part of the spirit of Hanoi. For proof, look no further than Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the restless city and a favorite of Hanoi residents seeking to get away from the noise.

So opt for minimalist design and sleek furniture pieces made from natural materials. Bamboo is used for pretty much everything in Vietnam, from building houses to making chopsticks, dinner plates, and furniture, so don’t be afraid to incorporate it in your design strategy. Organic cotton and Vietnamese silk are used to make beautiful décor accessories such as lanterns, pillow covers, or wall art.

Earthy and neutral colors such as gray-blues, brown, beige, and soft yellow are easy on the eyes and invoke nature. You can spice things up a little with unexpected pops of color by opting for a vase or a decorative item in a vibrant shade. 

Here we rounded up home décor items that will bring Hanoi’s unique character to your home.

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1 of 39

Ybm Home & Kitchen Bamboo Bowl

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $19

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2 of 39

Rattan Flynn Hairpin Dining Chairs with Rustic Legs, Set of 2

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $240

3 of 39

Tall Woven Jute Drum Floor Lamp Shade

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $50

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4 of 39

Natural Fiber Round Placemat, Set of 4

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $24

5 of 39

Gray Strap Girona Accent Chairs, Set of 2

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $400

6 of 39

Theodore Alexander Hiding Stool

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $856

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7 of 39

Towering Ficus Plant

Courtesy of Teleflora

To buy: teleflora.com, $105

8 of 39

Theodore Alexander Indochine Accent Table

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $925

9 of 39

Upholstered Storage Ottoman

Courtesy of West Elm

To buy: westelm.com, $399

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10 of 39

Marist Arched Oversized Wall Mirror

Courtesy of Joss & Main

To buy: jossandmain.com, $300

11 of 39

Vietnamese Lanterns Wall Art

Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $15

12 of 39

Ellery Hurricane Candle Holder

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $149

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13 of 39

Vix LED Linear Suspension

Courtesy of Lumens

To buy: lumens.com, from $1,229

14 of 39

Blake Grey Wash Media Console

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $1,449

15 of 39

Estilo Natural Bamboo Salt and Spice Box with Lid, Set of 2

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $28

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16 of 39

Bamboo Float Coffee Table

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $313

17 of 39

Money Tree Plant

Courtesy of Teleflora

To buy: teleflora.com, $50

18 of 39

Sag Harbor Rattan Trays, Set of 2

Courtesy of Serena and Lily

To buy: serenaandlily.com, $698

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19 of 39

Good Luck Bamboo Plant

Courtesy of Teleflora

To buy: teleflora.com, $43

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Theodore Alexander Indochine "Spring Magnolias" Art

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $948

21 of 39

Silverstone Mirror, Set of 2

Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $218

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Double Shutter Doors Holbrook Sideboard

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $500

23 of 39

Teakroot Discs Wood Wall Art

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, from $100

24 of 39

Interlocking Rings Stools

Courtesy of Wisteria

To buy: wisteria.com, $229

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25 of 39

'Windows to Vietnam: A Journey in Pictures and Verse' Book

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $41

26 of 39

Natural Bamboo Coffee Table

Courtesy of Overstock

To buy: amazon.com, $225

27 of 39

Lotus Wall Panels

Courtesy of Wayfair

To buy: wayfair.com, $399

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28 of 39

Jonathan Adler Indochine Floor Lamp

Courtesy of Jonathan Adler

To buy: jonathanadler.com, $795

29 of 39

Orda Table Lamp

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $139

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Bamboo54 Double Wall Bamboo Shelf

Courtesy of Overstock

To buy: walmart.com, $35

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31 of 39

Halsey Floor Vase

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $129

32 of 39

Moon Tray

Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $147

33 of 39

Rice Paper Star Shadowbox Wall Art

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $130

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34 of 39

Peking Glass Vases

Courtesy of Viyet.com

To buy: viyet.com, $975

35 of 39

Gauge Vase

Courtesy of ahalife.com

To buy: ahalife.com, $263

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Cove Rattan Lanterns

Courtesy of Serena & Lily

To buy: serenaandlily.com, from $78

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37 of 39

Imari Porcelain Charger

Courtesy of Viyet

To buy: viyet.com, $480

38 of 39

Chinese ‘Sang De Boeuf’ Vases

Courtesy of Viyet

To buy: viyet.com, $495

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