If you’re looking to spark your surroundings with style, start thinking globally.

Ethnic design — one of the hottest trends in interior decor — features an exotic array of colors, textures and accents from around the world. Also referred to as world, or global, design, the eclectic look is showing up everywhere, from high-end showrooms to mass-market retailers.

Ellen Gefen, a home-furnishing expert in Highpoint, N.C., says the rich diversity of imported wares on the market, along with high consumer interest in all things exotic, is creating a real buzz in the design world.

“The ‘global village’ concept has come into our living rooms,” says Gefen, who has appeared on HGTV and “Good Morning America.” “We’re seeing more and more world influences in everything from furniture and tableware to textiles, accent pieces and rugs.”

The new style encompasses elements from India, Asia, Africa, Latin America and other exotic locales — which means whether your tastes run to Zen in the den, Moroccan Kasbah or somewhere in between — global design can work in your inner spaces

“Elements of world design can be added to an existing decor or used to create an entire room or home,” says Gefen. “The range of textures, woods, finishes and colors is practically limitless.”

For example, the clean, spare lines, soothing colors, high-gloss lacquered woods and luxurious silks from Asia, or the earth tones, masks and tribal cloths of Africa work well with contemporary furnishings, while dramatic colors, lush fabrics, metallic embroidery and elaborate beading reflecting the Moroccan and Turkish influences add excitement to traditional decors. Color palettes can range from saturated purples, reds and golds to serene greens, blues and neutrals.

Examples of ethnic design include a wood bird cage, wood stool and a wicker screen.

“Think of people you know who have traveled and have brought back unique and beautiful treasures they’ve incorporated into their homes,” says Gefen. “It’s that element of interest and surprise that adds so much to a room.”

And if a trip to a Paris flea market or an African marketplace aren’t in your budget, not to worry. Stores such as Pier 1 Imports and Bombay Co. have long offered imports from around the world. In January, Target Corp. introduced a new, limited-run Global Bazaar promotion featuring 1,000 or so imports from Africa, Asia, Europe, India and Latin America.