Home design ideas for travel enthusiasts
T ravelers are often struck by the unique style of a certain locale, such as the bright colors of Havana or the chic sophistication of Paris. If your family plans to travel soon, you will likely return longing to recreate memories of your time away.
An easy way to do so is by infusing inspiration from travels into home décor. From highlighting trinkets and souvenirs to hanging foreign tapestries, there are many ways to integrate favorite locales into your space.
Start with souvenirs
Travelers can’t help but obsess over their life-changing experiences, and of course, want to remember their journeys with souvenirs. But how do you incorporate your passion for adventure into your space without making your home look like a mismatched jumble of snow globes?
“Mementos should be highlighted without detracting from your overall décor,” says Danielle Deboe Harper, interior designer and senior creative content manager at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures. “When traveling, skip the cheesy souvenir shops and look for distinctive pieces that serve as accents instead.”
Deboe Harper recommends searching for items that can be transported home in a suitcase, like candles with a scent reminiscent of the trip or collectibles that double as coffee table centerpieces. Vases and small pieces of art are great choices, too.
Be mindful of the buildings
“Whether it’s columns inspired by the Colosseum or arches mimicking Westminster Abbey’s Gothic design, using textures and materials in your space that mirror the architecture of your favorite getaway can transport you back to that destination,” suggests Deboe Harper.
For example, imitate the bold flair of Mexico by incorporating hand-painted tiles on staircases or kitchen backsplashes for an unexpected pop of color. Or, integrate stone mosaics and latticework in an homage to Mayan architecture.
For a sleek Scandinavian interior, incorporate a muted color palette with metal and wooden elements. Combine a matte black faucet, such as Moen’s Align spring kitchen faucet, with a shiplap backsplash in your kitchen, or mix wood floors with an industrial-inspired dining set to achieve a chic, unfinished vibe popular in Nordic countries.
Picture Perfect
Travelers take hundreds -- even thousands! -- of snapshots which can help determine a color palette in a space.
“Sorting through photographs from travels can help identify prominent hues from favorite destinations and subtly engage your memory of what it was like to be there,” says Deboe Harper. “Incorporate those colors through paint, fabrics or wallpaper.”
For example, bring the coast inland by adding taupe woven rugs, painting the walls pale blue and infusing golden accents through a Brushed Gold faucet and coordinating accessories, like those from Moen’s Voss bathroom suite. Took a trip to Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season? Bring the capital’s foliage into your home with pops of pink and faux flowers.
“Integrating past adventures into your space doesn’t require an entire home redesign,” says Deboe Harper. “Whether you’re replicating hip Brooklyn or bohemian Costa Rica, do better than just putting up some refrigerator magnets. Use these tips to update your space and help you remember past trips.”