Bringing the world home: incorporating travel memories into design

I think you get to a certain age when you’re no longer interested in bringing back a t-shirt or a shot glass from your travels.   Interest turns to artwork, furniture, textiles or practical items as mementos. 

For my clients who love to roam, there are two ways I like to incorporate their travels in their interiors.

All about the extra luggage allowance

For my bowerbird clients, travel mementos always take pride of place. Items sourced from flea markets, galleries or roadside vendors all find their way back home.  The secret is to curate these treasures, so they remain ‘a collection’, rather than clutter.

Depending on where you lean in terms of minimalism/maximalism, these tips might help with your decorating:

Furniture – while it’s undoubtedly difficult to repatriate furniture back home, items with storied backgrounds are the single biggest way to add impact.  Smaller side tables, stools or chests are an easier task to get home, if you’re DIYing it at a local post office, but if you can, take advantage of the shipping options available at the point of purchase.  Yes, you will pay more but I think it’s worth it for the ease alone. 

Another option is to consider local importers of vintage/antique furniture.  You can take advantage of someone else’s hunting, gathering and importing, and you get to love the one-off item at home.

Artwork – I’ve brought back smaller framed items in a suitcase but for larger items, I recommend transporting them rolled up, without a frame.  Framing them once you’re back home ensures the new pieces work alongside the other items you have, as frame and mat selections have a huge impact on the overall look.   I also love plates and ceramics for wall decoration, with many great hanging options available.

Rugs are my go-to for adding a luxurious layer to a room.  Take your measurements with you so you know you’re looking at an appropriately sized option.  If you do find something you love and it’s on the smaller size, you can always layer the floor with multiple rugs to define a space, with your special purchase on display.

More about the vibe

Usually there’s something about the vibe of a place you love.  Rather than (or as well as) collecting and bringing home mementos from your travels, consider referencing finishes, textures or colours from your favourite locales.  This is helpful if you’re not keen on a lot of stuff, but rather you’re looking to create a similar feeling. 

·      Selecting tiles or flooring with similar colours or patterns you’ve seen overseas

·      Introducing feature paint finishes, like tadelakt, or Venetian plaster

·      Adding textiles with a particular pattern to window treatments, table linens or upholstery

·      Selecting furniture with silhouettes reminiscent of your favourite hotel

The key element to referencing any of your travels when you’re back home is to consider your existing architecture.  Often, you can integrate selected items into your existing space, but some selections might feel incongruous when placed in a style of architecture that doesn’t relate.  That’s not to say it can’t be done, you might just need some guidance on how to tie everything together.  Sometimes we need to balance a particular style with complementary inclusions to achieve an overall look that’s tailored and unique to you.

If you’d like help incorporating your travels into your interiors, let’s chat!