Traveling can be such a source of inspiration not only for your interior but also for discovering new hobbies or trying out new recipes. Each country has some unique traditions that are typical for them. In some countries, folklore and traditions remain very present in daily life. In others, designer are inspired by their past and reinterpret it in a fresh, modern way ensuring these cultural elements can live on and be appreciated by future generations.
porcelain display via House and Garden - hand-painted plates via Pinterst - Hungarian fold costume via Pinterest
It is so beautiful to see traditional clothing still being worn today for special occasions. In the past, women would often gather to embroider together during the winter months when there was less work to be done on the land or in the garden. Food was already prepared for the cold winter months. Maybe you collect hand-painted plates when you go on holiday. Consider finding a creative way to display them so they are not just tucked away and hidden in a cupboard, they become a part of your home decor.
Asli Tunca Hotel in Istanbul via Milieu Magazine - image rug via Pinterest
We often find inspiration in the hotels where we stay and the museums we visit. Maybe we are surrounded by a culture that is quite different from our own, offering us a new perspective on things. For a brief moment, we can try to imagine how people lived in the past or how they continue to keep their traditions alive today. Color harmonies can talk to us, they make us feel comfortable and we are eager to incorporate them in our own home. However, take care as the natural light entering your home can be totally different and it will be challenging to recreate the same atmosphere. Still, allow yourself to be inspired. Simply by looking at those silk slippers, you will be transported, in an instant, back to the place where you bought them, bringing back some nice memories.
bathroom via IG - Huck wall lamps Porta Romana - faucets via Carnets de Traverse
There are certain rooms in the house where you can be more courageous with your design choices.. The powder room is a perfect example of such a space. Since you won’t spend a lot of time here, it is an ideal place to impress your friends. In this room, the colors can be darker, the patterns can be bolder. You might go even one or even two steps further then you would do in your own bathroom. You could commission a local artist to paint a beautiful, al fresco-inspired mural or you can select an inspiring wallpaper that stands out. When using a wallpaper in the powder room, just be sure no water will splash on it to avoid damage. To protect the wall above the washbasin, you can install a glass backsplash, or create a seamless transition by continuing marble or tiles from the countertop. Those warm beige tones and darker terracotta hues will bring a Mediterranean vibe to your powder room.
I love to visit the local markets and discover some typical souvenirs to take home. When in the South of France, you will find a wide variety of different items with lavender, the plant of the Provence. Back home, you will be pleasantly reminded of their delicate perfume every time you open your drawers, as they will keep everything smelling fresh. The warm colors and the small motifs you will find on their textiles can be a nice starting point for creating a sunny corner in the house. I can easily imagine using these textiles in a cozy breakfast nook, where they would bring me in a positive mood even during the coming winter months.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán church in Mexico via Martyhiester - painted furniture Original House
Some of us are so inspired that the weekends always seem to short because we come home with a lot of ideas to give our home a fresh and renewed look. If you own some old or vintage furniture, or you found a unique piece on a local flee market, this can be the perfect starting point to transform it by painting a repetitive motif on it. And don’t worry, it does not have to be perfect, I would even encourage you to embrace the imperfections, as these will make the piece far more original. If you appreciate the bohemian style, then this creative project is definitely something you will enjoy.
Hajari pendant lamp Moroccan Bazaar - Mosaic Wallpaper Mind The Gap
It is very hard when traveling to Morocco not to go home with some typical souvenirs. You better leave home with at least a half-empty suitcase, as there is so much to fall in love with and bring back. Think of the metal lamps that will instantly transport you to the enchanting world of 1001 nights. There are beautiful ceramics, colorful rugs, finely crafted metal trays, and aromatic spices. However take care when choosing those lamps, as they are more decorative than functional and may not provide much light in your space. In case you are on the lookout for a new rug, be prepared and check the dimensions you need before leaving on holiday. Moroccan style is quite trendy these days, so you will also find many Moroccan-inspired objects in your local shops. Why not consider a Moroccan design for new wallpaper to create a complete new look in your home? Pair it with a neutral-colored sofa, a simple rug and some beautiful selected accessories. Remember, you don’t live in Morocco or any other country you are visiting, so once back home those styles could feel overwhelming. So start with small changes and gradually introduce new elements in your room.
on the left The Jaipur hotel-apartment of Marie-Anne Oudejans via AD - on the right bedroom design by Elizabeth Hay
When you have the chance to stay in a small boutique hotel, decorated with style and attention to detail, you discover a great source of inspiration for your own home. These hotels often make a bold and creative use of colors. They combine fabrics and patterns you might not dare to pair together, yet the result is stunning. Take a moment to observe well; how many different colors do they combine? Are all prints same size, or do they mix large and small patterns to create a visual interest? Take plenty of pictures, because it is easy to forget the small details over time. Though you will remember how you felt in the room, it is actually the subtle design details that make the difference.
Bring the outside inside. The houses in Porto are so beautiful decorated with the colorful tiles. Imitating this style at your own facade might fell a bit strange, and chances are the City Hall won’t approve your creative idea for the exterior of your house. So, why not consider using it indoors? The idea of adding some porcelain tiles in your bedroom, behind the headboard, may initially seem unconventional, however take a moment to reconsider. You will experience the sensation of sleeping each night in a very elegant suite.
So how to keep this holiday feeling alive
collect and make a nice display
choose a color harmony to recreate the same feeling
small items can bring back precious travel memories
use your creativity in your powder room or entrance, a small room where you won’t spend to much time
DIY and paint an old piece of furniture
get inspired for color and fabric combinations
think out of the box when applying your ideas
and keep your holiday memories alive!
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