Bringing the World Home – How to Infuse Travel Aesthetics Into Your Space
For me, home is more than a physical space. It’s a reflection of where I’ve been and how I want to feel. And some of my favourite design moments have been inspired by my travels (Italy, Portugal, Palm Springs, Greece). Whether it’s a colour palette, a texture, or a small piece of pottery, these details carry stories and anchor me in intention.
Why Travel-Inspired Design Feels So Good
Bringing elements of travel into your home design doesn’t have to mean a full room makeover. It can be as subtle as the scent of a candle, the weave of a throw blanket, or a stack of books on your coffee table. These touches serve as quiet reminders of what you value—adventure, calm, warmth, beauty.
Greece: Whitewashed Calm & Ceramics
My trip to Greece post-engagement was filled with beautiful architecture and amazing views. The simplicity of the architecture—white walls, soft curves, and weathered wood—reminded me that beauty doesn’t have to be loud. I brought home nothing from the markets, but I did bring back beautiful film photography and ideas for whitewashed walls and calming tones.
Here were some of the Design takeaways:
Embrace a neutral palette with natural textures.
Incorporate artisan-made pottery or minimal tableware.
Layer in blue—deep, oceanic, or Aegean—via textiles or art.
Italy: Earthy Romance & Texture
Italy, in contrast, was all warmth. Terracotta tiles, mustard-toned linens, dried herbs hanging from open windows. Everything felt touchable and storied. The homes weren’t styled to perfection, but lived in, layered, and full of soul.
Design takeaways:
Use warm, muted tones like ochre, rust, and olive.
Display vintage glass bottles or thrifted brass trays.
Let your kitchen be seen—open shelves, mismatched ceramics, fresh produce on the counter.
Tips for Bringing the Feeling Home
Collect with Purpose: Instead of grabbing souvenirs, look for decor pieces like textiles, art prints, or handmade goods.
Curate a Gallery Wall: Mix your travel photos with local artwork or vintage finds from your trips.
Use Scent as Memory: A lavender oil diffuser from Provence, or a candle that smells like Amalfi citrus—fragrance is a shortcut to memory.
Stack Your Books with Intention: Travel guides, novels set in your favorite destinations, or coffee table books you picked up abroad.
Your home is a canvas for your story. You don’t need a passport to feel the world around you—sometimes, it’s already there, tucked into your shelves or simmering on your stove.
What places have shaped your space? I’d love to hear what pieces or design choices bring your travels back to life.
Love,
M