Global Decor: How To Bring Travel Home

I remember standing at the Latona Fountain in the Gardens of Versailles, mesmerized by its grandeur and elegance. Inspired by the countless heist movies I’ve watched, I plotted an incredibly ambitious yet undeniably ridiculous caper: how to seamlessly transport this treasure from France to my backyard in Texas.

Eventually, I laughed out of the garden and into the gift shop, where I bought a gorgeous coffee table book filled with stunning photographs from around the Palace of Versailles.

You can do much better than a book, though. Let’s explore the art of bringing travel home in a way that is easy, meaningful, and, yes, legal!

---

The Power of Nostalgia in Home Decor

Bringing travel memories into your home decor can be a beautiful way to infuse your living space with meaningful experiences.

Rather than overwhelming your space with souvenirs, choose subtle decor pieces that blend seamlessly with your existing decor, such as a hint of Morocco in a throw pillow or Balinese wood carvings.

These curated collections of travel-inspired decor add depth to our emotional relationship with home, transforming it from a dwelling place to a gallery of cherished memories.

By integrating elements from your travels into your decor, you sustain a connection with the world, continuously fueled by a passion for learning and discovery.

For ideas on how to create memories you’ll want to relive over and over again, read 4 Ways to Create Meaningful Adventures in the Age of Social Media

But how exactly do you shop for decor while abroad? There’s a lot to it, but the key is to focus on authentic, artisanal finds that support local craftsmanship and avoid mass-produced items.

---

How to Prepare to Shop for Decor Abroad

Shopping for decor abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but preparation is vital to making meaningful and cohesive additions to your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for this journey.

Create a Loose List of Ideas

Before your trip, consider what decor items you aim to find. This should be a loose list because you will not spend your entire vacation looking for decor. Your trip is still for exploring, making memories, and unwinding.

If you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you’ll likely notice it while adventuring.  

Consider the styles and themes that resonate with your personal taste and the existing decor in your home. Whether it’s textiles, pottery, or artwork, having a general idea can help focus your search and prevent impulse buys.

Take Photographs of Your Space

Capture images of the areas in your home that you intend to decorate. Ensure the photographs are well-lit and accurately represent the colors that are present.

Having these visuals as a reference while shopping will help you select items that complement your current decor, ensuring your new finds blend seamlessly into your home.

Set a Budget

It’s easy to find yourself tempted by the vast array of unique items abroad, so establish a budget before shopping. This will help you prioritize your purchases and avoid overspending, allowing you to focus on acquiring meaningful pieces that enhance your space without breaking the bank.

Research Local Craftsmanship

Educate yourself about the local artisans and cultural craftsmanship of the regions you plan to visit. Understanding the background of different materials and techniques can guide you toward authentic purchases that support local economies and traditions.

Plan for Shipping or Luggage Space

Consider the logistics of bringing your purchases home. Assess your luggage space or explore shipping options for oversized items. Being prepared with packing materials or knowing the available shipping services will ensure your finds return safely and ready to enrich your home.

For more reasons why you should travel with less, read Too Much Baggage: How Overpacking Can Ruin Your Vacation

---

What to Look for When Shopping for Decor Abroad

Now that you have a plan, here’s what to keep an eye out for:

Timeless Pieces Over Trendy Souvenirs

When shopping for decor abroad, aim for timeless pieces that stand the test of time. Textiles, pottery, and handcrafted furniture are excellent choices. Unlike trendy souvenirs, these items have a classic appeal that will never go out of style. A beautifully woven rug or a hand-thrown ceramic vase can become heirlooms you cherish for years.

Materials and Craftsmanship

High-quality materials are a hallmark of great decor. Look for items made from wood, stone, ceramics, and other durable materials that showcase local craftsmanship. A hand-carved wooden statue from Bali or a stone sculpture from Greece can add a touch of authenticity and elegance to your home.

Ask About the Story

Every piece of decor should have a story. When you find an item you love, take the time to ask the artisan about its history, symbolism, or the techniques used in its creation. This enriches your appreciation of the piece and gives you a compelling story to share when guests admire it.

---

Shopping with Practicality in Mind

Size and Weight Considerations

When choosing decorations, consider how easy they will be to transport home. Smaller items like textiles, art, or pottery are more portable, while items like rugs, carvings, light fixtures, and furniture require special handling.

I always travel with space in my suitcase. While I don’t make it a habit to shop while I travel, every once in a while, I find something – clothing, decor, or artwork – that I simply must take home. I love having the option to pop it into my checked bag instead of paying excess baggage fees on top of the money I’ve just spent.

Whenever possible, travel light and avoid buying bulky or unyielding decor pieces. That way, they can fit into your luggage with little effort.

Shipping Larger Items Home

If you fall in love with a large piece, such as a rug or furniture, don’t despair. Many markets and shops offer global shipping services or can connect you with someone who handles those logistics.  

Be sure to inquire about multiple shipping options and get tips on avoiding customs headaches or high shipping fees.

To make the process smoother, take photos of the piece(s) you are shipping, get up-to-date contact information for your seller and shipper, and keep all receipts.

Pack Smart

Fragile decor items need special care during travel. Wrap them in clothes or buy bubble wrap locally to protect them. Packing smart can prevent heartbreak on arrival when you find your treasures intact.

---

Travel-Inspired Decor Ideas

The best travel-inspired treasures are the ones that maintain their charm and authenticity and seamlessly integrate into your home. Consider the following practical and stylish decor ideas on your next trip.

Textiles

Textiles are lightweight and packable, making them ideal for travel. Rugs, throw pillows, or blankets can transform your space without occupying much room in your luggage.

A colorful Moroccan blanket can add warmth and texture to your living room, while a Turkish rug can become a focal point. Other textiles to be on the lookout for are:

• Handwoven scarves
• Embroidered tablecloths
• Patterned throw blankets
• Vintage tapestries
• Traditional rugs
• Tie-dye bedspreads
• Batik wall hangings
• Silk shawls
• Quilted cushion covers
• Handcrafted clothing like skirts or dresses

---

Pottery and Ceramics

Small vases or dishes can be safely packed, making excellent travel decor pieces.

A hand-painted ceramic bowl from Mexico or a delicate porcelain vase from China can add a touch of artistry to your home.

Stroll through local markets and keep an eye out for the following:

• Decorative Plates
• Serving Bowls
• Flower Vases
• Jewelry Dishes
• Wall Tiles
• Tea Sets
• Planters
• Candle Holders
• Coffee Mugs
• Baking Dishes

---

Art and Photography

Local art or prints are excellent for bringing your travels home. They are flat or rolled, easy to transport, and can be framed to create a gallery wall that tells the story of your journeys.

A watercolor painting from Paris or a photograph from the streets of Tokyo can bring life to your walls.

Memorable Types of Art

Sculptures

Whether a small bronze statue or a handcrafted wooden figurine, sculptures add depth and character to your space. When choosing sculptures, I recommend avoiding anything smaller than the palm of your hand. At that size, you risk introducing visual clutter into your home without having the desired impact.

Mosaics

Colorful glass or stone pieces arranged into intricate patterns can capture cultural sophistication and artistry. You can go in a couple of directions with this. Either collect pieces that you will add to your own mosaic or collect completed mosaics with a common theme, like the color blue or a butterfly shape. With something as limitless as colored glass or gems, keep cohesion in mind as you build your collection.

Calligraphy

A beautifully written verse or phrase in elegant calligraphy can convey the essence of the culture and language where it was created. If you are an avid reader, find a quote from a local author that resonates with you and have a caligrapher pen it for you on archival paper. If you love poetry, visit a local school or spoken word bar and purchase some word art from a wordsmith.

Textile Art

Wall hangings and tapestries crafted from local textiles provide a tangible connection to a region’s history and traditions. In my home, I have a woolen tapestry woven by a women’s coop in Lesotho. It’s been years and still has the slightest scent of red clay and tobacco from where it was woven.

Digital Art Prints

Bold and contemporary, digital prints can reflect the cutting-edge creativity of modern artists. Put a few galleries or showings in your travel itinerary and meet some local photographers who would be happy to sell you their prints.

Graffiti Art Pieces

Captivating street art captured on canvas or framed photographs can showcase the vibrant spirit of urban environments. This is a great collection you can build with only your cell phone. However, if you plan to print pictures of the graffiti, I do recommend using a DSLR or professional camera to capture the images.

Folk Art

Pieces like painted gourds or carved masks reflect indigenous culture’s rich traditions and stories.

Learn from my mistakes, though. If you purchase a Benin Mask with a menacing face, do not place it on a wall directly across from a doorway. You will die of fright the first few times you open that door at night.

Repurposed Art

Creative artworks from recycled or repurposed materials emphasize sustainability and innovative design.

---

Handcrafted Accents

Items like handcrafted accents or small baskets add subtle elegance to your decor and only take up a little space in your luggage. Baskets are decorative and functional, so they get two thumbs up in my book.

Woven Baskets

Perfect for organizing or simply as a decorative element, these can highlight craftsmanship from regions known for their weaving traditions.

Curtain Rod Finials

Add a touch of elegance with finials crafted from materials like crystal or hand-carved wood, showcasing intricate designs.

Curtain Tiebacks

Stylish tiebacks, perhaps with ornate tassels or minimalist metal designs, can enhance the appearance of your drapery.

Toilet Roll Holders

Opt for holders made from unique materials like rustic wood or polished stone for a touch of sophistication in the bathroom.

Napkin Rings

Bring charm to your dining table with napkin rings made from metal, wood, or seashells featuring designs from nature or cultural motifs.

Artisanal Cutlery

Handcrafted utensils with engraved handles or colorful enamel can add a whimsical touch to mealtime.

Decorative Switch Plates

Switch out standard plates for those decorated with patterns or art, offering a small but impactful detail.

Unique Door Knobs

Set your doors apart with knobs or handles in unusual shapes or mosaics, contributing to the room’s overall aesthetic.

Coasters

Protect surfaces with coasters crafted from marble or cork with beautiful designs or prints.

---

Top Travel Destinations for Sourcing Unique Decor

Rugs from Oman

Oman is renowned for its intricate, handwoven rugs that bring a touch of luxury and Middle Eastern craftsmanship into any home. These rugs are beautiful and durable, making them a worthwhile investment.

A dear friend brought me two 9×12 rugs from Oman, and in the 9 years I’ve had them, they’ve survived multiple uses in multiple high-traffic areas. I plan to get one more the next time I’m in the area.

Pottery from Mexico

Explore the vibrant ceramics from regions like Oaxaca and Puebla, where each piece is handcrafted with love and tradition.

Mexican pottery is known for its colorful designs and unique shapes, perfect for adding color to your home.

Textiles from Morocco

Berber rugs, colorful blankets, and throws are must-have decor items from Morocco. Moroccan textiles’ rich textures and patterns can add a touch of exotic elegance to any room.

Wood Carvings from Bali

Bali offers beautiful hand-carved furniture, masks, and statues. These intricate wood carvings can add warmth and global flair to your home, making it more inviting and unique.

Ceramics from Portugal

Portuguese ceramics, especially the stunning azulejos (tiles), are an excellent addition to any kitchen or living room.

These tiles add color and history to your decor, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

---

How to Incorporate Travel-Inspired Decor into Your Home

Blend Pieces Seamlessly into Your Space

A few well-placed items can make a significant impact without cluttering your space. Rather than overwhelming a room, allow decor pieces to complement your existing style.

Focus on balance and cohesion, ensuring each piece adds to your overall aesthetic instead of clashing with it. This is why you’ll take my advice and travel with well-lit pictures of your home, right?

Curating a Space, Not a Souvenir Shop

Choose pieces that aren’t too on-the-nose to avoid turning your home into a souvenir shop. For example, bringing back a sculpture of the Eiffel Tower from Paris is less subtle than bringing back a vintage art print of Coco Chanel for your closet.

Select items with personal meaning and artistic value, and avoid clutter by being selective about your display.

Create a Travel-Inspired Vignette

Design a small corner or area dedicated to your travel finds. This vignette can combine pieces from different places to tell a global story. An entryway console or bookshelf can become a mini-gallery of your adventures.

Rotate Decor Based on Season or Mood

Keep your space fresh by rotating travel decor items to match the season or current design trends. This keeps your decor exciting and allows you to showcase different pieces throughout the year.

Mix Modern with Traditional

Blend contemporary home design with traditional or handmade items from around the world. This mix of modern and traditional creates a balanced and unique space that reflects your personality and experiences.

The beauty of travel-inspired decor lies in the memories it evokes and the craftsmanship it represents.

Share your favorite travel decor finds and how you’ve incorporated them into your home – I’d love to hear your stories!

Feeling inspired? Pin it for later!