travel + home decor:
the remix
As an interior designer finding inspiration is key to creating one-of-a-kind spaces for my clients. I can find it in just about anything, but traveling abroad is the source of my best inspiration. It is also an amazing source of good art and decor. I consider myself to be somewhat of a bohemian, and when I travel I make a point to scope out the artists and makers to gather some interesting and unique pieces to immortalize my travel experience in my home setting. I look for things that may have one use but can also be re-interpreted as art in another way. For any home, My vision is to create a place that can tell a story with conversation pieces that speak for themselves. Creating a space that is collected and curated with its decor is the core of most good design. I hope these tips inspire you to get creative with your home decor. It may even give you ideas of how to remix what you already have and make room for those new memories. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase (or bring an extra one) for your amazing finds! Happy hunting!
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Clothing
Shoes don’t always have to be made for walking! I saw amazing displays of ceremonial slippers while in Marrakech, and I cannot wait to recreate this in my own space. I absolutely love the idea of this non-traditional wall hanging as a stand-alone display or added to a gallery wall collection.
Ceremonial attire is another big score to add drama to bare walls. I immediately think of a silk kimono on a bamboo hanger above a bed or in a two-story height staircase – amazing!
Large strands of wooden or glass beads not only make statement necklaces but clever accessories added to any tablescape. The chunkier the better!
Textiles
Beautiful handwoven textiles and tapestries full of texture or rich color make amazing additions to any home. If you are a color lover like me, then the more the merrier! If you prefer something more calm with muted color then you can turn up the texture to add instant interest to your space. A woven silk blanket or scarf adds layers of beautiful texture and color to your bed or sofa. Try putting handmade pillow covers or placements/runners in shadow box frames without the glass to showcase the beautiful texture of the fabric or consider hanging the textile on your wall with a decorative hanger or framed for a full dramatic effect!
Musical Instruments
What about music lovers? I come from a musical and artistic family so instruments definitely have a place here in my home. A Spanish guitar or mandolin beautifully displayed on the wall or krakebs (iron castanets) from Morocco, as a table accessory with a stack of books. We are telling a visual story with the goodies we bring back from our travels so let’s get creative with the storytelling.
Pottery and Woven Baskets
There are many ways to incorporate pottery as a functional decoration. I love to see the various techniques for making pottery in different countries. I research the process and natural resources used to make them. While in Marrakech, I had the opportunity to make a tagine pot (used for cooking). In Spain, I saw many hand-painted bowls/plates in their traditional motifs.
Bread baskets, Fruit bowls, toiletry containers can be incorporated as functional decoration or for everyday use. Have fun with the mix and throw out any philosophy of “make it match”. The things we love always find their way into our homes with beauty and purpose.