BrittanyAh, the thrill of travelling, encountering new cultures, forgetting your problems… A fleeting moment filled with joy, new experiences, and so much excitement. No wonder we’re all crazy about bringing a piece of that magic back home.
And when you’re into interior design, that opens up a variety of new opportunities. Magnets? Postcards? No. No. To truly bring a memento that will carry the energy of the place, you need to be smart about it. Move away from impulse buying and focus on quality, authenticity, and how the item will integrate with the rest of your home’s aesthetics.
So, what unique, meaningful items are worth picking up on your journeys? Let’s dive dive into a few inspiring ideas.
Woven Stories
Want your home to feel as worldly and as cultured as your passport? Then, turn your attention to rugs. These can be a true cornerstone souvenir. A good one will define your space, layer it with rich texture in vibrant colours, and help you recall the story of the place you took it from.
When you’re at the market, focus on the materials first. Choose wool for durability and warmth, cotton for a lighter, summery feel, and silk for a touch of luxury. Pattern and weave also speak volumes. The Moroccan Berber rug offers bold geometrics, while the Persian design favours intricate florals, and the Indian dhurrie keeps the vibes earthy and simple.
Each of these can anchor your living room, cosy up your bedroom, or set the tone in an entryway and stay with you to bring back cherished memories for the years to come.
Framing Memories
You were mesmerised by the vibrancy, culture, colour, and conversations you found at the last destination. And you’d love to bring a piece of this energy into your home? Paintings and art are a wonderful way to do just that. A piece from a street artist or a city gallery will become a direct reflection of your travels, introducing the unique perspective of the place into your room.
However, if your interior leans modern and minimalist, you can also turn your attention to posters. Vintage ones can add a pinch of delightful nostalgia to your walls, while abstract pieces can capture the feel of the place, allowing for personal interpretation.
The best part is that you can play around and combine your travel finds with your own favourite prints for walls, and in this way, create your own gallery at home.
Check, Please!
Timeless patterns never cease to amaze us, and because of that, it’s not surprising they make repetitive comebacks. That’s the case for checks right now. Classical plaids, cheerful gingham and iconic tartan are all the rave again. So bringing some of those back from your trip will be an excellent way to refresh your home with trendy memories.
The easiest way to snatch a memento is to look for cushions and throws in these patterns. Choose from linen, wool, and cotton fabrics, as each will give your space a different texture and feel.
A subtler way to experience checks is through mugs and tableware. They make great souvenirs, especially from places known for their cuisine. In this way, you can introduce them into the kitchen and dining area, and always remember the taste of your destination.
Finally, bathmats and towels are another fun spot for checks to pop up. They’ll add a fun twist to your bathroom. And if you’re a fan of practical memorabilia, that’s the one for you!
The Warmth of Clay
Want to capture the authentic charm of the place you’re visiting? Turn your attention to terracotta objects like vases and planters, which can transform your terrace and home flora into an echo of a beautiful summer escapade.
From Portugal, you might discover pieces adorned with traditional patterns and a wonderfully rustic charm, perfect for adding warmth. Italian terracotta, on the other hand, often features classic, timeless forms, frequently left unglazed or with subtle glazes, recalling centuries of historical craftsmanship. In Spain, look for terracotta showcasing rich Moorish influences with vibrant colours and intricate details that tell a story of cultural fusion.
When styling these pieces, consider them not just for holding flowers but as empty sculptural pieces that command attention. Of course, they’re equally stunning with dried botanicals for enduring beauty or fresh flowers to introduce life and colour. For visual dynamism, try grouping different sizes and shapes together.
Coastal Finds Worth Treasuring
The tranquillity of the seaside never ceases to charm. So, no wonder you can barely resist taking another shell art home. But this time, we ask you to hold back and reconsider your options.
On your next trip to the sea, think about discovering elegant finds that will remind you of the coast’s subtlety and style. Look for coral pieces displayed in clear glass cloches, artful bowls of natural beauty and form, or driftwood sculptures if you love organic shapes and textures. All of these will introduce the raw, elemental feel of the seashore. Exactly the thing we love about it.
The goal to keep in mind is to be drawn to the serene coastal aesthetic without tipping into kitsch. So that the calm, collected waves of the sea resonate stylishly in your home.
Bringing the Journey Home
The souvenirs you bring home from your travels should be an extension of your personal style and carry the incredible experiences you’ve gathered. Select thoughtfully. Display intentionally. These treasures will transform your place into an inviting sanctuary.
When looking for your next souvenir, embrace pieces that resonate with the feelings the new place has evoked. Each item will contribute to a home that is as compelling as your adventures are themselves.
