Traveling isn’t just seeing cool sights and eating your weight in pastries—it’s also the perfect chance to grab design ideas you can bring back home.
Here’s how you can pick up some great interior design tips while living your best life.
Stay Somewhere Stylish
If you want design inspo, you need to stay somewhere that’s, well, designed. Boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, or even cool hostels can show you how different styles come together without feeling forced. Pay attention to the small stuff: textures, color combos, furniture placement, even how the lighting is set up.
Take photos if you can (with permission) and make mental notes. Notice how a tiny reading corner feels cozy just because of a good lamp and a soft chair. Or how simple art pieces pull a whole room together. The goal isn’t to copy every detail, but to pick up smart ideas that you can tweak to fit your style—and your renovation budget.
And if the hotel staff or host is around, ask them where they sourced the decor. You might discover local brands or creative ideas you’d never find scrolling Pinterest.
Wander Through Local Markets and Shops
If you want to get into a place’s design vibe, head to the markets. They’re basically living mood boards packed with colors, textures, and pieces that tell real stories. You’ll find handwoven textiles, quirky ceramics, carved wood, and maybe a few vintage treasures that are way cooler than anything mass-produced.
Even if you don’t buy anything (though honestly, you probably will), you’ll get a feel for the patterns, materials, and styles that locals love. Notice which colors pop up again and again. See how different materials—like clay, linen, and brass—are used together without feeling overdone. These little observations can spark ideas for everything from throw pillows to kitchen backsplashes.
Also, picking up a small piece, like a woven basket or hand-painted bowl, can add a unique, personal touch to your home. It’s an easy way to layer in new textures without blowing your budget or overwhelming your space.
Visit Museums and Historic Homes
Museums aren’t just for staring at art on walls. A lot of places have museums inside old mansions or historic homes that show how people used to live—and decorate. Walking through them gives you a real feel for different design eras and cultural styles that you might not see anywhere else.
Pay attention to how they used space. Notice the furniture layouts, the colors on the walls, the way fabrics and materials were mixed. You might spot clever ideas like patterned tile floors, dramatic wallpaper, or intricate moldings that could inspire your next big home project.
And honestly, seeing how bold and creative people were in the past can give you a confidence boost to take bigger risks in your own decorating.
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