Travel Often and Bring Home Inspiration

Who doesn’t get the travel bug from time to time? I know It’s been bit hard!

I love planning trips and dreaming of other cultures and architecture.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 15 countries and explore 85 some-odd cities, lucky might be an understatement. 

Travel is apart of my life, and I’m sure some of you agree. As the world opens up again and we are able to stretch our metaphorical wings, I want to give you some things to think about if you want to keep surrounding yourself with memories. 

I’ve said before - I’d love to have a home that feels like Indiana Jones would want to hang out in. Very far away from that vibe now, but the essence is still there. Almost everywhere you look in our home, there is a little nod to our travels. From the entire slap-you-in-the-face wall in our main bedroom, to the black and white prints on our living room wall - our travels are everywhere and I love it!

Dust off your passport, there are a few things to think about if you’ve always been interested in infusing some goods into your home found during a meaningful trip… 

First, take note of any open space you may have - above a bed, draped over a railing, bathroom walls, over the back of a sofa, space on a top shelf… snap some photos and draw in a few key dimensions (or have something in the photo for scale, like your hand). 

These are just ideas for when you are traveling. 99.9% of the time I purchase something wonderful because I loved it, not because it fit a space. It just helps you justify more heirloom pieces if you need that little push. 

Use Pinterest, Google and Instagram as a tool to find some inspiration. Start searching for some history about the places you are visiting. What are they known for? Any crafts or art you should keep your eye out for?

Pro Tip: If you fall in love with the idea of lace from Venice or a rug from Istanbul, but don’t have a clue how much they’ll cost - try using Instagram’s search by location and see if others have posted photos of markets. Usually there are some visible price tags that you can quickly convert to your currency - you will have a starting point. I’ve done this so many times, especially for the Grand Bazaar! 

Bring a packable duffle on your trip, or empty suitcase if you are going to shop. Paris Flea Market may justify an empty suitcase, just saying. 

I have a few duffles that I’ll bring depending on where I’m headed, but mostly it’s there to hold my dirty clothes while my new treasures get to ride carry on style with me. 

Pro Tip: Dirty clothes make great wrapping around breakables! 

Once you have made it to your destination, don’t feel pressure to purchase anything! When you see it you’ll know if it was meant to be. My husband and I went to Sydney ready to purchase a didjeridu, knew how and were it’d be displayed in our home and knew the price range. Then we found out you play them with circular breathing and the band nerds inside us said nope! Came home with some amazing art and a boomerang instead. 

Learn about local crafts as you are shopping around town. Ask questions about how it was made and who made it. It’ll make the story behind the piece so much better, you’ll remember the connection you felt and the place you were in - ah, I just love that feeling!

Learn about haggling - some places you should, others it’s very rude. Know it’s place and read about the culture and how it’s received. Just because you saw someone else doing it, doesn’t make it right. 

Be mindful of customs. Also know when you can submit something for a tax refund, that’s always great too! Do research around what you can and can not bring home with you. It’s generally easy to find this information online, so just do a once over just in case. 

Check to see if shipping is an option, but also know that shipping can lead to loss and damages - ship wisely! 

Remember, photos count! Always capture your surroundings while traveling. These days, everyone is a photographer, since everyone has a great camera in their pocket. Take photos of things you find beautiful - they can become art when you get home!

Once you return home, enjoy! Unwrap all your treasures, let them sit out where you can see them for a few days - ahhh. Place, hang, and drape as you see fit! 

We have very limited wall space in our home, so that is why I have created the travel wall in our main bedroom. It’s no coincidence that I fall asleep looking at it every night. 

Framebridge has done wonders for me! I’ve send them dozens of items to frame and each comes back with exceptional quality. From our boomerang found in Sydney, to embroidered lace from Budapest - nothing beats their craftsmanship. They’ve added a brass tag option in the last couple of years and it’s a game changer for me - adding the city and year to the bottom of each item is magical. 

I’m a collector, that is for certain - my home reflects that. There is something to be said about your home being a reflection of yourself. 

We spend so much of our time at home, why not fill it with things that inspire you and bring happiness?

Hopefully, something in here has helped prepare you for travels ahead, until then - try looking back through old photos and getting some framed or printed on canvas. Why not start now?