Expert Advice

How Do Your Travels Inspire Your Home?

By Cristina Cleveland
How Does Travel Affect Your Home?

How Does Travel Affect Your Home?

I spend months looking forward to a trip, planning what to do, eat, wear, and see. And then just as the trip arrives, I get the bittersweet feeling that it will soon be over. That’s why I always try to find ways to bring home inspiration to keep the spirit of that trip alive long after it’s over. That does not have to mean spending hours of your vacation shopping for souvenirs (unless you’re into that!), it can be as simple as learning how to make a memorable dish or cocktail you fell in love with. Last year I traveled through Japan and was struck by how few pieces of furniture you really need to be comfortable. On returning home I looked at all of my things in a new light – what felt “necessary” before suddenly was not – even a bed! Another observation I’ve tried to incorporate is the principle of Ma – empty or negative space.  Just because you have space does not mean you have to fill it! Many people like to decorate their homes with objects picked up on their travels, and I’d love to hear in the comments the pieces or inspiration you’ve taken home from yours!

One major source of decor inspo is the places we stay when we travel. Whether it’s a home share, a hotel or even a restaurant, there are details big and small that we can take home with us. This travel snap by the Esby Apparel team was taken at Hotel San Cristobal in Baja California. As with all Liz Lambert ventures, the interiors are impeccably executed to make you want to move right in. As someone who lives in a studio, I’m definitely eyeing the layout of this suite and the way all of the beachy colors and textures play perfectly together.

Inspiration photo of Hotel San Cristobal by Esby Apparel, pillow block shop textiles, straw hat My Theresa, sofa cb2, giant basket A Detacher, Roar + Rabbit coffee table West Elm