Designs for Living: Documenting a Well Traveled Life

Erika Ward December 8, 2010

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I love to hear tales of faraway places from those who are passionate about travel. Conversations like these make great table discussions and give everyone a chance to share their experiences. Using your home to reflect your penchant for adventure transports your guests to a distant land—without ever having to leave your front door. This ideabook provides you with a hypothetical peek into the homes of the modern traveler and gives suggestions on getting this look in your home.

Mediterranean Hall by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

Hang hand-loomed tapestries and rugs as beautiful wall art. This protects your masterpiece from the wear and tear it would ordinarily receive on the floor.

Shabby-chic Style Home Office by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Exploration maps are easy souvenirs to transport home. They are also geographical tokens that document your path.

Eclectic by Life in the Fun Lane

Life in the Fun Lane

Nature provides some of the best travel mementos available. This trio of wooden branches could possibly be a reminder of a romantic beachside proposal.

Rustic Bedroom by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Placement of an object gives clues to its importance to the homeowner. One would conclude that this mask is a prized possession given its prominent position above the bed.

Craftsman Living Room by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Display your greatest discoveries in a photo gallery or front and center on a coffee table. Integrating them into your home's decor allows you to live among the things you love.

Southwestern Bedroom by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Handmade objects, like these woven baskets, pay homage to an indigenous people and show your appreciation for good craftsmanship.

Craftsman Hall by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

Take the time to educate yourself about your treasures. This will allow you to share your knowledge of a specific region and its culture.

Eclectic Bedroom by Classic Homeworks

Classic Homeworks

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. These pocket doors made of fine hardwood are very similar to those seen in many Asian homes and temples. Don't be afraid to try a new look in your home.

Traditional Family Room by Sutton Suzuki Architects

Sutton Suzuki Architects

Place small collectibles in groupings and centerpieces. Using pedestals to display objects draws attention to their beauty.

What's your greatest travel souvenir, and how do you display it?

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Comments (5)

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cookingchick

We have also been blessed with the opportunity to travel frequently. I have been collecting sand for many years and have my collection on my mantel in various little glass bottles with handwritten tags attached identifying which beach they're from. Besides appreciating the amazing array of colors and textures displayed in each container, we are constantly reminded of special moments we experienced in far off destinations.

Like December 13, 2010 at 6:37AM

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Vicki Jackson

Another idea is menus- my sister in law has a wall of menus from far off lands-- its a fun wall to look at and some of the menus are quite beautiful... we just collect xmas ornaments from our travels...

Like December 13, 2010 at 8:40AM

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Catherine Gardner

Excellent way to convey one's personal sense of style with travel items. This makes homes very personal and worldly.

Like December 18, 2010 at 3:19PM

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