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Today’s post features a little insider’s look into the travel-themed decor found throughout my apartment.
Welcome back to my blog – it’s been a while! This post is a little same-same but different, as it focuses on travel-themed decor. My current apartment is my first home without housemates and the first place I’ve been able to solely decorate in, you know, nearly 10 years. I’ve had a lot of fun adding souvenirs from my travels throughout the small space, so I thought I’d share some photos and ideas in case they give you a little bit of inspiration. I also wanted to note that I’m not a DIY-er at all, so these options are easy and budget-friendly. Ok, let’s dive in!
Fun travel-themed decor ideas
Postcards in photo frames
So my first travel decor idea involves placing postcards into photo frames. Since my solo travels around the United States in 2014, I’ve collected random postcards from many different destinations. Firstly, I was going to place a selection on a corkboard. But then I had the idea to put a couple of my most colourful postcards on display in white frames. You can obviously tell the one on the left is from Amsterdam, but the other I picked up in one of my favourite cities – Portland. This was such a simple and budget-friendly travel decor idea, but the pop of colour on my side table is perfect for my living room.
Balinese cushion covers
I have to thank my mum for this travel-inspired room decor idea. Because my ottoman is quite bright, I wanted some simple cushions as a backdrop. My mum suggested using these cushion covers she picked up in Bali and I think they’re perfect!
A Moroccan-inspired ottoman
Speaking of, my mum and I randomly found this ottoman during Spotlight’s Boxing Day sale last year. When I see something crazy discounted I can’t resist! After just browsing the Spotlight website, they seem to have a few different but reasonably-priced Moroccan-inspired ottomans available right now as well. Although I haven’t been to Morocco, a girl can dream and be inspired by her living room furniture, right? 😉
World map decor
When you think of travel-themed decor, I assume world maps are probably what first comes to mind. Now, I technically don’t have any world map decor or wall art… yet! But I do have a scratch the world map hiding in my cupboard. I also think world maps make great gifts for travel-obsessed friends. If you’re looking for world map decor, I highly recommend checking out Desenio or Mapiful.
Prints from around the world
Ok, next on the list is prints! This is another thing I’ve collected on my travels over the years. The one below is a print I purchased in Vietnam in 2011 for $1 I’m pretty sure. I kept it safe at my parents’ place while I travelled the world (a.k.a moved to Vancouver and Melbourne), but now it’s found the perfect home on my bookshelf. The colours also match perfectly to the rest of my living room decor as well, so I’m glad I held onto it. Can we also talk about its cute camel shelf buddy – I found him at Kmart for a whopping $3. Another print I haven’t hung yet is a painting I picked up while walking along the Seine River in Paris in 2008.
Then there’s this print on my office desk, which I picked up at St George’s Market in Belfast. I got a set of three, including this one of Dublin’s quintessential colourful doors and another featuring Northern Ireland’s Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Flax Fox is the designer if you want to check her out!
Travel-themed decor, wall calendar style
Another travel-themed wall decor idea is making a calendar from your favourite travel photos. I did this a couple of years ago following this Europe trip, when I made one for myself, my parents and my grandad. Then I decided to do the same after last year’s epic adventures. As you can see, this month we’re in lovely London and last month we were in beautiful Bruges. I use Vistaprint to make the calendars, which is a great company that offer discounts all the time, so keep your eyes peeled 👀.
All of the photos, everywhere!
Besides world maps, I think photos are one of the most common travel decor options. I’ve taken so many memorable photos over the years (I mean, even just last year alone). So I thought these frames from Kmart were the perfect way to display as many as possible. I also placed them behind my TV, so I look at them every day. The next step was choosing my favourite photos, which I got printed at (you guessed it) Kmart. I tend to seek out colourful sights on my travels, so I gravitated towards my most vibrant photos. Personally, I love how they turned out and I love having a daily reminder of my adventures right before my eyes. I also printed a couple of extra photos that are on display on my fridge and in my kitchen.
Travel-themed decor with a difference – the hat stand edition
Ok, my final travel-themed decor idea is kind of quirky but also kind of cool. Back in the day, I had an old hat stand in my room that was covered in my favourite bags and scarves. When I moved into my apartment, I asked for a hat stand for my birthday and my parents delivered. Once again, it’s from Kmart (like 90% of the things in my place). Yes, it’s a little piece of practicality in my bedroom, but I also love that it’s another way to display things I’ve purchased during my travels. For example, there’s the New York Yankees cap I wear walking that I bought before attending a Yankees game in New York City in 2014. Then there’s the scarf I purchased in Paris and the (multiple) bags I’ve bought in Singapore. Each piece has a story and a place on my hat stand.
Thanks for coming on a tour of my apartment to see all of my travel-themed decor ideas.
I hope these room decor ideas inspire you to add a little traveller’s touch to your own home. I love being able to see travel memories as I move throughout my apartment – especially now when travelling between rooms is the only holiday I’ll be taking for a while. If you happen to use any of these tips, I would love if you shared it with me on Instagram or Facebook.
You’re welcome!
Great post Hales, don’t think I have seen the doors print 🤷♀️and haven’t see your hat stand full either, so had to read your post to see your apartment 😂