Exploring unlocks the door to illuminating experiences and transformative encounters. It feeds our curiosity, connecting us to diverse cultures, natural wonders, and hidden corners of the world. At home, we can recreate this exhilarating exploration experience by creating a space that mirrors our love for adventure. Here’s how.
Identify Your ‘Exploration Style’
Everyone travels differently. Some of us are drawn to the vibrancy of city life, while others yearn for tranquil moments in nature. Start by identifying your exploration style. Do you gravitate more towards the hustle and bustle of urban jungles, or do you lose yourself in the serenity of mountains, forests, and seas? Your spatial aesthetics should mirror these experiences.
If you let your wanderlust guide your fashion choices, consider translating that style to spruce up your home. Love the nomadic, free-spirited vibe of the gypsies? Eclectic decor could lend verve to your space. Or does the minimalist, clean aesthetics of Scandinavian design capture your imagination? A more modern, simplistic touch might just do the trick.
Incorporate Travel Keepsakes
One of the most meaningful ways to showcase your love of travel is by incorporating travel mementos into your decor. Postcards, souvenirs, and small curiosities collected on your journeys can all become part of a personalized display. For a modern twist, transform your favorite travel photos into custom photo tiles that can be arranged on walls or shelves, creating a striking visual narrative of your adventures.
These personal tokens will serve as heightened reminders of your special encounters and incredible journeys. They also give your environment a unique and personalized touch, an intimate portrayal of the many places that hold your heart.
Choose Geographic Artwork
Art has the capacity to transport us to different locations, timeframes, and states of mind. Geographic artwork can mimic the thrill of exploration right in your living space. From gigantic wall maps to framed prints of cities or landmarks you adore, the options of travel-inspired wall decor are innumerable.
Not a map enthusiast? You can opt for artwork that taps into imagery native to specific regions. Consider intricately painted African masks or Japanese scrolls. They not only add color, dimension, and interest to a space, but they also bring a little bit of the globe to your home.
Cultivate a Library of Travel Literature
Books are a great way to vicariously embark on travel adventures. If you’re a bookworm and an explorer, creating a library of travel literature is a no-brainer. Scarf down travelogues, guides, travel-inspired literature and historical narratives. Not only do they provide valuable insights for your future adventures, but they also make excellent showpieces on your shelves.
Add-in travel magazines and coffee-table books about various locales for added charm. An attractive bookshelf can serve as a focal point, stimulate conversation, and reflect your love for exploration all at the same time.
Install a ‘Dream Destination’ Board
Visualization is a proven technique for goal achievement. Create a dream vision board dedicated to showcasing your bucket list destinations. This visual reminder can provide daily inspiration and motivation to reach your exploration goals. You can evolve it as your ambitions do, reflecting your journey as a passionate explorer right on your wall.
Use Thematic Furniture and Accessories
Fashion your space with thematic furniture and accessories for an added layer of interest. Perhaps a globe-styled bar to share drinks around when hosting guests, or a trunk-style coffee table that reminds you of vintage travel? Add in smaller travel-themed accents like cushion covers with famous city landmarks, coasters shaped like luggage labels, or lampshades influenced by foreign culture aesthetics to pull together the ultimate exploration-inspired home.
Designing a living space that mirrors your love for exploration is not just about aesthetics. It’s about imbuing the spirit of exploration to inspire everyday life. It’s a sublime recall to your favorite experiences and a gentle nudge towards the places still left to discover. So take a leap of faith and paint a canvas that captures your passion for traversing diverse destinations across the globe right at home. Even when you’re grounded, your space will remind you to keep exploring.
