How to shop home decor whilst on holiday

Jetting away this summer? One of the best ways to show personality in your home styling is with unique decor. Interior designers have long been using their travels as opportunities for inspiration - so why not do the same? If you love home decor as much as we do, shopping for your space in another country is a lot of fun. From makers markets to independent interior shops, there’s so much to explore whilst on your travels. 

In this week’s post we’ll give you some pointers for shopping home decor whilst on holiday. Passports at the ready…

Ceramics

If you’re after truly one-of-a-kind homeware, seek out ceramics on your summer break. Stumble down side roads to discover vibrant ceramic shops selling handmade plates, bowls, vases and more. In Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal and Greece, you’ll find patterns and finishes in styles local to each region.

Explore independent shops and artist markets to find ceramics for your home. Don’t forget to wrap up your new-found treasures safely before stowing  them away in your suitcase - especially if it’s being checked in on your flight home.

Textiles

Have fun exploring markets whilst on holiday and find your next decor piece at the same time. Soft furnishings are obviously suitcase-friendly, so there’s no fear of breaking anything on your way back home.

Countries such as Morocco are known for oversized area rugs and statement textiles that can be shipped back to your home. Wander round bazaars to find berber rugs, hand-woven throws and colourful cushions that’ll add bags of personality to your home.

Glassware

Who doesn’t love a refreshing drink by the poolside? Keep the holiday feeling going and shop for unique glassware to enjoy back home year-round. Curate your own unique table settings with hand-blown tumblers and wine glasses, or bring back a statement centrepiece vase.

Although beautiful glassware is available in most holiday destinations, Sweden is best known for it’s glass workshops where artisans have been hand-crafting unique pieces for centuries. Wherever you’re travelling, be sure to wrap up your glass decor well to avoid breakages on your journey home.

Books and magazines

If your coffee table is looking a little bare, shop for books and magazines to style it with whilst on holiday. Spend an afternoon visiting bookshops and gallery shops to find your next statement hardback that'll add interest to your interior.

Holidays are a great time to discover new things for your home and take decor inspiration from the destination you’re visiting. Pick up a variety of interior magazines from galleries, museums and shops for some poolside reading. 

Artwork 

A great way to remember your holidays is by bringing artwork home. Discover new artists in galleries, or do your research before travelling to schedule visits to local exhibitions. Bring a slice of your holidays back home by choosing landscape pieces of the local area, or art from someone based in the region you’re visiting.

Make sure to measure the piece and have an idea of where it’ll be hung in your home, and opt for unframed art that can be rolled up if you're short on suitcase space. 

Scents

Experiencing sights and sounds is all part of the holiday experience, especially if you’re jetting off to somewhere new. Scents are important too - which is why bringing back home fragrances from holiday is a great idea. Transport yourself back to sunny days and alfresco evenings with candles, incense and essential oils found at local boutiques. 

Stay authentic to the region by choosing natural fragrances. Discover this in France, where lavender from surrounding countryside farms is used in home fragrance products for its relaxing signature scent.