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  1. Home
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  3. How to Decorate a Travel-themed Nursery

How to Decorate a Travel-themed Nursery

By Dobrina Zhekova
March 15, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Credit: Cultura RF/Getty Images
The moment you bring home your bundle of joy will be engraved forever in your memory. But before you start your lifelong journey into parenthood, chances are you’ll have to make room for your newborn in your house. And if you are the kind of person who gets excited just by the thought of jetting off to a faraway destination, then you can use your wanderlust as inspiration for your baby’s nursery. Plus, we’re pretty sure there’s nothing cooler and more educational than growing up surrounded by memorabilia and objects inspired by cultural diversity and history.

Interior designer Thom Filicia seems to agree with us.

“I like the idea of the global baby and infusing the nursery with elements from all over the world—whether it's through artwork, animals, or cultural and architectural landmarks,” he says. “This is an opportunity to be a little over the top and create a space that excites and inspires.”

First things first, though—think about the essentials. You can transform a regular crib by adding a world map bed sheet and hanging a hot air balloon mobile above it. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, opt for something more unusual and out-of-the-box, like a beautiful vintage French crib or wrought iron cradle. You can add a removable baby hammock to the crib for some island life vibes.

Convert a chest made of stacked vintage suitcases into a changing table by placing a topper on it. Or if an entire chest would look too busy in the room, then opt for a smaller suitcase to use as storage for wipes and diapers next to the topper.  

“Don't forget the biggest canvas of all—the walls and ceiling,” adds Filica. “You can use decals on the walls and ceiling to create murals that can easily be changed or evolve as your child grows.”

He suggests using a variety of colors and materials in the room to really make it special and push the limits a bit: “I would stick to five or six colors and layer texture through drapery, wall treatment, or upholstery. “

Opt for a South American-made area rug in vibrant shades and fun patterns. A Peruvian manta, or cloak, would always come in handy for chilly nights and naptime.

Now, peruse our picks for home décor items that will bring some serious wanderlust into your baby’s room.
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Hot Air Balloon Baby Mobile

Credit: NicoAndMaddie/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $115

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Hanging Airplane

Credit: NiKiTinSouvenirs/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $17

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Fitted Crib Sheet Hello World

Credit: SuiteBaby/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $65

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Jetaire Camper Playhouse

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $249

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Topside White Glaze 3-Drawer Dresser

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $699

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Giraffe Bookcase

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $499

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Taylor Wooden Changing Table Topper

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $129

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Petite Upholstered Chair

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $199

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Campsite Nightlight

Credit: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $59

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Globe Iron Cage Lampshade

Credit: Courtesy of aliexpress.com

To buy: amazon.com, $64

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Modern Zapotec Wool Rug

Credit: Courtesy of Novica

To buy: novica.com, $133

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Tiny Love™ Gymini® Under the Sea Bouncer

Credit: Courtesy of Buy Buy Baby

To buy: amazon.com, $44

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World Map Fabric Wall Decal

Credit: Courtesy of Petit Collage

To buy: amazon.com, $49

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Rare French Bentwood Cradle in the Thonet Style Late 19th Century

Credit: Courtesy of 1stDibs

To buy: 1stdibs.com, $2,615

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Oh The Places You'll Go Wall Art

Credit: DallowayPlace/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $17

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Welcome to the World Blanket

Credit: HagarSewingShop/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $32

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Personalized Airplane Wall Decal

Credit: graphicspaces/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $50

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Compass Rose Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Decal

Credit: KrittahStickers/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $11

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Antique Dutch Cradle

Credit: Thegatz/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $695

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Fantasy Fields Pirates Island Coat Tree

Credit: Courtesy of Hayneedle

To buy: amazon.com, $72

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Vintage Globe

Credit: Courtesy of Replogle

To buy: amazon.com, $56

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Ricky Accent Chest

Credit: Courtesy of Pulaski Furniture

To buy: furniturepick.com, $370

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Handmade Wool Striped Blanket and Throw

Credit: Courtesy of Novica

To buy: novica.com, $106

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Hape High Seas Boat Rocker

Credit: Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $100

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Waverly Baby by Trend Lab Tres Chic Window Panel

Credit: Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $45

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Kaleen Sea Isle Nautical Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Credit: Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathbeyond.com, from $49

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Sweet Jojo Designs Paris Wallpaper Border

Credit: Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $19

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Journey Road Canvas Wall Art

Credit: Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $29

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Erupting Volcano Tissue Box Holder

Credit: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $30

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Personalized Pirate Adventure Book

Credit: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $35

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Balloons in Flight Wall Sculpture

Credit: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $165

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Scratch Map

Credit: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Have a gift exchange coming up? Luckies of London's Scratch Map is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And we'll happily get behind any gift that encourages its recipient to see more of the world.

To buy: 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY at potterybarn.com; uncommongoods.com, from $26

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Wherever We Go Picture