How to Decorate Your Home Like Your Favorite Destination

By Melanie Lieberman
March 21, 2017
Credit: Moses Berkson
It's easy for a traveler to be struck by the design aesthetic of a specific place, like the regal Byzantine and Ottoman influences of Istanbul, the distinct Scandinavian style of homes in Reykjavik, and New Orleans’ colorful mix of French, Caribbean, and Southern traditions.

If you’ve been enraptured by the relaxed, bohemian feel of Costa Rica, or the classic elements of Japanese design still popular in Tokyo (short-legged chabudais tables, shoji screens, tansu chests), you’ll find it’s easy to turn your home into a memento of your travels.

As part of a new series, Travel + Leisure sought design and décor inspiration from destinations across the globe. We looked at the way New Yorkers masterfully transform tiny spaces into contemporary, sophisticated homes, and how cowhide rugs and Sayulita chairs can evoke the bohemian beach vibes of Tulum. From Australia’s far-flung Great Barrier Reef (ideal for globetrotters who love coral and turquoise hues) to the charismatic Portuguese capital of Lisbon, these are the places that inspire interior designers and home décor enthusiasts.

Of course, you don’t have to commit to an entire home redesign. Even something as simple as a Moroccan wedding blanket draped across a sofa or the fragrance of saffron can give your space the essence of a riad in Marrakesh — no matter where in the world you live.

Ditch the snow globes and fridge magnets. On your next trip, consider a souvenir that will help you remember your travels (and inspire new ones) even when you’re stuck at home.
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A Costa Rican Beach Bungalow

Credit: Beth Garrabrant

To make your home feel like a Costa Rican beach bungalow, channel the country’s pura vida philosophy with colorful throw pillows, braided jute rugs, and plenty of tropical house plants.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Bungalow in Costa Rica

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A Tokyo Apartment

Credit: Getty Images

Bring a touch of Tokyo modernity to a traditional, Japanese-inspired apartment with pops of neon and geometric shapes.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Tokyo Apartment

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A Catalan-style Home

Credit: Mikkel Vang

If you’re constantly dreaming of your vacation to Barcelona, turn your pad into a Catalan-style home with surreal, even futuristic furniture (a nod to Gaudi), classic ironwork, and colorful floor tiles.

Learn How to Create a Barcelona-inspired Home

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A Cozy Reykjavik Retreat

Credit: Grant Faint/Getty Images

Create a space plucked straight out of Iceland with plenty of wool blankets and rugs and aromatic candles. Best of all, you'll be ready for a hygge staycation.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Reykjavik Retreat

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A Chic Manhattan Apartment

Credit: Maremagnum/Getty Images

New Yorkers have mastered the art of turning cramped, Manhattan apartments into bright, spacious-feeling homes that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Manhattan Apartment

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A Regal Turkish Palace

Credit: Gary Yeowell/Getty Images

Istanbul straddles the ancient and modern worlds. Consider Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles when decorating a home inspired by a Turkish palace.

Learn How to Transform Your House Into a Turkish Palace

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A Posh London Flat

Credit: Jamie Street

Looking across the pond for inspiration? Consider a few London-inspired statement antique pieces, needlepoint pillows, and a touch of tartan for your British flat.

Learn How to Decorate Your House Like a Posh London Flat

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A Quirky Brooklyn Brownstone

Credit: Andy Ryan/Getty Images

For a hipper-than-thou Brooklyn vibe, invest in bold artwork, reclaimed wood, and handmade, hyper-local goods.

Learn How to Decorate Your House Like a Quirky Brooklyn Brownstone

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A Tulum Beach House

Credit: Moses Berkson

Long considered an exclusive retreat for bohemians, a laid-back Yucatan home will likely have bright pops of color and furniture hewn from driftwood.

Learn How to Turn Your Home Into a Tulum Beach House

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An Airy Cape Town Abode

Credit: Michal Krakowiak/Getty Images

Channel the South African harbor city of Cape Town with a mix of ultra-modern (polished chrome) and natural elements, such as wooden tribal-inspired masks.

Learn How to Decorate Your House Like a Cape Town Abode

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An Australian Reef-inspired Home

Credit: Sean Fennessy

Evoke the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef (without doing any harm to it) with faux corals and resin clamshells.

Learn How to Decorate Your House Like the Great Barrier Reef

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A Hanoi Hideaway

Credit: Getty Images/Westend61 RM

Create a Zen space reminiscent of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake with bamboo furniture, natural linens, and Vietnamese silks.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Hanoi Hideaway

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A Vibrant New Orleans Townhouse

Credit: Getty Images/AWL Images RM

At the intersection of French, Caribbean, and Southern styles is the vibrant Big Easy. Be prepared to introduce plenty of New Orleans-inspired saturated hues into your home.

Learn How to Turn Your Home Into a New Orleans Townhouse

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An Artistic Amsterdam Loft

Credit: Greg Gibb/Getty Images

Love the Netherlands? Be creative when building a Dutch-inspired space. Amsterdam is, after all, known for its art and timeless good looks.

Learn How to Decorate Your House Like a an Artist's Loft in Amsterdam

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A Colorful Lisbon Apartment 

Credit: Alvaro Leiva

Large-scale artwork, patterned wallpaper, and the famous blue-and-white tile work found across the country of Portugal are quick ways to make your home feel like an apartment in Lisbon.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Classic Lisbon Apartment

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A Moroccan Riad

Credit: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF

Berber, French, and Moorish influences are all on display in Marrakesh. Introduce zellige tiles, floral arabesques, and intricate metalwork to capture the vibe of the Red City.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Moroccan Riad

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Credit: Phruetthiphong Pawarachan/Getty Images

If heading to the Island of the Gods for your personal version of Eat, Pray, Love isn’t an option, redecorating your home with Balinese-style handicrafts, natural textures, and lots of greenery is the next best thing.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Balinese Bungalow

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A Santorini Hideaway

Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

Can't get enough of the Greek island's cliff-side, Cycladic charm? Santorini inspires interiors washed in bright white and dotted with fun, blue accents. Disclaimer: Terrace with infinity pool overlooking the sunset not included.

Learn How to Decorate Your Home Like a Santorini Hideaway

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By Melanie Lieberman