Dream Destinations: Travel Inspired Interiors
Words by Emma Hughes
July 10, 2024
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10m
Take interior design inspiration from our guide on how to style your home like the most popular dream holiday destinations around the globe.
Feeling wanderlust? Us too. But what if we told you there is a way to enjoy a little slice of those wish list worthy holiday destinations every day - without digging out the passport?
We've done some research into the dream city locations people have been searching for most in the last five years. From Dubai to Chiang Mai, there’s a whole world out there of inspiration and this guide will show you how to recreate the vibes for each dream destination in the comfort of your home.
Fancy a sprinkle of Sintra in the study, or maybe you’re ready to embrace all things Bilbao in the bedroom? Feel inspired and give your home a hotel-worthy makeover – chocolate on the pillow is an optional (but recommended) extra.
Dubai, UAE
Topping the list of the most popular holiday searches is the jewel of the Emirates.
While we don’t have a solution for featuring towering skyscrapers and sandy beaches in your living room, we do have a few ideas on how to make your home a little more Dubai.
The one rule is: when in doubt, go for gold. Gold table legs and accents on chairs, gilt frames on mirrors and sconces, gold embellishments on scatter cushions and decadent throw blankets – Dubai is the very definition of luxury. Pair those gold trimmings with plush cream fabrics and luxe velvet textures for a truly decadent finish.
Boston, America
Oh, say can you see...why we’re feeling super inspired by the bright lights and big city vibes of Boston? Let’s take this party to the kitchen and introduce some Boston inspired additions while we whip up a batch of clam chowder.
There’s something wonderfully rustic and homely about this port city, so natural wood furniture is a must if you want to add elements of Beantown to your space.
Pair with vintage look wall lights, a leather accent chair and of course something featuring stars and stripes and you have the makings of this maritime metropolis in your home.
Athens, Greece
Coming in at number three on our most searched-for list, capture the mystical and ancient world of Athens in your home with our top tips.
Marble table tops and sculptural stone pieces instantly set the tone when paired with that rich Mediterranean blue featured in scatter cushions , throws and trinkets on shelves. Off-white hues should act as the base for furniture and can be easily extended outside onto patios with cream cushions and stone side tables.
Tall vases, bust statues and embellished mirror frames add a dash of Athens to any room to create a space worthy of Aphrodite.
Bilbao, Spain
We’re shifting our focus to Spain’s 10th-largest city. Famous for Basque cuisine – aka dishes featuring only the freshest fish - it’s easy to serve up a tasty-looking space with our tips.
When we think of Bilbao, vivid colour comes to mind. The city doesn’t hold back when it comes to painted houses, vibrant blooming flowers and intricate tiled floors and walls.
Modern sofa shapes in neutral shades are the ideal base for pairing with playful, colourful cushions. Team up with rustic wood tables and contrasting dark metal legs – reminiscent of the spindly Guggenheim Museum’s eight-legged Maman.
Kyoto, Japan
Once the capital city of Japan, Kyoto still holds a top spot in our hearts and on our holiday wish list. Add a little Zen to your space inspired by this coveted holiday destination with bamboo wood, rich dark furniture and cherry blossom inspired hues.
Cream seating creates a calming base while sandy tones, lively greens and blush pinks are easy to weave into your theme. Look for rugs inspired by bonsai gardens with swirling patterns and pick up paper fans that look impressive as wall decor or standing to attention on shelves.
A tall floor lantern can finish off the look when paired with lush houseplants and decorative stone pots.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Scandi chic comes into play with an interior inspired by the city of Gothenburg.
Beige and cream tones should dominate and pair perfectly with light woods and soft textures for the ultimate Hygge vibe. Sprawling berber rugs and squishy fabric furniture are key players when it comes to textiles.
There’s something effortlessly hip about any Scandinavian country, so it’s important to embrace that minimal vibe when fashioning your space around this city. Be deliberate with your decor choices to keep things looking clean and fresh.
Sintra, Portugal
That’s right, we’re avoiding the Algarve and forgoing Faro for a little slither of the sunny life in Sintra. The sunshine yellow and brick red tone castle, opulent tiles and verdant gardens are the key inspiration for your space.
We’re embracing colour again, ditching the cream bases for vibrant yellows and standout corals.
Set the tone with a rug woven with pastel hued threads in intricate patterns, designed to perfectly complement accent chairs in vibrant shades and neutral natural wood furniture. Bring the garden indoors with plenty of lush houseplants in statement pots.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Palm trees, blue skies, sandy shores...if we could capture Chiang Mai in just one word it would be tranquil. Paradise can be easily introduced to your home from the living room to the bedroom. Sand is optional but not recommended.
Introduce woven rattan furniture to capture those laidback beach scenes, throw in some palm tree prints and finish with a jute rug.
A natural wood table is a must to hold those weekend cocktails and essential snacks. Curl up on a statement accent chair – we love Tetrad’s Jacaranda chair in a traditional Bagru print – and set the scene with some PiXXiE or Stamp playing in the background.
Innsbruck, Austria
Mountain views and snowy peaks make for spectacular scenes in Innsbruck, perfect for enjoying with a hot chocolate and a roaring fire.
Introduce a little cosy chic to your home, while imagining snow outside the window, with comforting throws that look like they’ve come from a mountain sheep and squishy fabric chairs to curl up on.
Throw in some elegant monochrome prints and stone decor that could be carved from the mountain ranges for a touch of the après ski in your living room.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Keep things Scandi with interiors inspired by Utrecht, a province in the centre of the country. When it comes to Utrecht, we feel inspired by its stunning canals, springtime tulips and impressive castles overlooking the countryside.
Clean lines on furniture paired with pastel hued artwork on the walls create a wonderfully sweet scene in any room.
Natural wood finishes and comfy looking cushions are absolute musts when curating a space inspired by this city. Finish with a thick pile rug in a classy monochromatic print for cosy toes on winter evenings.
Lombok, Indonesia
Desert island living is the dream for many so let us give you a steer on how to dress up your space with the paradisical Lombok in mind. Green foliage, hand woven rattan and sandy tones are all that’s required to create a stunning beach inspired space.
Use throw pillows to add tropical prints to sofas and accent chairs, dress up corners with tall houseplants and feature neutral beige rugs to represent sandy shores.
A macrame wall hanging paired with a terracotta tone lamp base are the perfect team up for capturing that tropical theme. Swap out your usual LED bulb for an orange hue to relax as if you’re enjoying the sunset over the water.
Busan, South Korea
Last in our round up of popular holiday destination searches we have bustling Busan.
A grey sofa creates the perfect neutral base reminding us of the main city streets. We recommend teaming it up with vibrant cushions and blankets in a kaleidoscope of colours inspired by the famous Gamcheon Culture Village with its vivid painted houses.
Lay down a jute rug to tie into the stunning beaches that brush up against the city and dress up shelves with ornate vases and stoneware. Throw in some fairy lights and neon signs to create that busy city hue in your living space when night falls.
Feeling inspired? Follow our tips and go global with your interiors, creating spaces that make you feel like you’re holidaying every day.