Anyone else feeling the wanderlust lately? According to Pinterest’s annual trend report, it seems like everyone is itching to explore outside their quarantine bubbles. We learned some interesting takeaways: a 100% increase in searches for Irish quilt patterns and a 95% increase in searches for Japanese carpentry, for starters. Understandably, it’s not as easy these days to get a dose of other cultures, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be inspired just because we’re homebound. We’re bringing the international style to you with these globally-influenced interior design ideas to add different bits of cultural flair to your home. Choose one destination, or go for a mix that feels unique to you. The best part? Everything is under $50.
France
We love the idea of channeling the French countryside for its soft colors, effortless charm, and vintage vibe. French interior style never looks too perfect or like you’ve tried too hard to make everything match. You can mix vintage-looking pieces with more modern styles to create a cool juxtaposition. The French are famous for their fashion sense that feels “thrown together” yet polished — and the same attitude can be applied towards home decor. This Stupell Home Décor La Toilette Wall Plaque ($25.53) can go above your bathroom door (especially perfect for guests who want to figure out which door leads to your restroom). Keep dried lavender or flowers as an homage to the famous lavender fields in France in Yoillione French Pitcher Vase ($21.99) to add a pop of color to any room. This Antique Retro Decorative Rotary Phone ($17.99) makes for a cool focal piece and conversation starter. Then, dress up your couch with this neutral French Country PIllow Cover to complete the cottage-chic look.
Mexico
If you’re attracted to bright colors and a warm, welcoming ambiance, the rich palette of Mexican interior design could be right up your alley. Mexican-style homes are an eclectic mix of patterns, tones, and textures. Decorative Talavera Tiles ($30.78) are used to level up fireplaces, mirrors, sinks, and doorways for many classic Mexican homes. Since they’re hand-painted, we love how no two tiles are perfectly alike. Woven by artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico, throw an Artisanal Handwoven Serape Blanket ($17.99) over each of your outdoor dining chairs to warm up dinner guests on chilly nights. Decorative objects, like colorful terracotta pots, are a characteristic of Mexican decor that can work for any home. These 5” Terracotta Succulent Pots ($24.99) can be placed all around the house or grouped together as a centerpiece. If you just can’t get enough of vivid colors, this stylish NuLoom Tammara Botton Hand-Braided Accent Rug ($19.39) will make a statement in any room.
China
Chinese decor can go a lot of different ways, from simple to intricate, colorful or muted. One of the basic principles is finding pieces that have a connection to nature and usually evoke a feeling of zen or calm. Add Asian-inspired greenery to your space with a Bonsai Starter Kit ($29.99) or bamboo. We love the idea of implementing a dash of color to your living room with a deep red lamp shade like this Livex Lighting Bell Clip Chandelier Shade ($19.90) or an ornate Folding Wall Fan ($23.99). In Chinese culture, red is a symbol of prosperity and gold is a symbol of wealth. Another color combo, blue and white, was an important part of the history of Chinese ceramics and pottery, dating all the way back to the Tang dynasty of 618-907 AD.
Italy
The quaint, coastal villages of Italy are particularly great for homes with open floor plans to aid in the breezy vibe — even if there isn’t an ocean for miles. Earthy neutrals with Mediterranean-inspired splashes of color (think: lemon yellows and turquoise blues) play well with raw, natural materials like stone, tile, and wood. Adding these charming Italian home decor touches is easy: Try a Eucalyptus Garland ($18.99) draped casually across the center of your dining table (add a few candles for an extra-cozy feel). Italy is known for its extremely fragrant Sorrento lemons — and limoncello. Keep bunches of fresh lemons handy to add a zing to your drinking water, and put the rest on display in an Alain Lemons Vase Filler ($29). This Kitchen Dish Towel Set ($13.99) is also a subtle way of adding a chic, pop of lemony color. Get the look of Sicilian tile at a fraction of the cost with this Peel & Stick Wallpaper (starting at $16), which looks great as a backsplash in your kitchen or on an accent wall. The other bare walls look complete with a colorful Positano Canvas ($45).
India
Burnt oranges, sage greens, coral reds, mustard yellows — there’s certainly no shortage of colorful inspiration and intricate details when it comes to capturing the beauty of India. When emulating Indian interior design, try a wide range of hand-woven textures and patterns that add warmth to any room. In Delhi, there’s a vast market of home goods made by local artisans, like silk carpets, embroidered throw pillows, and more. Hang up a Bohemian Tapestry ($18.99) that adds interest to your walls without having to deal with painting and sanding. Jewel-toned Silk Throw Pillows ($19.99) exude a bit of that enchanting Indian magic to your bedroom or living spaces. The popular Indian tradition of henna tattoos (mehendi) is associated with good luck and the floral patterns have inspired home decor pieces like these Glass Votive Holders ($11.99).
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