And here I am, happily back home after almost 5 weeks overseas: rested, suntanned and enriched with all I have experienced while away. When traveling we visit beautiful places, eat delicious food and stay in visually interesting and often luxurious accomodations... wouldn't it be good if we were able to keep the holiday feel alive a little longer? Its about taking the key elements from the hotel or home/apartment rental experience, and replicating this in your home, so you can enjoy that relaxed, clutter free holiday feel, everyday! Well, here are some adjustments you should consider to extend the holiday feel into your homes:
The Bathroom - Remember the feel of those luxurious soft towels? well why not spend a little more on thick quality towels for your bathroom. Declutter all the surfaces, including the vanity and around the bath, and style the room with exotic elements like scented candles and handmade soaps, natural sponges, a plant and maybe a wicker basket for rolled up spare towels. It's even better if those soaps were bought while away, allowing you to bring home a little bit of your favourite scents from around the world. One important holiday element is free time, so try to adjust your daily routine to make time to relax and perhaps take a bath!
images from Google and Pinterest
The Lounge Room - Work towards a spacious and decluttered feel, organise the seating to allow for both conversation and relaxation, just like a hotel room is set up. To extend the holiday feel at home display tasteful artworks and style with items you collected when traveling. When overseas purchase a painting from a local gallery, which can often be very well priced, or maybe some cushion covers which are light and easy to bring home. A small souvenir item can be placed on top of a stack of books on the coffee table, allowing your mind to travel back to that holiday destination every night while watching the TV. Also consider turning the music on and enjoy sitting down and do nothing for a while, enjoying a little time for the mind to wander and centre; even just ten minutes can change your whole day.
The Kitchen - Declutter the surfaces and get rid of all those cheap serving dishes, plates and glasses. Bring out the handmade bowls you bought overseas to serve olives or nuts and use them! Place cheese and cut meat on a chopping board to pick from while cooking; pour yourself a glass of wine and make sure to use the best glasses you own. On holiday we spoil ourselves with great flavours, serving bowls and trays, why not keep doing it at home?
images from Google and Pinterest
The Bedroom - Create mood with filtered muted lighting like bedside lamps or a floor lamp in the corner, this is exactly how hotel rooms are designed as the softer light relaxes the mind. Add a comfortable armchair where you can rest and read a book, and make time for it. Place candles around, use quality bedding and remember the effect of good pillows, where maybe a mix of European and standard shapes can also add the hotel room look. Add inspiring artwork about your dream destination, it may be a city scape of Paris, or a print of rolling waves and palm trees; it's your private sanctuary so what ever destination works for you. You could frame an enlarged image you took yourself on your last holidays as this is easy to do at your local photo print shop or Officeworks, and what could be better than remembering that holiday destination by looking at one of your own photos; a personal moment caught in time!
Traveling is one of my favourite things, whether for work or leisure as it allows me to be inspired with new ideas, to look at how people live and work around the world and bring back the inspiration I share through my work. But no matter where I've been or for how long, I am always happy to be back in Australia, and thankful for living in this beautiful and lucky country :)
For a taste of the places I have just visited, check my Facebook page where I have posted some of my images and traveling advice. Not last, by following and sharing that page you will have the chance to win a gift I have brought back just for my FB followers. The winners will be announced on the 15th of October 2017. [ THIS PROMOTION HAS NOW EXPIRED ]
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James Treble has more than 25 years of experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design. His knowledge and experience in adding value to homes, through clever design & styling, is now published for all to learn and benefit from. Interior Design For Profit is now available online.
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