How I Turned a Dinner Set into a Wall Feature

I WAS looking for inspiration for my travel-inspired home retreat when I stumbled across a stunning set of Ipanema Casa Domani dinnerware in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Vibrant tropical colours, circular patterns—it was love at first sight. The strange thing was, I’d never been to Brazil, but something about the design transported me to a sun-drenched beach, toes in the sand, surrounded by the energy of Rio de Janeiro. That dinner set was calling my name.

The challenge was that I didn’t need new dinnerware. But I live near the sea and these colours were too good to pass up. I bought the set, but instead of using it on the table, I got creative. I found IKEA presentation boxes, and suddenly, I had a tropical-inspired wall feature right in my living room. Every time I look at it, I feel the excitement of the unknown—a piece of the world right at home.

That experience taught me that you don’t need to visit a place to be inspired by it, but it helps! If you’ve visited somewhere that truly moves you, why not turn your living space into a place that both relaxes you and keeps you connected to the thrill of exploring the world? Here’s how you can do it too.

*Jocelyn Magazine partners with travel and lifestyle advertisers, earning small commissions from qualifying purchases through our links. These funds support the magazine’s publication and the creation of inspiring content for our readers.

I turned my vibrant dinner set into a tropical-inspired wall feature using IKEA presentation boxes!

1. Start with the Heart: Identify Key Moments from Your Travels

When it comes to personalising your home with travel memories, the first step is to reflect on the moments that have left a lasting impression. Think about a place you visited that made you feel alive—perhaps it was the peaceful calm of a Balinese retreat or the buzz of a European city at night.

Pay attention to the details of that experience: the colours, textures, and moods that stand out. Jot down notes or even pull up old photos that capture the essence of the trip. These are the elements you’ll want to bring into your home to create a truly personal retreat.

2. Frame Your World: Use Travel-Inspired Artwork

Artwork is one of the most powerful ways to incorporate your travel memories into your space. Start with photographs—whether they’re your snaps or prints from local artists you met along the way. Framing these photos and arranging them as a gallery wall can turn any room into a visual story of your travels.

If photography isn’t your thing, you could look for pieces that remind you of specific places. For example, a vibrant canvas with splashes of colour could bring to mind the hustle and bustle of a Moroccan market. Art doesn’t have to be literal; it just needs to evoke the feeling you want to relive every time you walk through the door.

3. Furnish with Flair: Select Furniture or Textiles That Tell a Story

Your furniture and textiles are a great way to subtly weave in travel vibes without being too obvious. Think back to the textures and materials that define the places you’ve visited. Did you lounge on a beach chair in Greece with a soft linen throw? Or maybe you fell in love with the intricate patterns of Moroccan rugs.

Bring those elements home. Mix and match different materials—whether it’s a woven chair that reminds you of a tropical holiday or silk cushions inspired by your time in Asia. The goal is to create a space that’s not only comfortable but also full of stories.

4. Bring the Outdoors Inside your Home Retreat

If you’re drawn to natural landscapes, why not bring a bit of that beauty into your home? Plants are the perfect way to recreate the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature. Tropical plants like ferns or palms can remind you of a beach getaway, while a simple vase of lavender can transport you back to a French countryside holiday.

If plants aren’t your thing, you can still bring the outdoors in with natural materials like driftwood or seashells you’ve collected. Display them in a stylish jar or use them to create a centrepiece that captures the essence of nature. Just remember that many countries have strict regulations about bringing home plants or natural souvenirs, so be sure to check the rules before packing them in your luggage.

5. Souvenirs with Purpose: Incorporate Your Souvenirs Creatively

We all love to bring back souvenirs from our travels, but the key is finding a way to display them that adds personality without cluttering your space. Rather than cramming your shelves with trinkets, think about how you can give these items a functional role in your home.

A ceramic dish you bought from a local market might work as a decorative bowl on your coffee table. Or perhaps the intricate mask you picked up in Venice could become a centrepiece in your dining room. The idea is to let these items tell a story while serving a purpose in your everyday life.

6. Craft Your Travel Memory Nook

Imagine having a cosy nook where you can escape to relive your favourite travel memories. It’s easier than you think! Set aside a corner of your living room, bedroom, or even home office where you can gather your most cherished travel souvenirs, photos, and books.

Think of this space as a mini-museum of your adventures. Add a comfy chair, a small bookshelf, and a few photo albums, and you’ve got a special spot to reminisce and daydream about your next trip. It’s the perfect way to infuse your home with the spirit of adventure.

7. Scent is Key: Infuse Your Home with Travel-Inspired Scents

Scent has a powerful way of evoking memories, so why not use it to your advantage? Think about the smells that take you back to specific places. Did the air in Tuscany carry hints of lavender? Maybe your favourite café in Paris was filled with the smell of roasted coffee.

You can recreate these memories with scented candles, essential oils, or even incense. Match your scent to the mood you want to evoke—whether it’s the refreshing smell of eucalyptus from an Australian bushwalk or the warm spices of a Moroccan market. Layering different scents depending on the season or room can create a dynamic and immersive experience.

Your Home, Your Personal Haven of Memories

Personalising your home with your travel memories can transform it into more than just a living space—it becomes your personal retreat, full of meaning and inspiration. By surrounding yourself with art, furniture, souvenirs, and scents that remind you of your travels, you’ll create a sanctuary that’s uniquely yours.

So, whether it’s creating a gallery wall of photos from your favourite cities or using the textures and colours of far-off places to inspire your décor, don’t be afraid to get creative. Start small, take it step by step, and before you know it, you’ll have a home that not only relaxes you but also keeps you connected to the joy of exploring the world.

Ready to transform your space? Begin by choosing one memory from a special trip and see where it takes you. Whether it’s art, furniture, or scents, infusing your home with travel vibes is easier than you think! Share your journey with us in the comments below.

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About the author

With around five years’ experience as a body corporate secretary, Jocelyn brings a practical, real-world perspective to buying and living in townhouse and apartment complexes.