Souvenirs, aka Home Decor

Souvenirs, aka Home Decor

I had begun to write a post about home accessories for spring, but I realized as I began to search for home accessories available to purchase, that my favorite home accessories are souvenirs I have picked up on my travels. They add the individual personality that represents our family and our experiences, which is what your home should be, a representation of you.

These are not usually the items purchased in a “big box” store that anyone else can purchase, and therefore are less likely to show up in your friends’ homes or on instagram, making them more “one-of-a-kind,” which is how your home should look. Looking at these items collected from all over the world reminds me of the trips we took together, what I was doing and feeling with my family at different stages of our lives. It feels less like a commercial transaction and more like a human connection.

Sure I can find some attractive items available right now that are mass produced, and that might make your home look more curated, but they wouldn’t be personal or tell your story.

Some of my favorite souvenirs, were found treasures, like feathers from South African Guinea Fowl my husband and son picked up on the golf course in De Kloof, outside of Cape Town, South Africa. I sometimes put them in my Dutch tulip vases. I also have rocks from all over the world.

I have a print I got in Athens, outside my hotel, for less than 2 Euros. I ditched the frame and rolled it up to bring it home. I’ve used Framebridge for framing lots of my “souvenirs.” I have pottery from Portugal, baskets from outside of Johannesburg, a print of the chain bridge from Budapest, original art from Prague, vases from Athens…

I like to sprinkle these items around my home, and then, whenever I see them, it reminds me of that fabulous trip I took with my family, or girlfriends, and all of the laughs we had, the wine we drank, the hills we climbed… This is what makes a house a home, and the absolute best way to accessorize.

Non-Souvenir Home Decor

But, if travel isn’t in your future there are more and more good options for home accessories. Just don’t be surprised if your neighbor has the same item, or they spot yours and go to purchase it.

CB2 always has great accessories. I have found many candle holders, vases, hand towels, and objects that I still love from CB2. Another place I’ve been eyeing a few items from is Alice Lane Home. I haven’t purchased from them, but they have great vases, like the black marble one above, and candles from very selected vendors.

I love looking through smaller boutiques when I’m exploring, to see if anything catches my eye. Often times you will find more curated items that are less likely to be found in your friends’ homes in non-chain stores or antique stores.

I also love Paloma & Co for home accessories, where I’ve bought some vases and cocktail napkins. Paloma has an incredible eye and the items that end up in her store are especially good.

Online museum stores can be a great resource for home accessories. I was just in Cairo and was really impressed by the offerings at the Egyptian Museum store in Cairo. And, if you have the time and the patience, you can find some great things on Etsy, for instance the plaster pedestal and busts below:

Etsy has everything you can imagine, including rugs, art, furniture, all in one place. Also, you can search by region if you don’t want to ship things across the world.

So, do not forget to shop for home accessories when you travel, but if travel is not in your future, look to Etsy, smaller boutiques with curated items, or a CB2 and you will be sure to come home with something you love.