5 Ways that Souvenirs Make Your House a Home

Souvenirs That Turn a House into a Home: A Guide to Buying Home Decor Abroad

 

Traveling the world not only enriches our lives with unforgettable experiences and cultural exposure but also gives us the opportunity to bring a piece of these journeys back home. While traditional souvenirs like keychains and postcards are classic choices, there is an emerging trend of travelers opting for home decor items as mementos. Let’s explore the idea of buying home decor as souvenirs and why it can be a meaningful and unique way to infuse your living space with cherished memories.

1. The Sentimental Value of Home Decor Souvenirs

Unlike traditional trinkets that often end up in drawers or forgotten on shelves, home decor souvenirs serve as daily reminders of your adventures abroad. Every time you catch a glimpse of that handcrafted cat from Berlin or the vibrant wall art from Japan, you’ll be transported back to the places you visited and the wonderful memories you made there. Home decor items have the power to evoke emotions and create a deeper connection with your travels.

 

2. Embracing Diversity and Cultural Exchange

By purchasing home decor abroad, you’re actively participating in cultural exchange. We purposely search for items handcrafted by local artisans, preserving centuries-old traditions and techniques. Supporting local craftsmanship not only helps the community but also allows you to bring a piece of that culture into your home. Whether it’s an intricately woven pillow cover from Wales or a unique piece of pottery from Vienna, these items celebrate the diversity of our world and become conversation starters for guests visiting your home.

We picked up this lovely lady in a gift shop in Vienna. I love her facial features, her hat and the colors in the frame. She makes me smile.

3. Adding a Personal Touch to Your Space

Home decor souvenirs offer a unique touch to your living space that cannot be replicated by mass-produced decorations. From the vibrant colors of Indian textiles to the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian designs, each piece reflects the distinctive style of the region it originates from. Incorporating these treasures into your home allows you to create a space that feels authentic and personalized, telling a story about who you are and the places you’ve been.

Dala horses can be found in Sweden and have the sweetest story. You can get them in all sizes all the way up to rocking horse size, but those would not fit in our suitcase. These were made in the 19th century and painted as toys for children in Sweden. One popular color is red with a green saddle, but the little shop we found had all colors. This matched our house perfectly. I can imagine someday sitting with a grandchild and playing with a pretty old-fashioned toy.

4. Practicality and Functionality

One of the advantages of buying home decor as souvenirs is their practicality. Unlike delicate knick-knacks that may gather dust, home decor items can be functional additions to your home. Think about how a beautifully hand-carved wooden bowl from Bali can be used as a fruit bowl, or a Turkish rug can be laid out in your living room. These souvenirs not only serve as eye-catching decorations but also have a practical purpose in your day-to-day life.

This Cuckoo Clock from the Black Forest in Germany is one of our favorite souvenirs. It reminds us every hour of what a great time we had in that country. It’s funny, I didn’t think I wanted a clock like this. It reminded me of similar clocks in grandparents homes and I thought it would make me feel old. It hasn’t! The little tune it plays and the little people dancing makes passing time a bit more fun.

We also picked up some lovely bath products at the Roman Baths in Bath, England. Sometimes the name of the place can help you find just the right souvenir.

5. Budget-Friendly Souvenir Shopping

Home decor souvenirs come in a wide range of price points, making them accessible to travelers with various budgets. While some items might be investments, like handcrafted furniture, there are also plenty of affordable options like textiles, ceramics, and artwork. Exploring local markets and shops can lead you to unique finds that won’t break the bank.

These small paintings were painted by an artist in Lacock Village in the United Kingdom. The scenes were places we had actually walked the day before we found them. The colors were perfect for our home and they’re the first thing I see in the morning.

This is another souvenir that makes me smile. A hairy coo from Luss, Scotland, I love the bangs on these cows. They are truly beautiful creatures when you see them in the pastures of the countryside.

Buying home decor as souvenirs can be a rewarding and thoughtful way to commemorate your travels. These items hold sentimental value, foster cultural exchange, and bring a personalized touch to your living space. From supporting local artisans to creating an ambiance that reflects your wanderlust spirit, each home decor souvenir tells a story that will make your house truly feel like a home filled with cherished memories from around the world. So, the next time you embark on a journey, consider bringing back a piece of that destination to make your living space a living memory of your adventures.

Safe travels.