Some of our best family memories are created when traveling. When we’re away from the everyday and either exploring a new place or revisiting a favorite destination, those moments become dear, yet fleeting. However, there are many ways to bring home those memories and use them to personalize our homes while also leaving little reminders of what all that time together meant to us. We certainly have the itch to travel again and whether it is to our favorite Michigan stopping grounds or venturing past where we’ve been before, here are a few ways to bring those memories home.
Let favorite destinations inspire personal art. With so many great, accessible artists on Etsy, having a piece or two commissioned to showcase your favorite places is a thoughtful way to let your memories shine in a room.
This family has enjoyed trips to the National Parks and holds those memories near and dear. By working with several artists, we were able to not only include reminders of those trips, but the pieces anchor the room.
Frame favorite finds. A group of shells, coral or other keepsake don’t have to be stashed away to find the next time you dig for something in a box in the basement. If they inspired you or will remind you of sweet family time, find a way to display them.
Here, Rachel had a collection of ocean corals found on various beaches in Mexico shadowboxed for a splash of color in a bathroom.
Put a collection on display. When visiting a certain place becomes a tradition and hunting for a special thing there becomes a favorite pastime, let that be part of your home. Maybe you collect a book with every visit. Or, shells, sea glass, rocks, drift wood, sand - the possibilities goes on and on.
This family has collected heart shaped rocks on lake vacations and sea glass on visits to Cape Cod for years. They should absolutely fill special bowls in their family room!
Explore vintage shops instead of souvenir shops. Often times, our favorite souvenirs from vacations don’t come from typical stores. Sure, they are usually easy to find and full of stuff the kids find exciting, but try venturing into a vintage shop to find something special. This can lead to finds with a history, a story and lend themselves to being things you could display in your home. Maybe you find a vintage book, a unique plate, or a keepsake unique to that part of the world.
Years ago, Rachel did some vintage shopping in Amsterdam and brought home unique Delft tiles.
Capture an inspiring color palette. Inspiration is all around us - especially when you’re away from the grind. Be on the lookout for a moment, a scene or a part of nature that strikes you. Take a picture. You just never know what mother nature’s palette could inspire.
When a campfire on a beach can turn into inspiration for an entire room palette.
As a home can tell your story, bringing those memories from adventures back and finding ways to weave them into rooms can add chapters of depth.