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As I traveled through Europe, I was always amazed by how different and unique international home decor styles were. Each country had its kind when it came to decorating its homes. For example, Moroccan riads had colorful tiles with intricate patterns, while Scandinavian apartments were simple and elegant.
When I returned home, I was inspired to bring some styles from other places into my space. I looked through design magazines and websites to find new and exciting global types of home decor to use in my own home. And let me tell you, there are a lot of choices!
In this article, I’m excited to talk about 10 of the most interesting new international styles of home decor I’ve found on my travels.
What is international home decor?
International home decor (or a global style) means decorating with elements, styles, and themes from different cultures and countries in a global style. Global decor can include many styles, like traditional Moroccan riads, minimalist Scandinavian apartments, rustic Italian farmhouses, and more.
A global style uses pieces from different cultures and regions to create a unique and varied look. It can be a great way to show off your style and interests and bring a little culture into your home.
What color is preferred for international home decor?
Different cultures and regions have their color palettes and favorite colors, so no one color is most prevalent in global décor. In general, bright colors or a neutral palette can be seen in the different home decor styles worldwide.
For example, bright colors like red, orange, and yellow are often used in decor that Morocco inspires. On the other hand, Scandinavian-style decor tends to use a more neutral palette, like white, gray, and beige.
Decor based on the rustic Italian style might use earthy and warm colors like terracotta, olive green, and mustard yellow. Ultimately, the colors you choose for global home decor depend on the style and cultural elements you want to bring into your home.
What patterns to use for international home decor?
You can use many patterns to add global style space, depending on the style and culture you want to show. Some of the most common patterns used in global style are:
Moroccan, Mexican, and Scandinavian are just some of the global styles of home decor that use geometric patterns. You can use these patterns on rugs, throw pillows, and decorative items like vases and candle holders.
Floral patterns:
Floral patterns are a classic choice for French country, English cottage, and Indian home decor, among others. You can use these patterns on fabrics like curtains and bed linens, or you can use them as decorations on things like wallpaper and ceramic tiles.
Tribal patterns:
Many global decor styles, such as African and Native American, use tribal patterns. You can use these patterns on rugs, throw pillows, and other textiles, as well as on decorative items like baskets and wall hangings.
Stripes:
Stripes are a classic pattern that can be used in many different types of home decor from around the world, like nautical, Scandinavian, and French countries. You can use these patterns on fabrics like curtains and bed linens, or you can use them as decorations on things like wallpaper and ceramic tiles.
The patterns you choose for your home depend on your style and the specific cultural influences you want to show off.
What items can I add to enhance international home decor?
You can add many different things to your home to make it look more global style and cultural influences you want to bring in. Some everyday items that can be used to create a home look more international are:
Work of art:
Art from different cultures and parts of the world is a great way to give your home a global style feel. Think about adding paintings, prints, or sculptures inspired by different cultures or countries.
Textiles:
Rugs, throw pillows, and curtains are all great examples of materials that can add color and pattern to your home. Look for fabrics influenced by cultures and places, like traditional Moroccan rugs or batik fabrics from Indonesia.
Furniture:
Furniture is a great way to give your home a global-style look. Think about adding things from other cultures, like a traditional Chinese cabinet or a Scandinavian-style coffee table. (A coffee table suits me.)
Accessories:
You can add a global style touch to your home with vases, candle holders, and trays. Look for things from other cultures, like tin mirrors from Mexico or brass bowls from India.
Plants:
Bringing plants into your home is a great way to add natural beauty and life. Think about adding plants from other places or cultures, like fiddle leaf figs from Africa or bonsai trees from Japan.
Ultimately, the things you choose to add to your home will depend on your style and the specific cultural influences you want to include in your decor.
10 Exciting Global Home Decor Styles
Moroccan Magic: Add Some Global Glam with Vibrant Colors and Intricate Patterns
With vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Moroccan home decor brings a bit of the world into your home. Vivid colors, detailed tile work, and many different textures define this style. Moroccan decor is perfect for people who want to make a statement and add an exotic touch to their home.
Italian Rustic: Embrace the Warmth of Tuscan Style with Earthy Tones and Natural Materials
Italian rustic home decor is all about embracing the warmth and charm of Tuscan style. This style comprises earthy colors, natural materials like stone and wood, and a focus on comfort. Italian rustic decor is excellent for people who like the rustic charm of a country home and want to bring some of that warmth and comfort into their own space.
French Country: Add Charm with Provencal Patterns and Rustic Accents
With Provencal patterns and rustic touches, French country home decor is all about giving your home more charm and personality. This style is characterized by floral prints, worn furniture, and a focus on comfort. French country decor is perfect for those who like the rustic charm of a country home and want to bring some of that warmth and comfort into their own space.
English Cottage: Create a Cozy Retreat with Floral Patterns and Rustic Accents
With floral patterns and rustic touches, English cottage home decor is about making a cozy, welcoming retreat. Comfortable furniture, cozy fabrics, and a focus on comfort characterize this style. People who love the rustic charm of a country home and want to bring some of that warmth and comfort into their own space will love English cottage decor.
Mexican Vibrancy: Add Some Color to Your Home with Bold Colors and Geometric Patterns
Mexican home decor adds color and energy to your home with bold colors and geometric patterns. Vivid colors, intricate tile work, and a focus on comfort are all features of this style. Mexican decor is perfect for people who want to make a statement and add cultural flair to their homes.
Indian Intricacy: Add some cultural flavor with rich textures and intricate patterns
Using rich textures and intricate patterns, Indian home decor is all about giving your home an artistic touch. This style is known for its vivid colors, complex designs, and focus on comfort. Indian decor is perfect for people who want to make a statement and add cultural richness to their homes.
Scandinavian Simplicity: Create a Minimalist Look with Clean Lines and Neutral Colors
Scandinavian home decor is about keeping things simple and ensuring they work. This style has simple shapes, neutral colors, and nature-inspired materials like wood and stone. Scandinavian design is excellent for people who like a simple look and put comfort and functionality first.
Chinese chic: Add a touch of the East with jade greens and deep reds
With jade greens and deep reds, Chinese home decor is all about giving your home an Eastern feel. This style is known for its vivid colors, complicated patterns, and attention to balance and harmony. Chinese decor is excellent for people who love China’s long and rich cultural history and want to bring some of that history into their homes.
African-inspired: Add some global charm with bright colors and tribal patterns
African-inspired home decor is all about using vivid colors and tribal patterns to bring a bit of the world into your home. This style is known for its bright colors, complex designs, and use of natural materials. The African-inspired decor is excellent for people who love Africa’s rich cultural history and want to bring some of that history into their homes.
Traditional Japanese: Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of Zen
The beauty and simplicity of Zen philosophy are at the heart of traditional Japanese home decor. This style uses natural materials, has clean lines, and emphasizes less. Traditional Japanese decor is excellent for people who like how nature calms them down and want to make their home feel peaceful and harmonious.
Conclusion
As world travelers, you may have a lot of favorite places that have influenced your design style. Whether you like the vivid colors and bold patterns of Moroccan decor, the rustic charm of Italian style, or the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design, there is an international home decor perfect for you.
Adding things from different cultures and parts of the world to your home can make it a global space that shows off your design styles and interests. There are many ways to do global interior design, from the intricate patterns of Indian decor to the rustic charm of French country.
So why not take a trip worldwide without leaving your house and enjoy how people in other countries decorate their homes? Let’s embrace global interior design!
