My boys are taking after me.

Whenever we travel, they can’t wait to bring a little piece home.

There’s not a city we’ve been to where I don’t find a local antique shop, artisan fair and the like to find a piece of decor to bring home.

It all started back in 2008 when hubby and I were on our babymoon in beautiful Rome, read about that trip below.

It was such a fun and exciting moment to find that piece and I love the nostalgia of passing by that piece everyday.

So now whenever I travel, I always and I mean always keep an eye out for objects I can use in my decor.

Those pieces inspire and excite me whenever I see them and they tell me a story. When I see them, it’s like a little movie that reminds me of those fond travels and experiences with my family and friends.

Often times we are not in the US where it could be easy to ship something home, so I have to limit myself to what can fit into a suitcase.

If you, like us want to bring a little of your travels home here is my list of things to look for and avoid.

Small paintings

Small paintings are a must have and are very easy to place around your home. Think bookcases, small or thin walls or all together in a large grouping.

Here are a few I’ve picked up over the years.

Found in Paris on a trip with hubby, now in our family room

Found in Round Top with a gal pal, now in our kitchen

Found on a birthday trip with dear friends in New Orleans

Glass & Crystal

I’ll admit I love a little sparkle, and looking out for beautiful crystal pieces has been a lot of fun over the years. If you love sparkle you’ll love looking out for these. Be sure to pack it very carefully and it will make its way home safe and sound.

Found on a trip to Budapest with dear friends and family, had to pack carefully!

Found on a trip to with hubby in a small town near Normandy, France

Plates & Platters

Growing up, my mom had a dear friend who had a huge collection of plates on every single square inch of her kitchen wall. My siblings named her house “the plate lady’s house.” Ironically, I’m turning into her!

Plates and platters are a great way to add age, patina and warmth into your decor.

Travel pic & plate inspiration  

Keep an eye out for something you can use in your home like these I found during one of our travels.

Found in a little antique street fair while traveling, and now in my kitchen shelf

Found in a little antique street fair while traveling and now in my glass front cabinets on plate stands

Found in a little antique shop in New York City on a girls trip

Frames to turn into Mirrors

My passion for collection decor while traveling started on my babymoon in 2008. Hubby and I were in Rome, Italy and took a break from the big awe-inspiring sights of Rome and went to a little antique fair off the beaten path.

I saw this beautiful little mirror frame and knew it would fit on one of my small walls. I bought it right then and there and brought it back in my suitcase.

We still have it to this day, and love that memory.

Found in a little antique fair off the beaten path in Italy right before my first son Rohan was born in 2008 and now near my backdoor so I see it everyday.

Found on a trip in Europe. I brought this gorgeous oval frame back home for my guest room so mom and sister could feel royal when they visit

Boxes

Last but not least, look for boxes. You can store items inside of them, place them on books and side tables, in jewelry drawers and more.

If you find one you love, go ahead and take it home to enjoy for years to come like I did with these:

Hand painted wooden box found in Budapest now in my guest room bookcase

A European Find, unique and lovely box

Found in Disney world with Rohan & Dayven – they have gorgeous limoge boxes there which I was excited to bring home!

What to Skip

From experience, I can tell you to skip several items.

1.Big projects. I once brought home a huge stack of probably what is 35-50 engravings or art pieces to be framed and make an art wall. Considering the wall needs to be mapped out and then framed, that was too big of a project for me to take on at that time. We were still renovating our home, and I don’t know what I was thinking!

If it’s too big for you to do today or you think you’ll get to it one day → skip it.

2.Rare and delicate objects. I bring back glass and crystal all of the time, but I know I would be okay if it breaks. If you are very worried to have it shipped, keep in mind it may not be the best object to bring back.

3.Huge and hard to pack objects – Look for small things that can fit in your suitcase, that is what makes this fun!

As I get ready for our summer travels, I cannot wait to see what we will bring home and add to our collection.

How about you? Are you inspired to bring a piece of decor back from your travels? Leave a comment and tell us what’s your favorite and what you might hope to bring home.

If you are in town, please stop by and visit us at Village Antiques where we have many similar objects and while you are there, share your summer stories with us.

Wishing you a fantastic summer!

In friendship,

Amitha

P.s. We’ve some awesome workshops coming up. Click here to sign up for one (or several) today!