Written by our local expert SJ
Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.
Okay, let’s be honest: most of us come home from a trip with hundreds of photos on our phones and a bag stuffed with random souvenirs that end up in a drawer. But what if, instead of hiding them away, you actually made your home feel like a living scrapbook of your adventures? Imagine walking into your living room and instantly being reminded of that beach in Greece, that food market in Istanbul, or that random alleyway in Lisbon where you got lost but ended up having the best night. Here’s how to turn those travel memories into fun, stylish home decor—without making your place look like a souvenir shop.
Your photos deserve better than to sit in your phone’s camera roll. Pick out the ones that make you smile instantly—like the sunset you chased, or that blurry-but-perfect street scene—and put them on display. Instead of just framing a few prints, go for something bold. Try metal photo prints that make your shots look like they belong in a gallery. They’re glossy, super durable, and look so much cooler than the usual frames. Bonus: no glass glare when the sun hits.
Find one wall (hallways are perfect for this) and start a gallery of your travels. Mix and match framed photos, postcards, tickets, even that doodle from the café napkin you couldn’t throw away. It doesn’t need to be symmetrical—messy is charming here. Experiment with different sizes, and don’t be afraid to mix black and white with color. Every time you pass by, it’s like flipping through your own travel diary.
If you’re not into hanging stuff on the wall, pick one shelf or console table and turn it into your travel corner. Throw in shells from Croatia, a tiny Eiffel Tower you bought in Paris (don’t roll your eyes, we all have one), or that random ceramic dish you couldn’t leave behind in Portugal. Mix them with books, plants, and candles to create a styled, not cluttered, look. Rotate items when you get back from new trips—it keeps things fresh and fun.
One of the easiest ways to make a room feel like “you” is through the use of fabric. That colorful throw from Mexico? Use it on your couch. A handwoven scarf from Turkey? Boom—instant table runner. Even rugs or pillow covers can tell stories. Pick just one statement textile per room, so it doesn’t feel like a bazaar exploded in your living space.
Maps aren’t just for getting lost (or pretending you know where you are). Frame an old map of a city you love, hang a scratch-off world map, or get creative with a print of the coordinates of somewhere special. You can even use them for DIY projects—line a drawer with a city map, or stick one on a tray and suddenly your Saturday morning coffee is way more interesting.
Some of the best travel memories come from meals. Use the glasses, bowls, or plates you brought home to serve food and drinks, such as Turkish tea glasses, Greek carafes, or those small Moroccan bowls that make snacks look elegant. Plan a “travel dinner night” now and then, cook a dish from a past trip, and tell the stories while you eat—instant nostalgia (and bragging rights).
If you’re crafty, this part’s fun. Fill a shadow box with your plane tickets and MetroCards. Create a photo strip featuring five of your favorite moments from a single trip and display it in a narrow space. Or write a little note on the back of each framed photo—like “the night we got hopelessly lost in Rome and it was amazing.” Tiny details like that make your home feel personal, not Pinterest-perfect.
The trick to decorating with memories is not to display everything. Pick your favorites, the ones that make you feel something, and leave the rest in storage for now. Think of it like curating an exhibit—your home is the gallery, and you’re the curator. Less is more, but the right pieces will always spark stories when friends come over.
At the end of the day, your home should feel like you. Travel memories add personality, warmth, and those little conversation starters that make people say, “Ooh, where’s this from?” So dig out those photos and souvenirs, get creative, and start building a space that tells your story—one adventure at a time.
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