Stunning Cultural Influences in Interiors

Interior design is a powerful form of self-expression. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the cultural influences in interior design has grown immensely. From colours and patterns to furniture styles and decorative elements, the rich tapestry of global cultures weaves its way into our homes, creating spaces that reflect not only personal taste but also a global perspective. In this blog post, I share how travel and culture has shaped my style and how you can incorporate cultural influence into your space.

How travel has shaped my style

I have been to over 30 countries, so you could say that I am a bit of a traveller. I have seen a lot, experienced a lot and have learned a lot through travel by exploring and immersing myself into different cultures. As a designer, I really can’t help but take notice of the interiors and decor while I am travelling. I collect decor from everywhere I go, which really has brought a lot of meaning into my space. Most of the things around me tell a story, are one-of-a-kind, and certainly nod to the cultural background of the item’s origin. As a result, my space and style has evolved to be a bit eclectic. Which I am totally into. I think more people will be gravitating towards the eclectic decor style in the near future.

Cultural interior design trends and customs have influenced my style. This got me thinking about how people can bring cultural influences into their own space.

Ways to bring culture into an interior

Travel-Inspired Design:For those with a passion for travel like me, the memories and artifacts collected from different parts of the world can serve as inspiration for interior design. Explore how to curate a travel-inspired space that reflects your global adventures.

Colour Palette Extravaganza: The colours we choose for our interiors often carry cultural significance. From the vibrant hues of Indian textiles to the subdued earth tones of Scandinavian design, each culture brings its own unique colour palette. Explore the symbolism behind colours and how they can be incorporated to evoke a specific cultural atmosphere within a space.

Textiles and Patterns: Textiles play a pivotal role in cultural representation within interior design. Whether it’s the intricate patterns of Moroccan rugs, the geometric motifs of African fabrics, or the delicate floral prints of Japanese textiles, these elements tell stories of heritage and craftsmanship. Dive into the world of textiles and discover how they can be seamlessly integrated into various design styles.

Furniture Styles with Heritage: Furniture design often reflects the historical and cultural context of a region. Scandinavian minimalism, Mediterranean warmth, or the ornate detailing of Middle Eastern furniture—each style carries a piece of its cultural origin. Explore how blending furniture from different cultures can create a harmonious and eclectic look.

Culture: colour, shape, style…

Art and Artifacts: Cultural artifacts and art pieces serve as poignant reminders of heritage and tradition. Explore how to incorporate global art into your interior design. Thus, creating a curated collection that tells a story and adds a unique character to your space.

Architectural Influences: Cultural influences extend beyond mere decorative elements to the very architecture of a space. Whether it’s the open layouts of Scandinavian homes or the intricately designed archways of Middle Eastern architecture, consider how architectural styles from different cultures can shape the overall ambience of a room.

Cultural Fusion: Maybe, you like a little bit of everything. Embrace the beauty of cultural fusion. Where elements from diverse cultures come together to create a truly unique and personalized space.

Escapism with interior design

I have always considered interior design as a means to seek out escapism. Oxford Dictionary defines escapism as:

The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.

The allure of interior design lies in its ability to offer a sense of escapism. Transporting individuals to entirely different worlds within the confines of their homes. Through thoughtful interior design, one can authentically recreate the ambience of diverse locations, allowing for a truly immersive experience. Whether aspiring to evoke the rustic charm of a kitchen in Calabria, Italy, or the tranquil luxury of a spa in Norway within the confines of one’s bathroom, the possibilities are endless. Cultural influences seamlessly woven into interior design empower individuals to craft atmospheres that authentically mirror any corner of the globe. Bringing the world into the comfort of their living spaces.

Cultural influences promote innovation & functionality

Whether you want to embrace your own culture or and/or others, adding design and decor elements of culture(s) into your space will guarantee personality, interest and uniqueness. It may also promote more functionality. Take, for example, the Japandi interior decor style. Japanese folks tend to have low dining tables and sit on the floor with floor cushions. You may find this to be more or less functional depending on your preferences. The point is, consider the different design customs around the world.

As always, I encourage people to design and decorate based on their style and lifestyle.

Read What Is My Home Decor Style?

Embracing cultural influences in interior design

In a world that celebrates diversity, incorporating cultural influences into interior design is not just a trend but a reflection of our interconnected global community. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colours of India, the simplicity of Japanese design, or the warmth of African textiles, the rich tapestry of cultures offers endless inspiration. Creating a home that is not only visually stunning, but also a celebration of the global mosaic is something to strive for. Embrace the beauty of diversity in your interior design. Let your living space be a testament to the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us.