Holiday shopping is a wonderful thing. Whether you’re in Thailand or Tuscany, the markets are always an excellent place to shop for new furniture and homewares. Not only do you get to take home unique treasures that no one else will have at home, but you can extend that holiday feeling and relive those family travel memories by placing those homewares acquired abroad around the house. So next time you go overseas, rather than spending up big on kitschy souvenirs and magnets, make a beeline to the local markets, antique stores or art hub and make a purchase that you will treasure forever.
With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of the best things to buy on holiday for a quick home makeover.
1. Art prints
There’s no easier way to update a boring wall or shelf than to add a jazzy new art print. Travelling is an excellent opportunity to browse local artist studios and pop culture stores for cool new art prints that speak to the culture of the country you are visiting. Look for a print that is not only stylish and eye-catching, but that also reminds you of the country it came from. Best part? They’re super light and easy to transport!
2. Ceramics
From vases to bowls, plates and tea pots, buying a ceramic memento painted in a style specific to your destination is a wonderful way to take home holiday memories. Pick a piece tat can be safely transported in your luggage, such as a bowl, vase or trivet.
3. Cushions covers
While packing a cushion in your suitcase may seem like an impossible task, simply packing a cushion cover – which can be folded up small – is much easier! A great way to update your interior scheme or add flair to old furniture, cushions are a key decorating item. Pick a cover either made from a traditional fabric, or embroidered with local designs.
4. Rugs
If you’re looking for a show-stopping travel souvenir, you can go past a rug. Whether you choose a traditional Persian carpet or a French designer floor covering, rugs are usually easy to get shipped back to your home country.
5. Throw blankets
A throw blanket is another great affordable way to add colour to your home. When travelling abroad, be sure to check out the local soft furnishing offerings, such as these cotton Cambodian traditional blankets.
6. Decorative objects
From small boxes and candle holders to little statuettes and jewellery stands, picking up a decorative object while on holiday is the perfect way to display your travel trinkets in style once you get home. Be sure to check out antique stores too, as these can be a great place to look for vintage candlestick holders or other collectibles.
7. Christmas decorations
Should you be so lucky as to visit an authentic European Christmas market, be sure to pic up some beautiful Christms decorations, so that you can remember the holiday every holiday season.
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