10 Global Decorating Styles Inspired by Your Favorite Destinations

Travel to your favorite places (without leaving home) with these international interior design choices.

dining room area with garden terrace in the background
Photo: Ben Richards

Decorating your home to embrace your favorite travel destination is often a more affordable option than purchasing a plane ticket to get there. Take inspiration from the top decorating styles of some of the most influential, design-forward countries. Incorporating these global decor ideas doesn't mean a whole remodel for your space—small changes can make a big difference. Consider mixing a few of your favorite countries' decor styles to create your own unique aesthetic. There are no rules, just inspiration and creativity!

01 of 10

France

teal home office with gold curtains

Lindsay Salazar

French decorating styles can range anywhere from provincial to country-inspired to Parisian. While these styles differ, they also have a multitude of similarities. French interior design often includes lots of moldings, ornate fireplaces, curated vintage pieces, gilded mirrors and frames, and layers of rich textures and materials. If you're looking to add a French feel to your kitchen, hang copper pans above your stove or island.

02 of 10

Italy

kitchen with natural colored tiles and wood kitchen table

EDMUND BARR

Italian design mixes modern and rustic materials and finishes for a cozy yet functional space. Warm natural woods and stones are main elements of Italian interior design but can be broken up with white walls and black accents. Ceramic tiles, antique wall decor, and natural materials are more ways to integrate Italian design into your home.

03 of 10

Greece

Coastal inspired dining room

Adam Albright

Greece is known for its clean lines and mostly white architecture, interiors, and furniture. Nature is seen throughout Greek spaces via natural materials like stone and wood and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. To nod to the iconic Greek color scheme, use an abundance of white and blue in your decor and furniture.

04 of 10

Scotland

bar table with vintage frames above it

WERNER STRAUBE

Moody and lived-in is the goal with Scotland-inspired decorating. Rich colors like deep green and blue can be seen completely covering a room, broken up with elaborate frames and patterned (often plaid, of course) furniture and rugs. Incorporate books, antlers, glassware, candles, and other trinkets for a cozy (and Scottish) atmosphere.

05 of 10

South Africa

earth tone living room with sectional
Jay Wilde

South African design acknowledges the country's beautiful natural environment. Vibrant colors are also used, as well as traditional African patterns. A signature of South African design is the heavy use of raw and natural materials like clay, leather, animal hide, and wood.

06 of 10

Scandinavia

minimalist white kitchen dining butcher block
David Tsay

Scandinavia (a region that includes Denmark, Sweden, and Norway) is all about minimalist design. Limited clutter, clean lines, minimalist decor, and muted colors are key to this style. Scandi-style decorating focuses on the utility of the space rather than complicated decoration. The use of light-colored wood can warm up an otherwise white space.

07 of 10

Japan

dining room area with garden terrace in the background
Ben Richards

Japanese interior design aims to embody nature by melding the outdoors and indoors together. This can often be accomplished with sliding glass doors or using symbols of nature as decor. Minimal styling and neutral color schemes are integral for introducing a sense of calm, an important factor in Japanese design. Simple and sleek furniture made of light wood or other natural materials fit well into the tranquil muted color schemes.

08 of 10

Australia

bay window nook bird-of-paradise
Gabriela Herman

Australia's abundant natural wonders inspire its home interiors, which seamlessly integrate the outdoors. Bright and airy color palettes play well with white walls and trim. The light rooms are accented by plenty of pale wooden furniture (often made of Tasmanian Oak) and green plants. Modern art is one trademark of Australian spaces, but so are pieces made of earthy textures like clay and dried grass.

09 of 10

Morocco

mediterranean dining room with green and white tile

Jessie Preza

Moroccan interior design features distinctive elements like detailed and colorful tilework and patterns. This ornate style even extends to woodwork, furniture, and wall decor. Gold, silver, terra-cotta, and jewel tones are popular colors in Moroccan culture and design. Intricate mosaic tile designs are another keystone of this striking design style.

10 of 10

Spain

beams and arched doorway in hallway

Laura Moss

Spanish design is known for its stucco walls, wrought iron accents, arched doorways, and wooden support beams. Warm, earthy tones in the floor tiles and decor are highlighted by mostly neutral walls. Dark and warm wood is often seen in the furniture and lantern-style fixtures for lighting. Spanish-style spaces are finished with clay pottery and geometric-patterned textiles.

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