How travel restrictions can inspire our home makeovers 

It’s been a while since we hit the tarmac, ripped open a miniature bag of peanuts and got the passport stamped.

But just because we can’t travel to our favourite holiday destinations, doesn’t mean we can’t bring some of that vacation dazzle to our interiors – minus the jetlag.

We spoke to interior stylists Jono Fleming and Stephanie Stamatis about ways we can integrate global style into our homes. After all, a change is as good as a holiday. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Danish design is similar to your impeccably dressed aunty who doesn’t follow trends but creates them with her innate sense of style: timeless.

We’ve long, lusted over the crisp, clean aesthetic of Danish interiors, a look Stamatis says we can introduce at home with a few considerations. 

“Build a colour palette that’ll work across both your finishes and furnishings,” she says. 

“Think beautiful white stained walls, painted floors and not being afraid to use some of those murkier coloured mustards and pastels.” 

Stamatis suggests leaning toward light coloured timbers, painted framed works with graphic Danish vintage posters, and even rounded rattan seating options. 

Marrakech, Morocco 

“For me, Morocco is all about the rugs and textiles when it comes to its interiors,” says Fleming, who packed less than half a suitcase’s worth of stuff so he could lug the perfect rug home. 

From monochromatic Beni rugs to multi-coloured Boucherouite style, Fleming is a fan of their beautiful, handmade quality.

“These rugs are full of history and their texture and wobbly edges add to their character,” he says.

Authentic Moroccan rugs can be purchased internationally online or from local suppliers who import them. Try Jumbled or Greenhouse Interiors. 

Santorini, Greece 

Sure you could close your eyes and pretend you’re in Greece, while wearing your best white linen ensemble and eating Greek yoghurt with a drizzle of honey for breakfast. But when you open your eyes, reality is quickly going to sink in. 

For a longer lasting taste of Greek interiors in your home, Fleming suggests switching up your tableware to reflect the communal eating style of the Mediterranean. 

“A nice way to bring a holiday vibe to the home is at the dinner table,” he says. 

“Buying one or two beautiful platters featuring blue and white or with painted seafood on them makes the meal you’re serving and eating feel a bit more special.” 

Paris, France

“Parisian living is living with nothing excessive or unnecessary because a lot of the apartments are so small,” says Stamatis. “So everything that enters the home has a place and all sits within a realm of beauty.” 

To add some of this French style to your own home, Stamatis suggests buying freshly baked bread and having fresh flowers on display. “Fragrance can really transport you somewhere else.”

Displaying your framed artworks collectively on the wall is another suggestion. For extra larger work, Stamatis prefers to leave them leaning against the wall on the floor for a salon vibe. 

Overflowing, heavy linen drapery paired with polished timber furniture and homewares with marble accents will also add to the charm. 

Bali, Indonesia

Bali interiors are known for their indoor-outdoor living, where light pours through the open floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors. 

“Incorporate finishes that promote open spaces and air flow,” says Stamatis. “You’d want to pare back your furniture and have a lightweight fabric for curtains.” 

Stamatis also suggests integrating textural furnishings or rugs with a natural connection, such as a jute rug, and carving lifestyle zones for meditation and breakfast.

Miami, US

Sure bright pops of colour and palms are a nod to Miami interiors, but Fleming recommends introducing the ultimate holiday tradition into your home: cocktail hour. 

“Since a lot of us are at home and not going out as much, I think there’s something fun about treating yourself and celebrating the end of the week with cocktail hour,” he says. 

“Get yourself a nice bar cart, glassware, get the music on and teach yourself how to make a new cocktail with some punch and rum vibes.”