HOW TO CHOOSE SOUVENIRS THAT CAN DOUBLE AS ART IN YOUR HOME

After 2 or 3 international trips, I realized that I couldn’t bring back another knick knack or my home would become a cluttered mess, especially in a New York City apartment.  So, I started framing local art that I bought from artisans on the street or art from museum gift shops.  Don’t feel limited to art that will lay flat.  You can buy rugs or lighting or ceramics.  Anything that captures the culture and brings you joy.  It’s incredibly affordable and brings back sweet memories from each locale.

On your next trip, plan to spend some time searching for good quality souvenirs that can be displayed around your home.  Maybe you can spend half a day or just take your time at each opportunity you come across to find an item that you would love to see on a daily basis.

For example, I recently visited Egypt, Israel, & Jordan with my family.  Visiting the historic cities and towns in each of these countries was a dream come true and I wanted to bring back reminders of the fun and wonder we experienced.  While visiting Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, we purchased wooden jewelry boxes. Now that we’re back, I already know what I’m going to use them for. It’s a great way to have more authentic décor piece in your home that have a meaningful story that you connect to. Styling your home is about creating an environment that you love and want to share.  Happy hunting!!

Above: 1. Framed museum photo of Nike of Samothrace from the Louvre; 2. Image of Nike of Samothrace; 3. Framed museum poster of Henri Edmond Cross painting from Musée d’Orsay; 4. Image of Henri Edmond Cross painting; 5. Watercolor by artist from Puerto Rico; 6. Copy of canvas painting by artist from New Orleans; 7. Wooden Jewelry boxes from Egypt.