Travel is an essential part of the human experience, allowing individuals to gain new insights into how other people live, communicate, and interact with one another. 

In a previous post highlighting a trip to Egypt, it was highlighted how solo traveling can also have psychological benefits. By getting to experience new sights, cultures, and cuisines, you can break from the routine of daily life and reframe your overall perspective.

The good news is that you can constantly remind yourself of the unique experiences you’ve gained from your travels by memorializing them in your own home. Since cuisine plays a crucial role in tourism, the dining room is an ideal place to relive your vacations and breathe new life into your living space. As such, here are helpful tips for incorporating your travel experiences into your dining room theme and overall design.

Decorate using souvenirs bought from travels

A simple yet effective way to introduce elements of travel into the dining room is to decorate it with art pieces, souvenirs, and other mementos you’ve picked up throughout your trip. If you’ve recently spent a summer getaway in a beach destination like Bali, baskets and placemats made of local materials like rattan and jackfruit wood would be lovely additions to your dining table and kitchen counters. Meanwhile, having visited local markets and artisans in foreign countries means you can add handmade ceramics and pottery as design elements that reflect your travels while also being functional.

Incorporate interior design styles influenced by other cultures

Kitchen interiors can also be influenced by the culture and core values of other countries mainly expressed through various colors, textures, and materials. Interestingly, the dining room sets with bench from Living Spaces embody this idea of incorporating cultural influences into furniture design. For instance, the Mariko collection with an extendable dining table and a bench combines the simple, natural lines of Japanese interiors with the sleek and modern Scandinavian style. There’s also the rustic charm and natural wooden materials of the Felix collection that are reminiscent of interiors you might have encountered while traveling across the Mediterranean.

Take inspiration from your destinations’ room layouts

By taking inspiration from the layout of foreign kitchens and dining rooms you’ve visited, you’ll be transported back to your favorite travel destinations without having to leave your home. Take, for example, how the Kyoto-based house designed by Takehiko Suzuki makes use of a dining table strategically located near the corner. This maximizes the otherwise tiny space common among Japanese homes and may serve as inspiration for those with relatively smaller homes. Meanwhile, a visit to Ibiza could highlight the fun, funky approach that's central to the Spanish island's charm. Take architectural inspiration from a seaside beach house decorated by studio Casa Muñoz, where the dining table is paired with a wall bench for casual, relaxed seating that's built into the architecture. The placement next to a set of stairs that goes out into a balcony with a gorgeous view is just the cherry on top of the cake. 

Embrace exotic aromas and scents from other countries

Going beyond visual expression, you can also use aromas and scents to subtly yet effectively incorporate your travels into the kitchen and dining room. For example, Forbes contributor Noma Nazish highlights how a popular essential oil like lavender can be a safe, natural way to keep your home feeling clean. However, for seasoned travelers, essential oils can be more than that. Lavender essential oil doesn't just have antimicrobial properties that improve air quality, but the scent can also take you back to previous trips. Think of a visit to Provence’s iconic lavender fields, or the famous Tomita Fields in Hokkaido, but in the comfort of your own home. Besides essential oils that help clean the air, herbs and spices originating from foreign countries can also be associated with the gastronomic tours you’ve previously taken. Whether it’s a Greek potpourri or spiced afternoon tea from TWG in London, you can place these on side tables and countertops for a more dynamic appeal.