Many a world traveler has honed his taste for adventure long before he could read a map, let alone drive a car. So when a wayfaring spirit finally settles into a home, it's only fitting that the space should recall journeys past, present, or only imagined.
The rooms above exhibit globetrotting styles from eclectic and exotic to elegant and the pieces on display hail from all corners of the world, each telling unique stories about their owners. Filling a home with treasures from afar adds a sense of drama and narrative to a space that inspires us to hop on a plane to anywhere but here. Whether you've actually explored all the origins of your décor or not, the style evokes flights of fancy that make a home exciting enough to stay put for.
Images: 1, Patrick Cline/Lonny; 2, Tim Beddow, Andrew Twort/Architectural Digest; 3, LivingEtc; 4, Jérome Galland/aleph/Marie Claire Maison; 5, design*sponge; 6, Simon Upton for Elle Decor; 7, Anthony Tahlier/CS Interiors; 8, Pierre Yovanovitch; 9, LivingEtc; 10, Yutaka Yamamoto/Marie Claire Maison











White Enamel Flatwa...
Elephant tusks?
These are some great rooms with lots of character - I like.
"Elephant tusks?"
If you had bothered to clicked the link, you'd see that they are Faux tusks...
(No comment on the Faux-Lynx bedspread and Lambswool pillows or the Faux-Crocodile fronted kitchen cabinets?)
Inspiring, thank you! Love love number 7 & 8.
Fake or not, those elephant tusks (and giraffe-patterned seat covers) scream 'great white hunter' followed by "tacky!"
Hey, get a grip people!!! At least these houses don't look like wisteria lane's, middle class, dull americana.....remember there is a world out there far beyond Vegas.... and taste far beyond Martha.
What's wrong with the tusks.... there is no need for apologies.... If they were taken before 1980, what the hell does it matter.... THEY ARE LEGAL! If they were fake, then, that would be definetely tacky.
Everyone has a story to tell in their homes, i rather have one about what i've seen and done no matter how quirky, rather than what i paid in Restoration Hardware.
manu-pty--
I think the danger with the tusks is that promoting a look (faux or not) might resurrect interest, and help keep the still-active poaching trade alive, because high-end shelter mags seem to be "promoting" it.
I don't think you're wrong about the "It's legal, so DEAL" but I can see where this specific issue is sort of tricky.
If I just don't like the way the tusks look, do I need to indicate whether I approve of them on an ethical basis?
If people promise to do the same thing about cowhides, the openings between stair railings, and books that are not rigidly set up (VERTICALLY!) by Dewey decimal system on proper library shelves, then no, no you don't.
I love this style. While none of these look remotely similar to my own home I think that is really the point. You can look at them and immediately get the sense that the items used to furnish hem were chosen with respect to a love of travel, whether purchased abroad or locally. I'd like to think my own home imparts that response in people.
I love the storytelling aspect of these pieces. That drum in the center of the room-- speaks volumes. Gorgeous addition.
I'm a fan of the "Imaginary" travel look -- my home is happily filled with treasures from other people's travels, and I think it's amusing that some purists out there take issue with that approach. But if you can't afford the trips, it's a way to enjoy bits of the culture.
Things aren't automatically "tacky" if used in a thoughtful, elegant way. Don't think of those as "faux elephant tusks" if that bothers you, think of them as "stark contemporary sculptures"... like that any better?? (Frankly, I think a lot of mid century lamps and other knick-knacks are much more tacky than anything shown here!)
i love patrick (the other one).
;)
The lamps...... are a bit much.
ELEPHANT TUSKS! YUCK! FAUX OR NOT!
I have some vintage (20s, deco-style) ivory necklaces and bangles that I have inherited. They are beautiful, but even though I'm sure they are antique, as they have been in the family for almost a century, I'm not sure if I should wear them. I would never buy or wear modern ivory, and I dont like the tusks in the photo!
Love the bangles. Give them to me!