A recent study has revealed the top countries that British homeowners look to for interior design inspiration, with Sweden, Italy, Japan, and France emerging as the frontrunners. The study, commissioned by DFS, found that half of British adults have drawn inspiration from international styles when decorating their homes, with Norway, Denmark, Spain, and the United States also featuring among the top 30 décor destinations. Greece and Morocco rounded out the top 10, with the whitewashed buildings of Greece viewed as one of the most iconic specific design styles from around the world. The research indicates that travel plays a significant role in influencing interior design choices, with a quarter of respondents stating that they would choose furniture based on styles they had seen overseas, while 26% said that the artwork and prints they display would be influenced by what they had encountered in a far-off land. However, despite the desire to incorporate overseas décor elements, 63% of homeowners feel that they lack the skills to do so effectively. Pippa Jameson, a sensory design expert and author of “The Sensory Home,” emphasizes the role of interior design in creating a sense of escapism. She states, “From far-flung locations like Japan and Sweden to closer to home in the United Kingdom, interior design inspiration can be found in every corner of the globe.” She highlights the ability of sensory design to bring “travels home, creating spaces that unlock a treasure trove of memories and emotions through touch, sight, scent, and sound.” The study also found that the average UK home pays homage to interior styles from two different countries, with 28% taking inspiration from overseas for the colors used in their décor. Before redesigning a space in their home, homeowners spend an average of five hours researching interior design trends, primarily through interior design websites (33%), browsing retail stores (28%), or using Pinterest (20%). Art and color are identified as key elements in evoking a sense of escapism, and 58% of homeowners like to display souvenirs from their travels in their homes, with fridge magnets, ornaments, glasses, cups, and vases being among the most popular trinkets. Interestingly, nearly half (46%) of homeowners feel inspired to adopt certain aspects of the lifestyle they experience on vacation, including diet, culture, and interior design style. Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS, encourages homeowners to embrace escapism through their home décor. She says, “As we head into the summer months, our minds can often drift to getaways and adventure. But we don’t need to hop on a plane to indulge in some wanderlust – we can also embrace escapism from the comfort of our own home.” To help homeowners infuse their living spaces with inspiration from their travels, Pippa Jameson offers ten sensory tips. These include using essential oils and scented candles to evoke memories through scent, creating a luxurious sanctuary reminiscent of high-end hotels and resorts, and establishing a travel-inspired room using print, color, and texture. Other tips include embracing coastal chic with a calming palette and crisp linens, incorporating statement furniture pieces to evoke the atmosphere of a tropical holiday, and bringing the outdoors in through lush greenery and indoor plants. To enhance relaxation, she recommends introducing a cozy nook with comfortable furniture and ambient lighting that mirrors the warm glow of holiday sunsets. With these expert tips, homeowners can transform their living spaces into sanctuaries imbued with the spirit of their favorite destinations, creating a sense of escapism and personal connection to their travel experiences.
International Interior Design Inspiration: Sweden, Italy, and Japan Top the List
