Love the look of a faraway land? Let travel-inspired decor take you there.

India

Photography: Shutterstock

What we love

Photography: Janis Nicolay

This is the perfect example of a themed space that doesn’t overwhelm or feel forced. The room’s light, airy character is punctuated by small hits of Indian style: the shapely metallic mirrors, pink wallpaper, pouf and handwoven rug are accents that stand out, but can also be removed for a completely different feel.

What the designer says

Photography: Alleen Choy

“This room is a space just for my client – a jewellery designer who lives with her husband and their dog. The overall palette is inspired by her travels to source gemstones. The wallpaper reflects what looks like quartz and these textured peachy/nude pink walls are seen in places like India. They comprise the important focal backdrop for this room. We subtly layered in patterns in the floor mat and on the pillow – made from cactus silk! – that’s on the windowsill. The brass accents and cacti pay homage to exotic travel spots. The gilded mirrors are vintage and she actually brought them back from her travels.” – Kathleen Lin

Provence

Photography: Shutterstock

What we love

Photography: Valerie Wilcox

Practicality executed with precision and style epitomizes the French Country kitchen. Open shelves, easy-to-clean tiles, marble counters for baking and a prominent range hood mark the look, as does the oak hutch. Black accents add sophistication while blue evokes the characteristic colours of the South of France. The “unfitted” look creates the feeling of a room that’s evolved over time in a Provençal family home.

What the designer says

Photography: Valerie Wilcox

“The intention for this space was to create a well-appointed kitchen with an effortless feel – like something you’d find in a French home where everyone hangs out and lingers after dinner. We played with confident colour choices and mixed in an arched oak hutch as the pièce de résistance.” – Orsi Panos

Morocco

Photography: Shutterstock

What we love

Photography: Alex Lukey

There is a modern edge to this room that mixes traditional Moroccan elements, such as the oversized patterned tile and punched-metal light fixtures, with a sleek vanity and exuberant Pop art. Note the use of mirror above and below the floating vanity. What a fantastic trick for visually enlarging a small space!

What the designer says

Photography: Phil Crozier

“Black and white cement floor tiles and perforated polished brass light shades combine with eclectic wood accessories and an Andy Warhol zebra print for a look that’s right out of a hip boutique hotel in Casablanca. This space ties in beautifully with the rest of the home’s design, which is inspired by modern global style with heavy leanings to Morocco, a favourite destination of our clients.” – Lisa Lev

French Class

Photography: Shutterstock

What we love

Photography: Plus Creative

An inspired mural by photographer Tony Koukos was the jumping-off point for decorating this grand room. The image from Versailles sets up an interesting juxtaposition between classic architectural elements of the 17th and 18th centuries and 21st-century classic furnishings. The image’s strong perspective lines and side mirrors create the expansive feeling of a French château with the modern sophistication of a Parisian pied-à-terre. Magnifique!

What the designer says

Photography: Plus Creative

“The room took its inspiration from this full wall mural of the Château de Versailles in France. We drew the colours from the mural into the furnishings and added contrast through the green velvet chairs and the aged brass tables and lighting. The drama is in the contrast between the classical architecture of Versailles and the modern furniture.” – Brian Gluckstein (for the 2018 Princess Margaret Show Home)

The Maritimes

Photography: Shutterstock

What we love

Photography: Angus Ferguson

The seaside theme of this bedroom has us dreaming of Canada’s beautiful Atlantic region. We love the texture and informal charm of this space. The shiplap wall creates the coastal theme and highly textured finishes like seagrass wallpaper and coir rug add a beach or farmhouse feel. The iron bed and turned-wood side table feel like family heirlooms, and the coastal motifs and blue accents bring the seaside home.

What the designer says

Photography: Sarah Gunn

“We go to Nova Scotia every summer and it’s my son Jacob’s favourite place, so much so that he plans on moving there when he grows up. The budget-and-renter-friendly faux shiplap, paired with grasscloth wallpaper in shades of blue are coastal touches that will grow with him. The schooner sheets can easily be swapped as he grows older.” – Sarah Gunn