Thursday, March 1, 2012

The World at Home


I like the idea of things that show your travels around the world--show your life. And I enjoy the idea of all the different cultures meeting here. Japan meets Peru, Peru meets America, America meets England, England meets Denmark, Denmark meets France, you know. Total integration of cultures. I guess it's the future, no?--Mario Testino
Thanks to renegade interior designer Abigail Ahern for bringing this quote to my attention. Mario Testino's self-designed home was recently featured in Vogue US, and I love that it's not the typical Los Angeles "loads of money but little taste" abode, as Abigail says. Testino has chosen to enrich his home with items he's found in many places--not to impress others, but to bring himself joy and give himself a sense of his own personal history.


My own home integrates elements from the USA, Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, the U.K., Germany, France, and other countries.




I love looking around my house and being reminded of the places we've been. Also, I really do like and value each item. 

13 comments:

vmichelle said...

Well you could give Mario Testino a run for his money with your multi-culture ;-) I've always liked the idea of buying non-traditional souvenirs when I travel - those things like art and decor and local specialties to bring home and use rather than keychains and shot glasses. But I often have a hard time finding the "real deal" - what is the authentic, genuine, local thing - versus the high-priced cheesy tourist version they try to sell. So I end up doing lots of window shopping and coming home without much.

Unknown said...

that's what we have around our home, stuff from our travels.
i love eclectic homes like his. where stuff isn't just beautiful but also holds a story.

Barbara said...

I couldn't agree more! Homes that reflect our interests, travels, and passions are the most interesting and comforting. "Designer-perfect" homes leave me cold.

Hockey Wife said...

I love the idea of being able to look around our home and find little reminders of our time in Europe. We collect things, left and right, I just hope I can find a way to pull it all together once we're settled back in the US! Thanks for sharing the quote, I'm saving that one! ;)

Anonymous said...

I know a few travel writers who have the most wonderful things in their homes, acquired on their travels. Looking around my home, I see a picture painted on a plank of wood from Sicily, a beaded icon from Syria and some engraved shells from the Indian ocean. There are bound to be more once I start looking. And, we have a Christmas market mug from Coburg in the cupboard :D

Jenny Woolf said...

Hi, I just accidentally posted as "Anonymous" about the christmas mug from Coburg, etc.
Sorry about this. I usually post as me but my finger slipped on the button!

Carole Poirot said...

That's what a real home should be about, isn't it? Holding memories of the things we've done and seen and being a place to treasure everything unique to us. I love the mix of cultures and styles.

Thanks for your lovely comment on my birthday :-)

Have a lovely evening xo

Sunday Taylor said...

Your house is so lovely and filled with memories of your travels. It looks well- lived- in and well -loved!

leslie said...

love this!!

Relyn Lawson said...

I'm with you. I love a home that tells the story of its inhabitants. I love a home packed full of personality.

Carrie said...

I can't wait to have a permanent home to decorate with all the memorabilia from our travels... I just know every inch of it will be covered in photos. :)

Catherine said...

I love it!

Hausfrau said...

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments!

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