WHY IN THE WORLD?
America is filled with different cultures of people who have established communities that remind them of their homes, including shops full of furniture and accessories in the style of their native countries. “We have become aware of the artistic heritage and expressions of different people within our own country,” says Mary Ellen Badger of Design Trilogy Inc. With all the styles floating around, it’s no wonder we’re working harder than ever to incorporate them into our homes.

Global travel also influences the trends that are creeping into our decor. “When you are abroad, everything seems exotic and unique because you are surrounded by items where you stay, where you dine and where you sightsee that are all native to that location,” says Jenny Thomas of Habersham Home. “The urge to snap up all those great finds that you are currently fascinated with is hard to ignore.” Accessorizing your home with souvenirs from your travels will keep fond memories close at hand while adding a personal touch to your home.

Of course, bringing global treasures into the home is not just for those who are able to travel extensively. “The global theme was once only reserved for the well-traveled globe-trotter,” says Walt Bilinski of No Mas! Productions. “Today, the world is smaller and everybody wants a piece of it in their home.” And with all the choices out there, especially in the Atlanta area, it isn’t hard to turn your home into a global masterpiece.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Decking out your home with globally inspired housewares can be a daunting task. Everything from furniture and accessories to paint colors and lighting can fit into a globally themed home. It just depends on how far you want to delve into your chosen region of the world.

Whichever theme you choose, plan carefully before you let it take over your home. “Whatever someone’s style is, it is usually seen throughout his or her home, but I think exotic themes tend to be more in accents or in certain but not all rooms of the house,” Thomas says. Using similarly themed accessories throughout your home will give it a nice flow from room to room. And as with any theme, less is often more. Building your global collection one item at a time will help you determine how much is enough, and it may help keep you from spending too much money in one place. “Even the smallest hand-produced artifact from another country can make a statement in anyone’s home,” Bilinski says.

Of course, there are some styles that are more conducive to whole-house decorating. The simplicity of Asian decor or the classic look of French design can be used throughout a home without overwhelming the house. “There are design influences that are beautiful when done throughout an entire home,” Thomas says. “And of course, certain home styles lend themselves to being decorated in a more exotic feel, such as a Spanish-style home.”

Age and money also play roles in the choice of accessories. “The young are often more willing to try ‘exotic’ things,” Badger says. “Many imports are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at a reasonable cost to create a decorated look without breaking the budget.”

WHERE TO START?
Whether you want to do a complete overhaul of your current decor or just add some new accessories, the key to making your home a global paradise is knowing how to incorporate the region you’ve picked into your own American home. “If you aren’t sure if you are ready to go full force into a global theme, then start by adding accents in a powder room, a foyer, a guest room, or some place that isn’t your main living area,” Thomas says.

To take things a step further, look closely at your new accessories—is there a color you can pull from them that would look great on your walls? Would it be possible to add special lighting to spotlight your favorite pieces? Whether you brought your new vase all the way from Africa or just up the street at Pier 1, how you display it will determine how much attention it gets.

Remember to have fun with your decorating! Global styles really allow you to get creative and make your home more personal. “Try mixing cultures, as they often share historical influences,” says Melissa Galt of Linea Interior Design. “I often mix the clean lines of Asian with the colorful accessories of a less sophisticated culture.”

If your new global tastes are inspired by travel, look at pictures from your trip for ideas. Notice peoples’ clothing designs, the architecture of the buildings, and even the colors of the earth and sky. You can pull bits and pieces of your favorite things into your own design to make it even more personal.