Global fusion style for your home

Since air travel became popular in the seventies, global chic has been a perennial trend. And the internet age means we can mix treasures picked up on our own travels with exotic furniture, accessories and art purchased from around the world at the click of a mouse.

Designs from Moroccan bazaars, Mediterranean markets and Stockholm studios are at our fingertips, but with so much variety it’s important to take care in putting this well-travelled look together. Here are some tips on how to master global fusion.

1) Keep things fresh and contemporary with a neutral colour palette, especially if your ethnic goods are bright and colourful.

2) Incorporate pieces that tell a story about your life. Whilst on holiday, be sure to look out for special artefacts and the work of local artisans.

3) When it comes to flooring, choose natural materials like wood, brick or tiles. If you want carpet, pick a hand woven rug perhaps from Morocco,  China or India.

4) Have fun with textiles and incorporate them into every room of your house. For instance, a dining room looks wonderful with a table-runner made from bright Japanese kimono fabric.

5) Get creative with accessories. Ethnic jewellery such as our Miao silver necklaces look stunning on their stands, Chinese silks add drama when framed and antique window panels make unusual wall hangings.

6) Add pizzazz to dinner by serving food on a mix of exotic crockery.

7) Mix contemporary furniture with simple lines with accent pieces like dramatic Chinese cabinets in bright lacquers.

Image by shutter fly.com