Incorporating Travel Finds into Outdoor Design

Guest article by Alison Hoover.

Feature photo by Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

Among many other benefits, one of the greatest reasons to travel is to break routine and find relaxation. Many of us also relax outside on the deck, patio or in the back garden. Why not combine the memories of care-free vacation with the chill vibes of your outdoor space?

Incorporating travel finds into your outdoor area creates a unique space filled with reminders of good times, good food and good experiences. Below are some simple ideas, some DIY ideas and a few that might require a little extra effort (but they promise an extra large payoff).

Mix and Match Glassware

This one is easy and functional! If you have an outdoor kitchen or bar cart, replace your generic glassware with unique pieces from each place you visit. Buy one piece from each destination and add it to your collection. I buy glasses that say the name of the place and they are always a great conversation starter. Set up your coffee bar with mugs that are another great useful souvenir.

Upgrade Your Planters

Slowly replace the hodge-podge of planters in your yard with special ones from each place you visit. Choose something small and unique from far-flung destinations, or visit a local merchant and pick out a statement piece you can take home in your car. If you’re feeling especially DIY, you can create a planter out of any container from your travels.

Repurpose Ticket Stubs

If you’re like me, you probably have a box filled with random ticket stubs, hotel keys, coasters and museum brochures. Instead of letting that box collect dust, repurpose your favorites into garden markers. All you need are some plain garden markers, a container of Modge Podge and a brush. After adhering the memento to the marker, you can write on it with a permanent marker or add a water-proof label.

Meaningful Mosaics

Making a mosaic piece, like a stepping stone or side table, is really simple and allows you to combine artifacts from all of your travels. You can stick to traditional glass pieces, or you can get creative with miscellaneous currency, stones and pebbles or even souvenir magnets. To keep it easy, purchase a DIY mosaic kit and start arranging your artifacts.

Ornament Tree

No matter where you travel, it’s always easy to find holiday ornaments. Instead of packing those away for a once-a-year display, create a memory tree in your outdoor space. In order to preserve your memories, consider hanging them on a planted tree, such as a dwarf variety of a Southern Magnolia, under cover of a porch. Alternatively, use a small trellis to display your ornaments. The trellis can be secured in a planter or hung against an exterior wall of your home.

Turn Maps Into Unique Planters

Instead of replacing the terra cotta pots dotting your patio, transform them into something special. Take a map (or any sort of paper product) from your destination and decoupage it to the planter. One great thing about this is that you can be really creative and keep the cost down – maps and travel brochures are usually free and easy to find.

DIY Wind Chime

If you’re fond of collecting shells, rocks or other natural items but are sick of letting them collect dust in a random jar, craft a wind chime. String together a variety of shells and rocks using fishing line or other strong twine, and then attach multiple strings to a base of your choosing. As you continue to travel, you can add shells and strings to the chime.

Destination Signs

For something a little kitschy, create signs indicating the direction and distance of your favorite destinations. You could start with the souvenir license plates many places sell and mount them on a tall garden stake, adding the distance with colorful wood slats. Alternatively you can seek out unique signs from each destination, adding them to the stake over time.

Capitalize on Antique Stores

Antique stores can be a really fun place to poke around, and you never know what you’ll find. A lot of stores sell old license plates, random ceramic tiles and even miscellaneous business signs. You can select something random at every location and hang them on fencing or exterior walls. Or you can pick a theme, seeking something of a similar shade or shape from each destination.

Custom Pillows

If you’re a big fan of acquiring shirts, be it that old “I love NY” tee or a sweatshirt from your favorite bar in Dublin, you can turn them into unique outdoor pillows. To maximize your memories and still save space on your outdoor couch, consider using two (or more) shirts for each pillow – one for the front and one for the back. Relaxing outside with a custom cozy pillow? Yes, please!

There’s really no limit to how you can incorporate your travel finds into your outdoor designs. What you need to consider is how things will stand up to the elements and how you would feel if the item became damaged. For many projects, I recommend adding a label so you always know where that item originated.

We often think about home improvement as a way to increase value and function, but it’s also a way to add your own touch and craft your perfect oasis. Relax among your memories, whether it’s in the form of souvenir spoons used as plant markers or a glass coffee table displaying ticket stubs, from around the world.

Alison is a world traveler who loves to spend her time writing and reading. When she’s home, you can find her playing with her pet rabbit and baking.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]