What's your city decor style? Find the travel-inspired aesthetic that works for you

From Copenhagen cool to Parisian chic, these travel-inspired aesthetics bring iconic cities into your home

Published: February 6, 2024 at 2:08 pm

Give yourself a new perspective this month by looking around the world for inspo for your next decor makeover.

From Copenhagen cool to Parisian chic, these travel-inspired aesthetics capture the essence what makes these iconic cities so special. We show you the essential elements of each design style, so you can take your decor around the world, without having to set foot out the front door.

Copenhagen cool

Refresh your interiors with dreamy Danish pastels teamed with pale wooden accents.

Bluebell 2.5 seat sofa In Taupe brushed
linen cotton, £2,340, sofa.com
Bluebell 2.5 seat sofa In Taupe brushed linen cotton, £2,340, sofa.com
Wall in matt emulsion in Lilac Skies; ceiling in matt emulsion in Sweet Embrace, both £36.49 for 2.5L, Dulux
Wall in matt emulsion in Lilac Skies; ceiling in matt emulsion in Sweet Embrace, both £36.49 for 2.5L, Dulux

Three secrets to this scheme

  • PERFECT PASTELS Think like the Scandinavians and use light, bright colours to illuminate the dark wintery days. Opt for soft pinks and mid-toned blues with warming neutrals.
  • CLEAN SLATE Go easy on pattern to keep the scheme feeling clean and airy. When you do need a point of interest though, pick out designs with a playful, curvy quality.
  • IN THE ZONE Use colour in unexpected ways. Paint half the wall in one colour, and the ceiling in another, or use it to zone spaces.

Learn more about... Danish pastels

'The Danish pastel aesthetic is flying high right now, and we are fully on board with this bright and playful interior style!

The pastel aesthetic look is made up of funky candles, gingham prints, checkerboard designs, colourful wall collages and curvy accessories. What's especially great about this trend is that you don't have to completely makeover your home to achieve the style, just invest in some of the key accessories and you'll nail it!'

Read the full feature...

Danish pastels
@frollein_herr - https://www.instagram.com/frollein_herr/


New York loft

This retro look is back in vogue – think exposed brick, industrial fittings and 1970s-style patterns.

Newell leather 2 seater sofa, £825; multi directional cord cushion, £16; Morillo glass nesting tables, £80; Eero floor lamp, £50; Morillo 2-door sideboard in Black, £250; traditional flatweave wool rug, £125; grid mugs, £12 for 4, all Habitat
Skylar pillow back bed in Olive Velvet, from £399; cotton linen duvet set in Terracotta, from £40; cotton muslin duvet set in Apricot, from £35; tufted brights geo throw, £45; Elements woven check rug, £125, all Dunelm
Skylar pillow back bed in Olive Velvet, from £399; cotton linen duvet set in Terracotta, from £40; cotton muslin duvet set in Apricot, from £35; tufted brights geo throw, £45; Elements woven check rug, £125, all Dunelm

Three secrets to this scheme

  • SMOOTH SEVENTIES Keep things colourful and comfortable by choosing seventiesinspired tones for your large soft furnishings. Try a mustard sofa or orange bedding for a high-impact look, without reaching for a paintbrush.
  • WORK THOSE CURVES Look back in time for inspiration for patterns, too. Old school, geometric designs are popping up everywhere this season.
  • GET EDGY Don’t have any exposed brick? Give your look an industrial edge with brick-effect wallpaper and steel-framed furniture.

Learn more about... industrial style

'The popularity of industrial design interiors has been steadfast over the decades, from Andy Warhol's New York studio The Factory in the 1960s to the modern minimalist flats.

Like traditional, period interiors or minimalist Scandi-style homes, industrial-style interiors have stood the test of time and are proven to be a chic and timeless choice when making over a home.'

Read the full feature...

Industrial double bed frame in Grey, £149, Argos Home
Argos Home

Parisian apartment

Give your home a little je ne sais quoi with this French exchange.

Kilby upholstered ottoman storage bed frame, from £699; jacquard marble duvet cover and pillowcase set, £55; cushion, £18; Otis ottoman and stool set, £350; chic ikat rug, from £60, all Next
Kilby upholstered ottoman storage bed frame, from £699; jacquard marble duvet cover and pillowcase set, £55; cushion, £18; Otis ottoman and stool set, £350; chic ikat rug, from £60, all Next
Carmen curved swivel chair in Chunky Ivory Chenille, £249; Rue coffee table, £379; Chiara side table, £249; Kelso cut velvet cushion in Natural, £25; Auburn single ceiling fitting, £35, all Dunelm
Carmen curved swivel chair in Chunky Ivory Chenille, £249; Rue coffee table, £379; Chiara side table, £249; Kelso cut velvet cushion in Natural, £25; Auburn single ceiling fitting, £35, all Dunelm

Three secrets to this scheme

  • LUXE FOR LESS This look plays into 2024’s minimaluxe trend, which is all about pared back décor with a luxurious finish. Think marble, velvet and silk – go faux to save the pennies!
  • GLOW UP Go glam with metallics but steer clear of anything very shiny. Look for brushed finishes that have a glow about them.
  • EYE FOR DETAIL This look is all about the little things. Add ceiling roses, mouldings and beading to bring character to your space.

Learn more about... Parisian style

'Interior design trends come and go, but Parisian apartment style is one decor look that will never go out of fashion.

Even if you're not lucky enough to have an airy apartment overlooking the Champs-Elysées, you can still incorporate elements of Parisian style into your home decor...'

Click to read the full feature...

Double-Framed Marquise Gold Mirror, The French Bedroom Company
The French Bedroom Company

Still looking for your perfect aesthetic? Check out our style guides, to learn more about looks from boho to Scandi to 1920s maximalism!

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