Balance Boho Eclectic + Contemporary Minimalism Style: A Look at The Returned Traveler

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We all know a returned traveler- that aunt who we aspire to be, whisking off to a remote destination for weeks on end, or our friend returning with the most unique souvenirs to share. Whoever that may be to you, we wonder what kind of home they may be returning to- what is their style, and what kind of space would they need?

This new series is inspired much by the stylist @bjonesstyle, who creates a character and exercises their creativity to style outfits that character may wear for different occasions.

But since we are an interior design company after all- I am curious as to how imagined characters might live and style their space. As much as an exercise in styling- this is a series focused on imaginative play and dress-up, not with clothes but with interiors.

To kick off this series during this new year- I imagine “The Returned Traveler” - a person who has returned from their long travels, a mix of business and pleasure post New Year. They’ve gone around the world investigating unique travel experiences and cultural enrichment opportunities. And they are logging the journey with their travel blog read by a community all over the world.

A Style All One’s Own

Inspired by the coasts of remote destinations, aged architecture meeting new world technology, the relaxed style of a European or beach vacation, and the organized cool persona that comes with cultural experience and countless hours they have spent packing. Their style is a mix of eclecticism and minimalism. Pieces curated for this character’s collection are intentionally chosen to represent the many travels this person has had and the simple home set up they arrive home to.

I imagine they live in a 1-bedroom apartment somewhere in a city- they rent out their apartment from time to time to friends passing through, so they invest in quality furniture and keep the clutter to a minimum. They often don’t have time for the upkeep.

A few colors that come to mind are blue tones of a mediterranean coast, turmeric or gold, and a rust or a terracotta red, and lots of brown leather and natural wood. Some ideal paint colors from Farrow and Ball to add a bit of character:

Preference Red | Farrow and Ball

Red Earth | Farrow and Ball

Sudbury Yellow | Farrow and Ball

Blue Ground | Farrow and Ball

Living Room

  • trinket shelves + travel guidebooks + antiques

  • a simple desk set up + inviting sofa to write up blog posts and research for upcoming trips

  • leather couches or accent chairs to be reminiscent of vintage luggage

  • rich colors to remind the traveler of the many colorful places they have been

Blue Coast | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Maximal on the Color | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Warm and Simple | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Bedroom

  • lots of landing spaces + minimal clutter + end of bed luggage space

  • simple bedding

  • organized closet + laundry system

  • pieces that are hand crafted or woven

Cool and Spacious | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Red Toned Retreat | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Delicate and Airy | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Kitchen + Dining

  • spice racks, wine storage, + cook books to relive their culinary experiences and share with friends

  • an intimate table scape for hosting friends after a long stint of travel

  • moody lighting

  • kitchen ware + ceramics picked up during travel like ramen bowls or vintage tea kettles

Metal and Stone | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Bright and Spring | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

Nod to Fall | Concept Board by Aidan Lammers

More to come in this new series!

Reach out if you’d like to see a particular character be styled or would like to visualize your style with us!

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Aidan Lammers

I am an emerging interior designer by education and longtime artist. As my first blog The Curative Company, LLC has been created for you with much passion to show the curation of design from the perspective of a creative. Learn more about my company and I here.

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The Importance of Adaptive Reuse Concept in Interior Design and Architecture

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Tadao Ando: A Minimalist’s Influence on Architecture and Interior Design History