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From vinyls to antiques and tiles to trinkets, here’s what these globetrotting folks pick up for their homes on their travels
‘Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make’, and one way to cherish those memories is to bring back a souvenir that resonates with your style. While fridge magnets, photos and keychains are commonplace, finding something unique to that place will forever remind you of the wonderful time you had on that trip. Not only do these souvenirs make for great decor pieces, they also reflect your personal taste and can be fun conversation starters.
Keeping this in mind, we asked 10 well-travelled tastemakers about their unique finds on a trip that hold a special place in their heart. Take a cue from these souvenirs to spot something special on your next vacation!
Interior Architect & Founder-Designer of This and That
On a trip to Jordan in 2012, I bought a couple of Bedouin runners in Aqaba that have been part of my home since then. Not only did I love their design, finding them and buying them from the seller is a story that is imprinted in my mind. While wandering around the old town of Aqaba, I stumbled into a small shop and ended up spending a few hours talking to the man who owned the store. Over copious cups of sage tea, I pored over the various antiques and became good friends with him. He even had us over for a meal at his home the next day. The runners find a spot in my bedroom and foyer, and looking at them takes me back to the wonderful memories of that trip and the joy of finding them.
Ariane Thakore Ginwala is an interior architect and the founder-designer of This and That.
A traditional Bedouin runner from Jordan.
PR & Brand Consultant, Founder of DSPR
One travel souvenir that holds a special place in my heart is a beautiful piece of metal wall art that my husband and I found in Italy. We stumbled upon this piece while driving across the heel of Italy’s boot, in a small town. While exploring, we came across a private collector’s gallery that was owned by an elderly man who had spent his life travelling the world and collecting various pieces of art. It was filled with treasures from different parts of the world. This particular piece caught our eye immediately. The collector shared an interesting story about how he acquired it during his travels. It was special because it resonated with our love for nature. Even today, it holds sentimental value because it reminds us of that unexpected, memorable day in Italy. It is currently placed on a wall above a cosy armchair in our home, where it perfectly complements the space.
A metal wall art depicting floral design from Italy.
A monochromatic vase from Copenhagen.
Principal Designer at Jason Wadhwani Design
I love collecting interesting, bold and graphic ceramics and dinnerware when I travel. One such piece is a monochromatic vase that can fit in any space in my house and is extremely versatile. I came across this piece when I was in Copenhagen at a beautiful furniture and accessory store called HAY. Since I love all things monochrome, it was perfect for me. The vase is usually found between two locations depending on where we’re entertaining. It is either in the den on my coffee table or in the living room on top of my vinyl record stand. It makes quite a design statement on its own, but I have at times put some dried stalks in it.
Photographer & Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician
In 2004, I was exploring the disenfranchised northern coast of Mozambique and documenting the aftermath of the civil war. I needed a break and made my way to Ilha De Moçambique—a tiny island which was once the jewel of the Portuguese empire. I went diving off the azure waters and came across the remains of the Portuguese nau Espadarte which sank in the shallow waters off Fort San Sebastian on this island in May 1558. In 2001, underwater archaeologists began recovering the cargo from the wreck site, which included over 1,000 intact pieces of Chinese porcelain along with a large quantity of shards. I picked up a couple of pieces of the porcelain and brought them home. These pieces of Ming Dynasty porcelain are historic objets d'art with a great significance to maritime trade in the 1500s, and a treasured memento for me as well.
Historic Ming Dynasty porcelain pieces from Mozambique.
Chef & Instagram Content Creator
During a holiday in Bali, I paid a visit to the renowned Kevala Ceramics studio. Nestled in the heart of the island, it is known for its exquisite, handcrafted pottery that blends traditional techniques with contemporary design. As I explored the studio, a gorgeous, black bowl immediately caught my eye. Resembling a volcanic egg, the bowl’s design mimics the craters on the moon, and its flawless craftsmanship, made it stand out as a true piece of art. The artisans explained the intricate process of creating their ceramics, from moulding the clay to the final firing. Their dedication and passion for their craft were palpable, and I felt an instant connection to the piece. Even today, the bowl holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the peaceful moments I experienced in Bali. It is prominently displayed on my coffee table in the living room, where it serves as both a decorative piece and a functional item.
A black bowl resembling a volcanic egg from Bali.
A tile inspired by Friedensreich Hundertwasser's artwork from Vienna.
Founder & Design Director at Minnie Bhatt Design
I have a fondness for ceramics and always keep an eye out for ceramic souvenirs that I can carry back home. They often capture the essence of a place's culture and craftsmanship, making them perfect keepsakes. One of my cherished travel souvenirs is a tile I bought in Vienna. I stumbled upon this beauty while visiting a building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian architect whose work I greatly admire. His architectural style is unique and whimsical, with a focus on organic forms and vibrant colours. I was captivated by the building's design and found this tile in a nearby shop. The tile's design is inspired by Hundertwasser's artwork, making it a perfect memento of my visit. It reminds me of the creativity and beauty of Vienna and is currently placed in my office library, adding a touch of Viennese artistry to my space.
Princess of Mayurbhanj & Co-owner of The Belgadia Palace and Hasa Atelier
One of my most recent travel souvenirs is a handmade, clay jewellery box with an octopus designed on it that I picked up during the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa from a homegrown artist. I was wandering through the stalls at the festival with a group of friends when this quirky piece caught my eye. The octopus design was so unique with its delicate tentacles, it felt like the perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship. What made me buy it beyond its aesthetic appeal, was the idea of supporting local artisans who pour their heart and soul into their work. Even today, it reminds me of the spontaneity of that trip, the joy of discovering something beautiful, and the importance of celebrating and preserving traditional arts. The jewellery box has a special spot on my desk and I use it to store my favourite everyday jewellery pieces and small trinkets.
Mrinalika M Bhanjdeo is the princess of Mayurbhanj and the co-owner of The Belgadia Palace and Hasa Atelier.
A handmade, clay jewellery box with an octopus design from Goa.
Founder & Creative Director of Nama Home
One of my most special and unique travel souvenirs is the Sfrido peeler designed by Valerio Sommella for the Italian brand Alessi. I never thought that kitchen appliances which are as basic as a potato peeler could have such a massive design influence on me and could look so beautiful. Even though it is a peeler, I have placed it in my office as it is a perfect embodiment of form following emotion. This product probably defines what we do at Nama Home and I even got it signed by Sommella when I started working in his studio. It tells such a lovely story as its form is inspired by the peels of a potato. I feel there are no rules to picking the perfect souvenir; if you find something that speaks to you and reflects your personality, get it and flaunt it in your own way.
A peeler designed by Valerio Sommella from Italy.
A collection of limited edition vinyls from London, New York and Amsterdam.
Principal at Studio PKA
I love listening to music on a record player, so I often find myself picking up vinyls on my travels that are exclusive and not easily available. I often pick a vinyl based on my personal taste and this passion has grown over the years. It is special because of the listening pleasure that I experience through them. I now have a collection of vinyls bought on my trips to London, New York and Amsterdam. My passion for all things music and the charm of retro era artists has resulted in this hobby and these vinyls find a prime spot in my music cabinet next to my record player. Of late, the craze for vintage objects has reignited all over the world, and people are now investing in such pieces for their simplicity. I am glad that original vinyls are back, and the rest as they say, is music.
Art Advisor
Years ago, while wandering down Columbia Road in East London, I stumbled upon a sleepy, vintage glass store. It turned out to be a tiny treasure trove of glassware from various periods, and I was immediately fascinated. Among the many beautiful pieces, a pair of mini, antique crystal decanters caught my eye. I purchased it, and soon found myself deep into the history of glassmaking and design. It sparked a passion, and now, I make it a point to bring back unique pieces for my small, but growing collection. The two decanters I hold dear are from the renowned French fine crystal manufacturer, Baccarat, dating back to the Belle Epoque period (1890-1914, France). They are placed on the bar shelf in my home alongside the rest of my vintage barware collection. They occasionally make an appearance at house parties, to add a touch of elegance.
Rhea Kuruvilla is an art advisor.
Mini, antique crystal decanters by Baccarat from London.
“Find your personal passion that resonates with you—it could be anything antique, an object or even a postcard that depicts your style as well as the place’s culture,” says architect Puran Kumar.
For princess Mrinalika M Bhanjdeo, it is all about finding items that are handmade, support local artisans, and tell a story. “Choose something that will continue to bring you joy long after the trip is over,” she adds.
Chef Karishma Sakhrani recommends visiting local markets to find unique items that reflect the local culture and traditions. “They often carry a deeper meaning and connection to the place, and understanding the story behind a piece can make it more meaningful,” she says.
“Your souvenirs are a reflection of you, so seek out what interests you and find objects that have a story to tell. Go off the beaten path, look at antique shops, estate sales and find the historic parts of a city where you can pick interesting collectibles,” suggests photographer Karam Puri.
Will you be living in your space during the renovation ?
DEC 2023
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17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM