Decorating
Got Itchy Feet? Embrace the Travel Bug at Home With Maps
World maps aren't just for kids' rooms – they can bring a sense of well-travelled sophistication to any room in the house
A colourful world map can bring a child’s bedroom to life, but the same can be said for living rooms, bedrooms for grown-ups, and even kitchens when maps come into play. Whether it’s a world map in gradations of grey, a framed close-up of your favourite city’s streets, or a more creative take on the planet, there are interpretations to go with every decorating style imaginable.
Style up with stickers
In an all-white kitchen, a graphic-style world map adds an unexpected element. It’s understated but eye-catching and says a whole lot about the people who live here.
In an all-white kitchen, a graphic-style world map adds an unexpected element. It’s understated but eye-catching and says a whole lot about the people who live here.
Get in the mood for travel
Dreaming of your next getaway? Coming up with a travel bucket list is easy in this bedroom, and the wallpaper design adds some industrial-style texture that’s right on trend.
Wallpaper: NumérArt
Dreaming of your next getaway? Coming up with a travel bucket list is easy in this bedroom, and the wallpaper design adds some industrial-style texture that’s right on trend.
Wallpaper: NumérArt
Seen up close, the map seems as though it has been painted on a rough concrete wall, when in fact it’s just clever wallpaper.
The feature wall in this Mexico City living room shows just how well this style of wallpaper can work when there’s a blank wall in need of some personality.
Take a look around
Take a look around
Make a global statement
This one-off 1960s globe, originally housed in Lufthansa’s London office, is hard to miss in this kitchen. You may struggle to find one this big, but a smaller-scale version might be just the thing for a corner in need of a pick-me-up.
This one-off 1960s globe, originally housed in Lufthansa’s London office, is hard to miss in this kitchen. You may struggle to find one this big, but a smaller-scale version might be just the thing for a corner in need of a pick-me-up.
Why stop at one when a gaggle of globes can have so much more impact? This reading nook is set up for dreaming, with a bookshelf full of travel guides and a collection of globes at the ready to pinpoint exactly where you might go next.
Put the world in frame
Got a big blank wall that needs a lift? Vintage-style maps can give any home a sense of history, and with it some serious soul. Either split a giant map into three, or frame a series of different maps – just make sure they’re the same style for a cohesive look.
Maps: Mapshop
Got a big blank wall that needs a lift? Vintage-style maps can give any home a sense of history, and with it some serious soul. Either split a giant map into three, or frame a series of different maps – just make sure they’re the same style for a cohesive look.
Maps: Mapshop
If most of the elements in a space are neutral, accessories and artwork can add the colour and interest you need for a room to have energy and life. With every country a different hue, a world map like this one can achieve the same effect. The other accessories in the room – cushions, in particular – have been chosen based on colours plucked from the map.
Map: Ork
Map: Ork
Pinpoint a locality
If you have fond memories of living in a different city, or dream of one day moving to one, framed snapshots of local streets can be a subtle nod to a geographical location – even if it’s only you that understands it. Visually, these framed maps of Paris add a touch of sophistication to an eclectic home and, combined with trophies, mini-globes on an old Bombay chest create a fascinating vignette. Homeowner Kathleen Wall describes her style as vintage with a twist.
See more of this house
If you have fond memories of living in a different city, or dream of one day moving to one, framed snapshots of local streets can be a subtle nod to a geographical location – even if it’s only you that understands it. Visually, these framed maps of Paris add a touch of sophistication to an eclectic home and, combined with trophies, mini-globes on an old Bombay chest create a fascinating vignette. Homeowner Kathleen Wall describes her style as vintage with a twist.
See more of this house
Love where you live? There may be no need to travel! Just about any postcode can show up on your wall in detail with the help of a company that specialises in wallpaper printing. This home in London’s lovely Chelsea has made its surrounding streets a feature.
Wallpaper: Wallpapered
Wallpaper: Wallpapered
It’s fitting for this Brisbane bedroom to have a street map backdrop. The house is filled with carefully curated treasures from the owner’s travels.
Take a look at some of the other rooms in this house
Take a look at some of the other rooms in this house
Take the world to new heights
Why stop at walls when there are blank ceiling expanses waiting to be filled with something far more interesting than white paint? Best suited to a home office or library, antique ceiling maps can add an old-world feel. Leather sofas are a perfect match.
Ceiling map: Laqfoil
Why stop at walls when there are blank ceiling expanses waiting to be filled with something far more interesting than white paint? Best suited to a home office or library, antique ceiling maps can add an old-world feel. Leather sofas are a perfect match.
Ceiling map: Laqfoil
Think outside the square
If papering a whole wall is out of the question, why not add some globetrotter style the retro way with a repurposed souvenir tea towel or two?
YOUR SAY
How do you display the world at your house? Share your ideas and images in the comments section.
MORE
20 Inventive Ways to Decorate With Your Holiday Souvenirs
Global Roaming: Give Your Kids the Travel Bug With Maps
How to Organise Your Photos in a Flash
8 Ways to Bring Your Holidays Home With You
If papering a whole wall is out of the question, why not add some globetrotter style the retro way with a repurposed souvenir tea towel or two?
YOUR SAY
How do you display the world at your house? Share your ideas and images in the comments section.
MORE
20 Inventive Ways to Decorate With Your Holiday Souvenirs
Global Roaming: Give Your Kids the Travel Bug With Maps
How to Organise Your Photos in a Flash
8 Ways to Bring Your Holidays Home With You
Anyone visiting your house would be sure to step in for a closer look if a hand-painted map like this graced your living room walls. This isn’t just a map, after all – it’s a work of art.