How to bring a piece of the world into your home

As you walk through the temples of Angkor, the light breeze rustles the leaves while providing some relief from the warm afternoon sun. The light is perfect, casting dancing shadows over the gentle faces carved on the stone temples. In a small, quaint corner a young girl is selling block prints of alluring apsaras — warrior dancers of the past. The handmade paper, the bold imprints, the intricate patterns … a perfect remembrance of the magic of this spectacular piece of history.

Vacation over, upon arrival in your home, you excitedly unroll the piece of artwork and hold it up against the light. Except now the light is not quite like it is in Angkor, with the rustling leaves and stunning temples. All of a sudden in your city-dwelling abode, the print is not quite as charming and, in fact, feels rather out of place. Oops.

This has happened to all of us! While on a trip we are always charmed by certain objects, intoxicated by our surroundings, then once home things never quite seem to fit. Or perhaps you thought you were wise and did not give in, only to go home regretting not having bought it.

In last week’s episode of Modern Living TV, we spoke to two experts — Leona Panutat of L’Indochine and Andy Vazquez-Prada of W17 — who scour the globe for the perfect pieces, and they give us tips on how to best bring a piece of the world to your home.

L’Indochine’s opening in Manila last year has been a welcome addition to the decor scene. Not too long ago, batik prints and Thai silk pillows all felt so passé, a little dusty and too literal, fitted more to a beach home rather than an urban apartment. However, with this current movement towards updating traditions for modern living, the result is an exciting selection of boldly colored accent pieces that find their place in any type of setting.

“We source things ourselves and often work with local craftsmen and suppliers to create something fresh,” explains Leona, “such as taking traditional batik or ikat but using bright, fun colors like orange or turquoise to keep it current.”

This is a great tip to remember when perhaps you purchased a statuette or decorative tray that maybe feels too ethnic for your home. Sometimes a coat of paint can make all the difference. The tabletop is always a wonderful place to infuse a global aesthetic because you don’t have to commit to seeing the pieces all the time. Purchase some placemats or napkins that are easy to bring home, maybe napkin rings or coasters. If you have time, ship over some ceramics or glassware. Not only will it make for a unique table setting, it will also remind you of your travels as well as make for a wonderful dinner conversation topic.

“When you travel and you see something you love, just buy it. Don’t think or say ‘I’ll come back,’ because you never do!” Leona shares. “It’s better to regret what you bought than what you didn’t! In the end I believe pieces will always find their place in your home.”

But what if styles are different? What if you have a contemporary or shabby-chic home? Vintage French? How do these travel pieces fit in?

“Don’t be afraid to mix styles,” says Andy. “Different textures, different sizes and shapes can make for very interesting vignettes.”

He suggests putting together pieces that offset each other such as aged wood against something sleek and shiny, or a very ornate item within a more clean and contemporary setting. Contrast can be a good ally when done properly. Another great way to tie things together is to think of color, keeping things monochromatic or more or less in the same tones, then add some interest by having a pop of color here and there.

“It’s all about curating things properly and finding the right space for each item.”

Tonight will be our last episode for this first season and I have had such an exciting time discovering more ways to make modern living a wonderful experience! Thank you to our audience and readers for your continued support and because of you we will be back very soon for the second season of Modern Living TV, where we will bring you the best of living spaces and living a full life beyond its confines!

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Modern Living TV airs on Saturdays at 6 p.m.  There are replays on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on ANC.