How to Create a Peaceful Home Inspired by Your Travels

There’s truly no place like home—especially after a whirlwind of travel, filming, and new adventures. After exploring vibrant cities, quiet coastlines, and tucked-away treasures across the U.S. and around the world, I’ve found that coming back to a peaceful, beautifully curated home is the perfect way to recharge.

Over the years, I’ve brought home more than just souvenirs—I’ve gathered design inspiration from every destination. Whether it’s the tranquil simplicity of a Japanese Zen garden, the breezy elegance of the Mediterranean, or the cheerful colors of the Caribbean, I love weaving those influences into my everyday surroundings.

Ready to create your own sanctuary? Here’s how to turn your home into a calming space inspired by the places you love (or dream of visiting)—so it always feels like a staycation.

Table of Contents:

Declutter and Organize:

Bring Japanese Zen into Your Home

If there’s one thing Japanese homes are known for, it’s minimalism and a sense of order that brings peace to the space. To create harmony, start by decluttering your space, a process inspired by Japanese Zen principles. Embrace a “less is more” philosophy and only keep items that spark joy, as Marie Kondo famously says, When everything has its own place, your home feels instantly calmer and more spacious.

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Create a simple organizational system, like woven baskets or elegant wooden trays, to contain your belongings neatly. By keeping your home clean and uncluttered, you’re already on your way to creating a sanctuary reminiscent of a tranquil Japanese tea room.

Get inspired! Read (and see) my Photos: Getting Zen at Japanese Gardens

Pro Tip:

Don’t go overboard! Focus on creating open spaces and using natural textures like wood and bamboo to add a touch of Japanese-inspired calm.

Choose Soothing Colors:

Channel the Mediterranean’s Calm Blues and Greens

Imagine the calm blues and greens of the Mediterranean Sea washing over you. The Greek Isles, with their iconic blue and white color palette, are a perfect example of how colors can influence mood. To create a sense of tranquility, incorporate soft blues, seafoam greens, and earthy tones into your home decor.

Paint walls in these calming hues, or introduce them through accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork. These colors not only add a coastal vibe to your home but also evoke feelings of serenity. Just picture yourself unwinding in a Greek-style living room with the sea breeze drifting through!

Fun Idea:

Try adding Mediterranean-inspired tiles in your kitchen or bathroom for a splash of color and pattern. Not only will it remind you of the Aegean coast, but it’ll also elevate the space with a touch of exotic elegance.

Bring the World Home: Audio Courses for Inspired Living

Looking to infuse your home with the same peace and beauty you feel while traveling? My exclusive audio courses – based from my cruise ship speaking engagements – are a wonderful way to begin your journey to a more harmonious living space. Whether you’ve fallen in love with the calm coastal hues of the Mediterranean, the vibrant charm of the Caribbean, or simply want to create more balance and serenity in your everyday surroundings, these audio courses offer practical tips, cultural insights, and heartfelt inspiration.

Pop in a CD, brew your favorite tea, and enjoy a relaxing experience as I guide you through ideas for transforming your space—no passport required.

Explore my audio collection below and start designing your peaceful home oasis today:

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Create Cozy Spaces:

Embrace Hygge with Scandinavian-Inspired Nooks

When it comes to cozy living, Scandinavians have mastered the art of “hygge,” a Danish term for comfort and coziness. You don’t have to brave the snowy landscapes of Norway or Sweden to experience hygge at home—you can create little cozy nooks that encourage relaxation and connection.

Add a plush armchair, a soft blanket, and perhaps a stack of your favorite travel books in a corner to create a reading nook. Layer soft lighting, maybe a few candles, and you’ve got yourself a Scandinavian-inspired retreat. These cozy corners invite you to slow down, grab a book, and enjoy a moment of peace.

Quick Tip:

Hygge isn’t just about decor; it’s about an atmosphere. Encourage quality time with friends or family by gathering in these cozy spaces to share stories, just as the Scandinavians would on a chilly winter night.

Set the Right Lighting:

Capture Parisian Ambiance with Warm Lights

If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Paris at night, you’ll know the magic that warm lighting can create. Paris, known as the “City of Light,” has a way of making even the simplest café feel like an inviting sanctuary. You can bring that Parisian ambiance into your home by setting up warm, dimmable lights.

Replace harsh, overhead lights with soft, warm bulbs or add a few statement lamps around the room. Dimmable lighting is key—it allows you to adjust the brightness based on the time of day and your mood. For an extra touch of Parisian charm, place a few candles around your living space to create that flickering, cozy glow.