Give your decor some
GLOBAL FLAIR
By Melissa Erickson
More Content Now
T
ravel-inspired home decor “is
not on trend; it’s timeless,” said
Manhattan-based design and
entertaining expert Francesco
Bilotto. “It’s also an easy look to achieve.”
If you don’t know the difference
between kilim and an ikat, “hakuna
matata” — no worries.
“If you’re having a problem deciding
where to start, make it fun and see what
speaks to you,” Bilotto said. Grab a friend
or your kids and take a trip to your local
museum. Often free, museums are a great
place for inspiration because they’ve already
collected the history for you, Bilotto said.
After a recent trip to the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, Bilotto realized
anything looks amazing behind glass
or under a clear acrylic cube.
“Step back and think about what you already
own. You can do the same thing (museums do)
with your own possessions or pick something
up at a flea market, rummage sale, church
bazaar or thrift store,” he said. An old comb,
a magnifying glass, interesting door knobs or
even a child’s artwork can be transformed by
simply putting it inside a acrylic display case.
An old trunk or chest of drawers can benefit
from a similar treatment, but let a piece’s
inherent rustic or worn look come to light.
“For a long time the trend was to paint
old furniture, but the rugged wear and
tear is key to the look,” Bilotto said.
Instead of hiding a hole in a beautiful
kilim rug, let it stand out. “That’s what I call
the hero mark,” Bilotto said. The scratches
and dents on a table can be fantastic. “Don’t
hide them; embrace the mistakes,” he said.
“That’s what a world-traveled look
means: That worn piece of furniture
could have been schlepped back from
Istanbul or Paris,” Bilotto said.
To avoid a dated shabby-chic
style, go for a more Americana look
and juxtapose old and new.
“Balance with something slick and
modern such as a glass vase, metal or
chrome ball, or a big art book so the look
is thoughtfully composed,” Bilotto said.
Using tile to infuse a room with the colors
and patterns of another culture is an easy way
to add global style, from a bright Mexican tile
backsplash in the kitchen to Roman-patterned
tiles in the bathroom. The right tile can bring
to mind any destination, from the Dutch
“If you’re having a problem
deciding where to start, make it
fun and see what speaks to you.”
Francesco Bilotto
8 • 2018 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car
countryside with blue and white Delft tiles or
a sunny Tuscan vineyard through a tile mural.
For those who are renting or unable to achieve
a complete tile overhaul, consider adding
tiles as trivets or decorations, Bilotto said.
Cluster a collection, such as a few old
glass serving pieces, to add visual interest,
Bilotto said. Your world style can be authentic
— say, a group of hand-woven baskets
bought on safari in Africa — or something
similar ordered inexpensively online.
Think creatively and use items outside their
purpose, Bilotto said. Plant basil in a gold-gilded
gravy boat or a rough volcanic rock guacamole
bowl rather than a terra cotta planter.
Don’t be too literal with globes, maps or
clocks set to different time zones, Bilotto said.
Atlases are fine because they’re less literal, and
old photos or postcards are easy and affordable.
“Use texture as a roadmap to help you
find a balance and not fall short,” Bilotto
said: Add a rough kilim rug against a black
or brown leather chair. Mix in dark or
light wood. Keep it fresh and current with
chrome or metallic accents. Add pillows,
tapestries, scarves and other textiles.
“Go with your gut feeling,” Bilotto said.
“Look around your home for what you can
use, then shop for what you need to add.”