Decorating with Global Style

Hey y'all! Today I'm going to be exploring how to bring global style to your home by using maps as decor throughout your house.  In college I studied International Business, so traveling and experiencing all that the world has to offer was a big part of my education.  I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad twice (once in Italy and once in Scotland), and both of those opportunities definitely broadened my perspective.  If you haven't had a chance to go abroad, I would highly recommend that you do so-- it will change your life! But for now, if that isn't an option, consider integrating the world into your home by using one of these decorating ideas:

Using map wallpaper is a fun alternative to paint.  It would be especially fabulous in a little boy's room-- he can learn geography while he's going to sleep-- or in a study.

This map dresser adds global style to your room in a unique way.  The black metal knobs really stand out against the beige dresser.  Use this dresser in a bedroom as a way to store a man's clothing-- it's masculine without being too harsh.

These map blinds are absolutely amazing.  They remind me of an old schoolhouse, and they would look great with dark wood floors and white trim.  To really make a statement, you could paint the walls a soft pumpkin orange color to bring out the colors of the map.

If blinds are too much of a statement for you, think about installing a pulldown map as a piece of art on the wall.  I love how this map decor is accentuated by the different shades of blue of the dresser, flowers, and lamps.

Instead of using the pulldown variety, you could frame a large map and hang it on the wall.  Notice that the blue is again accented by the turquoise bowls.

Using a variety of framed maps adds even more interest to a wall.  Here, one large map is separated into six sections, and the sections are framed and hung together to create the look of the larger map.  This is such a clever way to create 6 smaller pieces of art out of one original-- and it would be very inexpensive!

This idea may be my favorite way to use maps as wall art.  Variety is added by using different frames, sizes, and types of maps, but they are unified by the fact that they are all pictures of geography.  They look so interesting on the wall, and they would be a real conversation piece.

Here is another fun way to inspire children to learn.  By painting a map on the wall with chalkboard paint (this one is a map of the United States, but I think you could do any map), you can use it as a way to teach them states and geography while still adding style to your home.

Last but not least, you can add map pillows as a less permanent way to introduce map decor into your home.  These pillows are AMAZING in person-- all hand-embroidered, and each one is so unique.  While this one is my favorite ("I'm Sooner born and Sooner bred and when I die I'll be Sooner dead"), they can be ordered for any state, and they even have some for different regions and countries (Napa Valley, Route 66, Italy, etc.).  These can be found locally at Antique Garden on Campus Corner, or look online for a retailer near you.

Using maps as decor would be a great way to add a piece of history to your home, and these ideas would allow you to do so in a modern way.  Until next time.... Boomer Sooner, Beat Texas!

God Bless,

Julie