Travel has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration.
There is something about stepping outside of your everyday surroundings that allows you to see the world a little differently. Whether it’s wandering through a charming European town, exploring a beautiful boutique hotel, discovering a local market, or simply sitting at a café and taking in the details around me, I always come home with a fresh perspective.
As an interior designer, I find myself constantly noticing things that others might walk right past. The color of a weathered doorway, the texture of an old stone wall, the way natural light fills a restaurant, or the unexpected combination of patterns in a beautifully designed hotel.
Over time, I’ve realized that traveling hasn’t just influenced my personal style. It has genuinely changed the way I approach designing spaces.
Here are a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.
One of my favorite things about traveling is experiencing places that have so much history and character.
Some of the most memorable interiors I’ve encountered aren’t necessarily the newest, trendiest, or most perfectly polished. They’re the spaces that feel like they have a story to tell.
Maybe it’s an old building with original architectural details, a restaurant filled with collected artwork, or a hotel that has thoughtfully incorporated pieces from its surroundings.
These spaces remind me that great design isn’t just about how a room looks. It’s about how a room makes you feel.
When I’m designing a home, I want it to feel personal. I love incorporating meaningful artwork, unique accessories, vintage finds, and pieces that reflect the people who live there.
A home should feel like a collection of experiences, memories, and moments rather than a room that was put together overnight.
Travel has taught me that color has the power to completely transform a space.
Think about the beautiful blues of the Mediterranean, the warm terracotta tones found throughout Italy, the colorful architecture of coastal towns, or the vibrant textiles you might discover at a local market.
So many destinations embrace color in a way that feels effortless and completely natural.
It’s a reminder that color doesn’t always have to be intimidating.
Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations are the ones that create the most beautiful results.
I’ve learned to think about color as a way to bring energy, personality, and emotion into a space. Whether it’s through a bold piece of artwork, a colorful accent chair, patterned wallpaper, or even a small decorative accessory, a little color can make a big impact.
And if you know anything about my design style, you know I love a space that isn’t afraid to have a little fun!
One of the things I find most inspiring about traveling is seeing how different cultures blend historic architecture with modern design.
You might walk into a centuries-old building and discover contemporary lighting, beautiful modern furnishings, and unexpected artistic details.
It’s such a beautiful reminder that design doesn’t have to fit into one specific category.
In fact, some of my favorite interiors combine pieces from completely different eras.
An antique table paired with modern dining chairs. A traditional architectural detail complemented by contemporary artwork. A vintage accessory styled alongside something sleek and new.
It’s the contrast that makes a space interesting.
Travel has encouraged me to embrace that balance even more and to look for opportunities to create interiors that feel both timeless and fresh.
When you’re exploring a new destination, there are so many textures that contribute to the overall experience.
Natural stone, weathered wood, handmade ceramics, woven textiles, beautiful linens, and architectural details all add layers of interest.
I’ve become increasingly aware of how these materials make a space feel welcoming and authentic.
A room doesn’t need to be filled with bold colors or dramatic patterns to feel special. Sometimes, it’s the combination of textures that creates the most impact.
In my designs, I love layering different materials to add warmth and dimension.
Think soft upholstery paired with natural wood, smooth marble alongside textured wallpaper, or a beautiful woven rug beneath a statement piece of furniture.
It’s those thoughtful combinations that make a room feel complete.
One thing traveling has taught me is to pay attention to the details.
Sometimes, it’s not an entire room that inspires me. It’s one small element.
A beautiful door handle. An unexpected tile pattern. A unique lampshade. The way flowers are arranged on a restaurant table. Even the packaging at a charming little shop can spark a new idea.
Those seemingly small details often become the things I remember most.
And when it comes to interior design, I believe the finishing touches are what truly bring a space to life.
A thoughtfully styled bookshelf, a beautiful tray, interesting decorative objects, or the perfect piece of artwork can completely change the personality of a room.
It’s a big reason why I love curating home accessories and special pieces through the Megan Molten Shop. Sometimes, one unique find is all it takes to make a space feel a little more personal.
Some of my favorite travel memories are connected to how a particular place made me feel.
A cozy café where I could have spent hours. A beautifully designed hotel lobby that immediately felt welcoming. An outdoor dining space that made a simple meal feel like something special.
These experiences have reminded me that design should go beyond appearance.
A beautiful home is wonderful, but a beautiful home that also feels comfortable, inviting, and functional is even better.
When I approach a project, I think about how the space will actually be lived in.
Where will people gather? How will the room feel in the morning compared to the evening? What details will make everyday moments feel a little more special?
I want the homes I design to be places where memories are made, guests feel welcome, and everyday life feels just a little more beautiful.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from traveling is that inspiration doesn’t always come from the places you expect.
Sometimes it’s found in a beautiful hotel or an incredible piece of architecture. Other times, it’s a colorful storefront, a charming side street, or a simple moment spent enjoying a new place.
I’ve learned to slow down, look around, and appreciate the creativity that exists in everyday life.
And I think that’s one of the most exciting things about being a designer.
There is always something new to discover.
Every destination, every culture, and every experience offers an opportunity to see things differently.
The more I explore, the more I realize that creating beautiful interiors isn’t about following a specific set of rules. It’s about collecting inspiration, trusting your instincts, and bringing together things you genuinely love.
You don’t have to completely redesign your home to incorporate inspiration from your favorite destinations.
Maybe it’s displaying artwork that reminds you of a special trip, incorporating a beautiful ceramic piece, choosing textiles inspired by a destination you love, or simply experimenting with a new color palette.
I love the idea of creating a home that feels collected over time, filled with pieces that make you smile and remind you of the places you’ve been and the memories you’ve made.
For me, that’s what makes interior design so special.
It’s not just about creating beautiful rooms. It’s about creating spaces that reflect your personality, tell your story, and inspire you every single day.
And if traveling has taught me anything, it’s that the world is full of beautiful ideas just waiting to be brought home.
