Design Is Everywhere: What Travel Teaches Us About Living Well

There’s something about being away from home—off your routine, surrounded by new textures, sounds, and customs—that opens your eyes. Not just to what is beautiful, but to why it moves you.

At TOBE DesignGroup, we believe that great design starts with this kind of noticing. Whether it's the effortlessly cool, book-filled library or the quiet drama of the Maine coastline, travel offers a constant invitation to look closer—and carry what you find back home.

Our team has been on the move this summer, from Florence to New Orleans, Maine to Banff. Each destination left its mark. Not just in imagery, but in energy and feeling. And that’s where truly personal interiors begin.

The rock n’ roll-inspired library at the Virgin Hotel in New Orleans. (Photo from Marsha’s travels)

A Return to Simplicity

Marsha recently returned from a trip to upstate New York, where she was struck by the quiet confidence of a classic farmhouse. Think timeworn floors, simple beams, and linen curtains moving with the breeze—unfussy yet intentional. There’s nothing trendy about it—just a reminder that authenticity and restraint can be as luxurious as the most polished penthouse.

This kind of inspiration speaks to what many of our clients are seeking: homes that feel grounded. Thoughtfully edited spaces where every object has purpose. It’s not about recreating the countryside—it’s about capturing its pace, its ease, its timelessness.

Quintessential farmhouse vibes in upstate New York. (Photo from Marsha’s travels)

Thoughtfully curated Midcentury modern dining room in Bethesda, Maryland.

Maximalism with Swagger

In Austin, Texas, a hotel bar proved that maximalism still has a seat at the table. Unconventional statues, faux fur upholstery, and the ornate ceiling layer the room with theatrical flair. “Only in Texas could all that work,” Marsha joked. And yet it did.

It’s a masterclass in bold design—proof that drama and elegance aren’t mutually exclusive. While few of our clients would request this look, the principle of embracing personality in design is something we return to again and again.

A hand-carved ceiling, stained glass dome, and eccentric decor adorn a Texas hotel bar. (Photo from Marsha’s travels)

That same richness appeared again in Florence, Italy, where Sydney visited the Pitti Palace and was drawn in by its extravagant harmony. “There’s so much visual interest—marble, art, gold moldings—and yet it all feels timeless. Highly decorative, but never overwhelming.”

When done thoughtfully, a layered design can be incredibly inviting. For homes that host, entertain, or simply express personality with confidence, they don’t just show off; they welcome you in.

Immense color and visual interest in Florence’s Pitti Palace. (Photo from Sydney’s travels)

Bookshelf wealth, color, and luxury all wrapped in a cozy maximalist library in DC’s Kalorama neighborhood.

Designed to Connect

Sydney’s reflections extended beyond style. Her insight reminds us that travel isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about behavior, which in turn, influences how a space lives.

“If a culture treats public space as a place for vibrant gathering,” she explains, “you start to consider your own ‘public’ spaces—kitchens, great rooms, patios—in a new way. Are they inviting people in? Are they encouraging conversation?”

In Vero Beach, Florida, a tiled staircase with a playful pattern caught her attention. Visible only from certain angles, it was a small moment that delighted and lingered. It’s those quiet design details that can make a home feel alive.

Pop of intrigue in Vero Beach, FL. (Photo from Sydney’s travels)

moody imperfect moments

I recently returned from the rugged coast of Maine, where moody skies and crashing waves painted a different kind of inspiration. Even in the fog and mist, I found myself thinking about how we create spaces that rejuvenate the soul.

From the weathered buildings to the rich, layered textures of sand, stone, and water, the landscape felt like a metaphor for design that embraces imperfection. It reminded me that beauty can come out of chaos. Not every space has to be polished and perfect.

Faded paint, weather-worn details, and moody skies on the coast of Maine. (Photo from Todd’s travels)

A dark textured wallcovering and unexpected patterns create a dramatic dining room with moody vibes in Bethesda, Maryland.

That sentiment was echoed in Florence, where Sydney photographed the scene outside her apartment. The stone is crooked and sun-washed, yet it all feels so lively, as if it’s stood the test of time. This kind of warm imperfection makes a space feel authentic—and ultimately, feel like home.

Imperfectly aged stone in Florence, Italy. (Photo from Sydney’s travels)

A Touch of Whimsy

And then, sometimes, travel gives us a moment that doesn’t need translating. It just makes us smile. Below is a photo of a massive wooden troll we discovered tucked into Maine’s woodlands—unexpected, delightful, and a bit surreal. At the time, I thought, ‘if this is your jam, we should run with it’.

Whether it’s a playful sculpture or a custom detail made just for you, joy has a place in luxury design too.

A carved troll keeps watch over a lake in Maine. (Photo from Todd’s travels)

What ties all of this together is intention. Marsha, Sydney, and I aren’t just looking at what’s beautiful—we’re looking at what’s meaningful. And when clients tell us what places moved them—what made them feel something—that’s the moment we begin to translate experience into design. Because in the end, design isn’t just about how a room looks—it’s about how it lives.

Every space has a story. Let us design yours. hello@tobedesigngroup.com | 301.656.6600