How to decorate your home like a Turkish Place?

Just over two years ago, I received a late invitation from a friend asking if I wanted to accompany her to Turkey for a long weekend. Quicker than you can say Bosporus, I packed my bags and headed to the city which unites Europe and Asia, Istanbul, ready to explore its narrow souks for beguiling textiles from across the country.

That trip has since inspired a particular style of decoration which I want to share with you, combining both the ancient and the modern with fresh, travel-inspired ideas to bring Turkish flair to your home.

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia, the Sultanahmet ‘blue’ Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are must-see attractions and glorious monuments to Istanbul’s past. All of these locations are famous for their tiles, which brings me nicely to my first point…

Brighten a dark room, add zest to a cold apartment or divide an open-plan space with an exquisite Oushak carpet.

They are highly sophisticated and decorative rugs that come in gentle colours, great for creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Oushak rugs, originally in the small town of Oushak (today south of Istanbul), have been greatly influenced by Persian designs.

Today, Oushak rugs are highly desirable and decorative for elegant room settings as they are soft and luxurious. Also a great option as tapestries on walls.

Turkish Chandeliers – Ceiling and Table Lamps elaborate in mosaic are perfect for brightening any space with a bohemian touch.

Istanbul is the center of Turkish glass making, a tradition that has materialised into one of the most beautiful Ottoman arts.

These lamps are made by artisans who have inherited the technique of hand-cut coloured glass, a skill that is centuries old in Turkey.

If you are traveling to Istanbul,  one of the best places to buy them is at the Grand Bazaar as they have a large variety of designs and colours. But if you are ready for a new, enjoyable experience, I recommend asking at the tourist office for Turkish lamp workshops, where they teach you how to make one.

Hope you had enjoyed these Istanbul-inspired Interior Décor and Design Ideas. With so many options to choose from, you can easily add a splash of Ottoman influence to your home without breaking the bank or completely changing your interiors. It has modular influences, which means you can keep adding touches over the years to ensure your home continues to evolve alongside your travels.