In a year with limited travel opportunities, many of us are seeking ways to brighten our living spaces. Whether you find yourself in lockdown or simply enjoying time at home, embracing memories from past adventures has never been more meaningful. Consequently, here are some innovative suggestions to personalize your living areas with vacation photos that are currently trapped on your devices.
1. Put a Frame Around It
A digital photo frame offers a straightforward solution to showcase your travel images. The latest Wi-Fi-enabled frames simplify the process of linking to popular social media and cloud-storage services. For example, Nixplay provides free-standing and wall-mounted frames that seamlessly connect to various platforms, including Dropbox, Google Photos, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Nixplay mobile app unlocks additional features, including collection curation and sharing options, making it an excellent gift choice for family members who may not be as tech-savvy. You can even create a dedicated email address so that your family can send photos directly to their frame.
2. Create a Photo Book of Your Past Vacations
Transform your memorable travel photos from phone swipes to tangible keepsakes by creating a photo book. These books can be organized by themes, colors, or specific trips. To maximize impact, select only the images you love. A curated selection can be more meaningful, and you can also incorporate collages of smaller images throughout the book.
While services such as Blurb, Mixbook, Printique, Costco, Mpix, Shutterfly, and Artifact Uprising offer helpful templates, it’s important to ensure that the layout makes sense for your selected images.
Steph Lehman, a photo book editor, reiterates the importance of having many options for different subjects and locations, including color schemes and orientations.
3. Experiment with Unexpected Print Surfaces
Society6 serves as an online marketplace that provides various media options for artists to sell their artwork, including home décor items. Anyone can upload their own travel photos, allowing for a creative outlet and potential income. Expect to see your favorite travel photos adorning products like unique lampshades, custom yoga mats, or cozy comforters.
Various printing services specialize in unique products for showcasing your travel photos, including Zazzle, PhotoBarn, Artbeat Studios, Mpix, and SnapBox.
4. Go Big with a Wall Mural or Photo Wall
Although the current environment may feel restrictive, your travel photos can create expansive visual experiences. For instance, photo wall murals can transport you to picturesque locations, such as a Scandinavian forest or a tranquil beach at sunset. Murals Your Way provides options to turn your photos into custom wallpaper with water-activated adhesive backing.
Kelsey Miller, a copy editor, shares a creative DIY approach for a photo wall. She chose a cloth tapestry from Society6 and transformed it into a series of framed decor items, which can easily be updated or replaced.
Photo walls can also consist of various travel images, unified by style or color. For example, Cleveland art director Stephanie Park displays her travel photos in black and white frames, creating a cohesive look.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Classic Print
While printing photos is a timeless practice, many images remain digital. Bringing these memories into the physical world allows for a deeper appreciation. Vincent McCracken of Mpix emphasizes the importance of researching printing options. Big-box stores may offer convenience, but they often compromise on quality.
Mpix uses archival quality papers, ensuring consistent color across prints. Their standard E-surface paper minimizes glare, offering a professional finish reminiscent of wedding albums.
6. Think Outside the Frame
Explore non-traditional ways to display your travel photos. Platforms like Pinterest are filled with inspiration for unique exhibits, such as wooden hanger frames, fairy lights with clips, postcard racks, and vintage luggage tags. Additionally, an innovative option includes turning empty cardboard rolls into frames if you’re feeling creative.
This article was first published April 2020 and last updated December 2020.
