Welcome to Design Passport: Where Travel Meets Design
- Rebekah Cianfrocco
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
I got a little excited and jumped right in last time without giving an introduction to the premise of what this blog is even about. So I’m backtracking a little to give a bit of background to what Design Passport is all about.
There’s something magical about immersing yourself in another culture—tasting the food, hearing the language, wandering through historic streets, and feeling the textures of a place. Every destination has its own story, told through its architecture, craftsmanship, and way of life.
As a designer, I’ve always believed in creating spaces that engage the five senses. Travel has only deepened that belief. Once you’ve experienced another culture—the warmth of a Tuscan villa, the vibrant streets of Mexico City, the tranquil darkness of Northern Norway—you start to see design not just as aesthetics, but as an extension of those lived experiences.
That’s why I created Design Passport—a travel-design crossover blog where I explore inspiring interiors, hotels, and cultural aesthetics and show you how to bring those experiences home.
The Concept: Travel-Inspired Design
I’ve always been fascinated by the way different cultures approach design. Each place has a story to tell, and the goal of Design Passport is to uncover the beauty in these global design influences and translate them into something tangible for your home.
Here’s what you can expect:
Hotel & Interior Spotlights – Discuss the most beautifully designed hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems from places I’ve traveled.
How to Bring the Look Home – Practical guides to incorporating global aesthetics into your own space.
Local Craftsmanship & Cultural Influences – A deep dive into materials, textiles, and architectural elements unique to each region.
Curated Shopping Guides – Furniture, lighting, and décor recommendations inspired by each destination with visual breakdowns of travel-inspired interiors
Designing with the Five Senses
As a designer, I’ve learned that truly experiencing a space requires engaging more than just your eyes. Great design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it feels. Travel heightens our senses, and a well-designed space should do the same. It should evoke emotion, tell a story, and immerse you in an experience. And what better way to achieve that than by engaging all five senses? Here’s how:
Sight
Colors and lighting can completely shift a mood. The deep blues of Santorini create a sense of serenity, while Tuscany’s warm terracottas bring an earthy richness. The sleek neutrals of Copenhagen evoke sophistication, while the dramatic, dim winter lighting (or lack thereof) in Northern Norway fosters coziness and introspection. Light temperature and intensity even affect our health—proof that sight is about more than just aesthetics.
Sound
Sound has a powerful way of shaping our experiences. The rumbling of a motorbike weaving through a chaotic Bangkok street market can feel overwhelming, while the rhythmic crash of waves on a Belizean beach instantly soothes. Even the subtle creak of old wooden floors in a historic Rome apartment can transport you to another era.
Smell
Few things are as transportive as scent. The rich aroma of espresso wafting from an Italian café, the oaky tang of fermenting wine in Napa, or the let’s-call-it-memorable scent of a fresh market in Bangkok on a humid afternoon—smells etch moments into our memory, creating an emotional connection to a place.
Touch
Texture is often overlooked but has a huge impact on our interaction with a space. The cool, smooth surface of Lisbon’s iconic azulejo tiles, the weathered roughness of a Tuscan farmhouse table, or the soft luxury of handwoven Thai silk—all bring a tactile layer to design that enhances how we experience a room.
Taste
Arguably the most indulgent sense, taste is more than just eating—it’s storytelling. Food is an experience, an art form, and the kitchen is often the heart of a home, designed for gathering, sharing, and creating. Whether it’s a perfectly crafted French pastry, a comforting bowl of homemade pasta, or the fiery spice of authentic Mexican street tacos, taste connects us to culture and memory in a way few other senses can.
By designing with all five senses in mind, we create spaces that aren’t just seen, but felt. Spaces that linger in memory, just like a favorite destination.
My Journey: A Love Affair with Culture and Design
For me, travel is more than just an escape—it’s a source of endless design inspiration. Walking up the hilly streets of Lisbon, cruising around in Havana, or wine tasting near Mt. Etna has shaped the way I think about interiors. Once you’ve immersed yourself in another culture, you start to see design in a new way.
One of my favorite moments was standing on a rooftop in Rome making pasta, watching the golden sunset cast shadows over the ancient city. That light, that warmth, that mix of old and new—it’s something I’ve tried to recreate in my own spaces, blending rich textures with timeless materials.
Every destination has left an imprint on me, and through Design Passport, I want to share those inspirations with you.
Bringing Inspiration Home
A well-designed space tells a story—just like a destination does. We may not be able to live in our favorite place, but we can capture its essence and bring that feeling home.
I’ll be sharing how to bring these influences home through:
Curated design guides featuring furniture and decor finds inspired by global styles.
Breakdowns of iconic hotel interiors and how to recreate their aesthetic.
Tips for layering cultural elements into your home without it feeling like a theme park.
On to Sicily
Our first destination was Scandinavia. Our second? Sicily. A place where ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and Mediterranean elegance collide. From the intricate majolica tiles of Taormina to the sun-drenched courtyards of a Sicilian villa, there’s so much design inspiration to unpack.
In the next post, I’ll be diving into: Why Sicily is the Ultimate Destination for Design Lovers – What makes them so timeless? Color & Texture Breakdown – Earthy terracottas, coastal blues, aged stone. How to Style Your Home Like a Sicilian Retreat – Mood boards, styling tips, and furniture recommendations.
Each month, Design Passport will explore a new destination—places I’ve been, experienced, and fallen in love with. Whether it’s the grandeur of Florence or the relaxed sophistication of Antigua, I’ll bring you the best design takeaways from around the world.
Join the Journey
I’m so excited to share this adventure with you! Whether you’re a travel lover, a design enthusiast, or just someone looking for fresh inspiration, Design Passport: Where Travel Meets Design is your ticket to a more beautiful, worldly home.
Follow along as we explore design through a global lens—one destination at a time.
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