You don’t need a passport to give your home a stylish, global glow-up. If your space is feeling a bit tired or safe, borrowing design ideas from different corners of the world is a brilliant way to add character, texture, and something a bit unexpected. Whether you’re all about calm and minimal or you love a splash of colour, there’s a look out there that’ll feel just right for your space.

Here are some of our favourite international design styles, and how to bring them into your home using made-to-measure blinds, curtains, cushions, and headboards.

Scandinavian Simplicity

The Modern Scandinavian look is basically the interior version of a deep breath. Think clean lines, soft textures, and a calming, neutral palette. The vibe is all about creating a space that feels calm, uncluttered, and practical, without looking soulless.

Try pale linen Roman blinds or soft grey curtains to let the light in while keeping things cosy. Add tactile cushions in muted tones and natural materials. A simple, upholstered headboard in a soft wool blend pulls the whole look together. Hygge vibes = sorted.

Mediterranean Warmth

Dreaming of a Greek island escape or an Italian countryside villa? Mediterranean interiors are all about sun-soaked colours, rustic textures, and that relaxed, breezy feel.

Bring the Med home with cotton Roman blinds in sandy neutrals or light voile curtains that flutter in the breeze. Layer in warm terracotta or deep blue cushions, and consider a textured headboard in a washed linen to give that rustic-yet-refined look. It’s warm, inviting, and doesn’t try too hard; perfect for chilled-out lounges or kitchen diners.

Japanese Zen

Japanese design is calm, balanced, and deeply rooted in nature, but it’s not just minimalism. It’s about embracing simplicity and finding beauty in imperfection.

For a Zen feel, go for panel-style blinds or soft drapes in earthy tones. Fabrics like cotton or linen work beautifully here. Keep furniture lines low and clean. Add in cushions with imperfect, hand-finished textures and opt for a softly padded headboard in a warm neutral to complete the restful feel. Ideal for bedrooms or quiet corners where you want to unplug.

British Heritage Meets Global Twist

Here’s one for the creative types: mix classic British interiors with global influence. It’s all about contrast and layering.

Start with traditional curtain styles (like pinch pleat or eyelet) in heritage fabrics like tweed or floral cotton. Then add bold, modern cushions inspired by African patterns or Moroccan prints. A headboard upholstered in rich velvet or textured weave ties it all together. 

It’s the best of both worlds, and it shows off your personality, too.

Mix, Don’t Match

The secret to bringing international influences into your home is that you don’t have to pick one style and stick to it. Some of the best interiors are a mash-up of different influences. The secret is cohesion; repeating colours, materials or textures across your blinds, curtains, cushions, and headboards so everything feels connected.

Made-to-Measure Soft Furnishings from The Sewing House

Whatever your inspiration, your home deserves that perfect fit. Shop made-to-measure blinds, curtains, headboards and cushions at The Sewing House and bring a world of style into your own private retreat.