How to Style Your Home Inspired by Global Design Cultures

There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a home that feels like an escape, whether that escape reminds you of a calm Nordic cabin, a Japanese tea house, or even the warm hospitality of an Indian courtyard. Many of us are drawn to design styles from around the world, but the real charm lies in adapting those influences for everyday living in Indian homes. The good news? You don’t have to redo your entire space. Thoughtful accents, smart tableware choices, and well-picked décor pieces can bring global flavour into your home without losing your own identity.

At Modern Quests, we work with brands worldwide, making it surprisingly easy to create globally inspired corners. Here’s a simple guide to five popular cultural themes, like Scandinavian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Tropical, and how to bring their essence into your home using décor and accessories you’ll definitely love.

1. Scandinavian Minimalism

There’s a reason Scandinavian design always feels so calm and inviting. It’s built around hygge, that cosy, effortless comfort the Danes are known for, combined with a real appreciation for simple, well-made things. Scandinavian homes are loved for their warmth and gentle simplicity. Think soft light, calm colours, honest materials, and pieces that feel functional yet beautiful.

To recreate this atmosphere, look for décor that feels unfussy. Blomus, ASA Selection, Cosmic, etc, offer pieces that quietly elevate a room without demanding attention. Vases such as the Blomus Drop Handblown Glass Vase or ASA Selection’s Mara Glass Vases are perfect examples; they add form and texture while keeping the palette serene.

For a focal wall piece, the Karlsson Netherland’s Echelon Circular Wall Clock offers utility and design. To recreate this atmosphere in the bathroom, look for minimal-chic pieces such as Zone Denmark’s Nova series, which brings streamlined elegance to your bathroom. 

Clocks, vases, and accent objects all play a subtle role in Scandinavian styling. Combine them with soft throws, natural textures and uncluttered surfaces to complete the look. Scandinavian design is less about adding and more about curating.

2. Japanese Aesthetic

Japanese homes tend to focus on balance, little imperfections, and a real connection to nature. The goal isn’t to fill a space, but to make sure everything in it feels meaningful and calm. It all comes back to ikigai, finding joy in simple, intentional living, where the beauty comes from having clarity and purpose.

Start by choosing neutral tones, soft finishes, and sculptural accents. The Ume Series by Zone Denmark has a soft, tactile quality that works beautifully in bathrooms. For ambient lighting, pieces like Blomus’s Yuragi Glass and Ceramic Hurricanes bring in that glowing, meditative appeal you find in traditional lanterns.

Wall décor can also anchor your theme. Karlsson Netherlands’ Sensu Wall Clock blends Japanese motifs with modern detailing, while natural elements like the Nippon Hydrangea Faux flowers offer a subtle botanical touch. If you enjoy a bit of artisan charm, add small accents like Enhabit’s Geometric Sailboat Sculpture or dress up your wall with the Karlsson’s Oslo Wood Clock for a warm, handcrafted feel.

Combine these items with soft textiles and uncluttered surfaces, and your space will naturally give the Japanese simplicity ambience that is grounded and incredibly soothing.

3. Middle-Eastern Inspired Glam

If your idea of luxury leans toward gold tones, rich patterns, and sculptural décor, a Middle-Eastern-inspired theme is all you need for instant glam. This style is glamorous but not loud; it is all about craftsmanship, geometry, and an unmistakable sense of hospitality.

Metallic accents are at the heart of this aesthetic. Think of pieces like the Linden Abstract Tiles Sculpture in black and gold, or the Luxor Sculpted Bookends in champagne gold; they’re bold yet elegant. For lighting, lanterns and hurricanes provide a soft, inviting glow. The Annette Glass Hurricanes create that warm, golden ambience reminiscent of Dubai’s luxury interiors.

Functional pieces can also be elevated. The bathroom accessories from Cosmic’s Logic collection bring subtle luxury into everyday rituals. Decorative accents like Artemis Sculpture or Marlowe Owl add personality without overwhelming the room. Even storage can join the theme with the Giza Box in dull gold, perfect for entry tables or coffee tables.

Pair these items with velvety textiles, deep colours, and soft lighting, and your home will carry that effortless Middle Eastern glamour that is rich, warm, and indulgent.

4. Indian Ambience

Indian design is a celebration of colour, craft, and cultural storytelling. It doesn’t have to be ornate to be beautiful; modern Indian styling often blends tradition with easy, everyday warmth. Start with lighting and festive accents. Items like the Maple Glass Hurricane look charming on consoles and prayer corners, while pieces such as Sparkle Crystal Tealight Holders bring in atmospheric, soft light. 

For that apt touch of heritage and sculptural drama in your Indian-themed space, choose statement accents like the Spotted Leopard Sculpture or the bold Geometric Lion Sculptures. In addition, choose from the richly textured, Indian-inspired runners, cushion covers and throws, perfect for bringing warmth, pattern and traditional charm into your space.

Storage can also be styled thoughtfully. The ESQ Living’s Hummingbird Embroidered Storage Basket adds function with a bit of charm. Sculptural candle holders like the Carved Candle Holder in Black & Gold bring in both contrast and tradition.

Layer these pieces with warm textiles, brass touches, and earthy colours, and your home will reflect India’s layered beauty; welcoming, soulful, and full of stories.

5. Tropical Escape

A tropical theme is ideal for anyone who dreams of beaches, greenery, and relaxed island living. It’s all about freshness, leafy prints, organic materials, airy spaces, and nature-inspired accents. 

For décor, accents inspired by island life work beautifully. Pieces such as the Palm Artificial Potted Plant, Coral Turtle Sculpture or the Aqua Coral Decorative Sculpture add a gentle coastal touch without feeling heavy. Additionally, Chantilly Jars or the Monkey Sculptures introduce a playful tropical element that still blends well with modern interiors.

Textiles help tie the look together. The Palm Embroidered Cushion covers bring in just the right amount of greenery. And for everyday use, the Salerno Long Drink Tumblers add refreshing colour to your table, perfect for cool drinks and casual hosting.

The beauty of this theme is that it instantly uplifts a room, perfect for balconies, bedrooms, or living rooms that need a dose of refreshment.

Bringing It All Together

Global décor doesn’t mean copying an aesthetic exactly as it appears in another country. It’s about borrowing ideas, interpreting them for your lifestyle, and creating a home that feels both personal and inspired. Pick a theme that speaks to you, mix in textures and colours that feel natural to your space, and focus on thoughtful, well-crafted pieces. 

And if you’re looking for accents, tableware, or storage items to bring these styles to life, we have plenty of beautifully designed options from around the world, just waiting to find a place in your home.

- Written by Simran Yadav