From cave diving with sharks in the Bahamas, to touring ancient Egyptian burial sites, designer Tom Stringer always takes the path less traveled for inspiration. Now the public can follow along in his latest book, An Adventurous Life: Global Interiors by Tom Stringer.
Part design tome, part travelogue (complete with Stringer’s stunning photography of his trips), the book explores how to create a home for those prone to wanderlust. For tips on reflecting your own Indiana Jones-esque lifestyle, check out these pointers from the designer.
Firsthand
Never accept imitation when you can celebrate the original. Stringer often honors traditional artisans in his projects, whether that involves installing reclaimed Turkish doors into new construction, or commissioning craftsman in Bali to build a pool pavilion with customary accents. When discovering any piece that reflects an indigenous tradition, “I make sure the piece finds its way into the appropriate situation,” says Stringer.
Sightseeing
There’s no need for the white-glove treatment when displaying your collected treasures. Instead, Stringer argues for “introducing objects into a home without turning it into a museum.” Take, for example, incorporating an antique Indian marble elephant into a modern table, or using a vintage, Syrian mother-of-pearl chest to conceal a TV.
Common Ground
Places sharing similar climates make great candidates for cultural exchange. Inspired by a trip to Morocco with his clients, Stringer composed a Miami-meets-Marrakesh mood for their South Florida home. Pairing geometric Art Deco silhouettes with Moorish motifs, Stringer creates a style well-suited for warmer climes.
In The Mood
Forget crowding your collection on dusty shelves. By emphasizing materials, color and form, staging an eclectic mix of art objects from around the world can create surprising harmony. That’s how a vintage Jens Rison walnut-and-lacquer console makes the perfect counterpoint to delicately carved African walking sticks.
