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Design for Travelers: Boutiques, Objects & the People Who Make Them
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Scandinavian living room seen from above, with a bent-wood pendant lamp, round oak dining table and curved sofas

Design for Travelers: Boutiques, Objects & the People Who Make Them

Design is how we read a city, and the person behind the counter usually has the best tips. So we cover it through people: Dzmitry Samal on the Paris boutiques he actually visits, Berlin's vintage archives walked rather than listed, and a Danish lounge chair you can actually sit in.

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Our most-read guides in this section

A handful of editor-chosen articles to start with — the ones we keep sending people to.

From our writers

Design through the makers

Dzmitry Samal, SAMAL DESIGNFounder of SAMAL DESIGN, Paris
“The way I use glasses is nothing to do with my eyes. Eyewear changes a face; it is the fastest piece of design a person can wear.”
in From Renault cars to Paris eyewear
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Locals Insider TeamLifestyle Influencer in Berlin
“Berlin's vintage archives sit on the ground floors of apartment buildings, which is why the good ones are found on foot.”
in Berlin's vintage archives and concept stores
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From the 2026 lists

Shops worth the detour

Eight concept stores across four cities, each checked against its live listing — addresses, opening days, and what makes it worth the walk.

Off the beaten path

Not-so-obvious picks

Two of our most-read editorial deep dives in this category.

Object · Editor's pick

Teenage Engineering's wooden Choir: the gadget you don't need until you hear it

Eight wooden dolls that sing — each a voice, together a choir. Made in Stockholm, useless in every practical sense, and one of the few objects that makes a room go quiet when it starts.

Locals Insider Team

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FOLDABLE-BAG-clatch fashion
Fashion · Travel object

Martine Rose's foldable bag — fashion's DHL moment

A bag designed to be flattened and shipped, then unfolded on arrival. The kind of object that belongs in a hub about travel and design equally.

  • Martine Rose foldable bag
  • Ferm Living Rico lounge chair
  • SAMAL DESIGN eyewear
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Browse the archive

More design articles

Design category - it is where we explore the best hidden local design shops and showcase unique finds. From handcrafted lamps and wool vests to statement accessories and bespoke home décor, discover inspiring pieces from around the world that redefine style.

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@locals_insider Follow us for field notes from the road Photos, places, and short dispatches from our writers — between articles. Follow on Instagram →