Vacation homes offer a strange paradox: A calming oasis away from the daily grind often accompanied by a sad trombone sound effect as soon as you unlock the front door.
For something billed as a life’s achievement, why are these second homes often saddled with such ugly decor?
“The biggest mistake I see with vacation homes is that they look outdated,” she says. “Some seem like the last time anybody put any love into it was when they bought it.”
Luckily, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune to decorate your vacation home so that it looks fresh, modern, and most importantly, appealing to visitors (or, eventually, buyers). Here are a few tips and tricks to get you there.
1. Don’t overspend on a (clichéd) theme
Photo by Kukk Architecture & Design P.A.
You know what we’re talking about: The beach house that’s decked out in floor-to-ceiling seashells. The ski lodge that has old snowshoes and tacky, bear-themed decor in every room. The lake house with the talking fish on the wall.
Not only does this stuff make your vacation home look banal, it’s also surprisingly expensive to go full-theme throughout your place. You’ll spend a bundle loading up on accouterments that no vacationer is seeking out.
“I have never been a fan of seashells and seahorses covering every last inch of a space in a home,” says Nicole Peters, interior designer and owner of Modern Beach House in Kitty Hawk, NC. “I thought it was because I grew up on the beach, but as I got older, I realized it wasn’t the seashells: It was really anything in excess.”
Of course, you can still highlight a theme—just don’t take it so literally.
“Instead, make subtle references to the location and its natural surroundings through color and textures,” suggests Carmina Roth, an interior designer in Greenwich, CT. “Hang a mirror with a mother-of-pearl frame in a beach house, or use lots of wools and natural wood finishes in a mountain retreat.
“Instead of a ‘Welcome to our lake house’ sign,” Tayte recommends finding a vintage geographical map of the area and putting it in a frame.
It looks great, is a perfect keepsake, and best of all, won’t blow your budget.
What to buy: Palm Springs California Illustrated Travel Map, $20; Pier 1 Ivory Mother-of-Pearl Mirror, $169; Wayfair Cole & Grey 3 Piece Wood Tray Set, $56
2. Let the paint do the talking
Photo by Inside Story Photography
After you’ve ditched the knick-knacks, you can save money and get that vacation vibe with a coat of paint instead.
“A beach house, mountain cabin, or lake house can … set the tone with colors and textures,” Peters says. “And then add a nautical pop here and there.”
Tayte agrees: “Bringing the colors of the outside to the inside and adding complementary colors against them is always a beautiful and easy way to stay within a subtle, understated ‘theme,'” she says.
What to buy: In a lake house, try painting with Benjamin Moore Stonington Grey and adding a pop of Benjamin Moore Lake Placid.
In a mountain cabin with wooden features, try a linen white, like PPG Crisp Linen White, with pops of a red like PPG Autumn Ridge to round out the look.
A sandy beige like Sherwin Williams Playa Arenosa would look amazing in a beach house with a bright accent wall in Sherwin Williams Adriatic Sea.
3. Light up the outdoor space
Photo by Distinguished Pools
Even if you’re on a limited budget, don’t neglect the outdoor space; that’s often where everyone will spend most of their time.
“Adding some cafe lights instantly transforms any outdoor space, and you can find them at just about any retail market,” Peters says. “Also use the earth—plant a row of beach grass or box ferns that can also serve as a barrier separating a space.”
Make sure your outdoor space is outfitted with the right furniture, too—your guests will need a place to kick back on those warm summer nights. Funds quickly running out? There’s no shame in going DIY.
“The Bohemian look for beach houses is so in right now, and it’s fairly easy to achieve by just building your own furniture out of scrap wood,” Peters says. “It doesn’t have to look perfect, and the more rustic the better.”
What to buy: Wayfair Birch Lane 15 Light Globe String Lights, $188
4. Scale back on the interior furniture
Photo by Houzz
While you don’t want to skimp on outdoor furniture, it’s OK to keep it light inside. You shouldn’t sink your entire budget into expensive furniture sets. Instead, feel free to mix and match—you can find reasonably priced pieces from online retailers like Chairish, CB2, and even IKEA, Roth says.
“Create simple, but eclectic rooms with lots of personality,” Roth recommends.
Then, figure out where you can scale back: Do you really need huge dressers for short stays? Nightstands are a nice touch, but can be accomplished with a shelf above the bed and a reading lamp attached to the wall.
Comfortable beds and couches are non-negotiable, though.
“Don’t fall into the looks-great-feels-uncomfortable trap,” Roth says. “This is should be your happy place.”
Instead, save your cash on beautiful bedding that’s easy to clean. “White towels and sheets are a must,” Tayte says. “And buy lots of extras.”
And whatever you do, don’t haul in leftover furniture from your primary home.
“If you didn’t like something in your main house, it probably isn’t going to bring you joy in your weekend retreat either,” Roth says.
What to buy: IKEA Tarva Bed Frame, $179; IKEA RANARP Wall Clamp Spotlight, $20; Target Threshold Solid Ultra Soft Accent Bath Towels, $9
5. Change out the hardware
It might not be the first thing you’d think about in a vacation rental, but Peters swears by this tiny upgrade.
“It’s amazing what adding some cool modern pulls to an outdated kitchen cabinet or changing out the interior doorknobs can do,” she says. “This instantly gives it a fresh look without spending a ton.”
What to buy: IKEA Stainless Steel VINNA Handle, $10