How a vacation home differs from a primary home
A vacation home is used differently from the place you live every day. It may sit empty for weeks, host groups of family and friends, face harsh weather, and sometimes be rented out. These factors affect almost every decision: materials, storage, layout and even how much you buy.
The design goal is usually twofold: it should feel like an escape, and it should be easy to arrive at, use and leave.
Choose a design approach
Designers commonly describe two directions, and you can combine them.
Reflect the architecture and location. Let the building and setting guide you. A beach house may draw on blues, sandy neutrals and natural fibres; a lake or mountain cabin may use wood, stone, wool and cosy fireplaces. Local art, regional materials and colours taken from the landscape help the house feel rooted in its place.
Make it personal. Your vacation home can be where you indulge a different taste from your main home. If you love to entertain, prioritise a large table, a bar area and generous outdoor seating. If you want quiet, a reading nook and good light may matter more.
How you plan to use the home should decide which direction leads.
Pick durable materials and fabrics
It is tempting to assume a rarely used home can have delicate finishes. In practice, many designers suggest the opposite, because a vacation home often faces sun, humidity, sand, snow, salt air and busy guests.
- Upholstery. Look for performance fabrics or stain-resistant, washable options (see fabrics and textiles in interior design). Slipcovers are practical because they can be removed and laundered.
- Flooring. Choose finishes that tolerate sand, wet feet or boots. Check manufacturers’ guidance for moisture-prone areas, and see flooring in interior design for options.
- Furniture. Solid, simple pieces generally outlast delicate ones. Outdoor-rated furniture is useful on porches and decks.
- Rugs. Flat-weave, washable or natural-fibre rugs can handle traffic and are easier to clean or replace.
- Window treatments. Fabric that can fade in strong sun may need a lining or a more durable material.
Plan for guests: sleeping, storage and seating
- Flexible sleeping. Bunk beds, daybeds, sofa beds or trundles help a small house sleep more people.
- Storage. Baskets, closed cabinets and built-in storage keep linens, games and equipment tidy between visits.
- Seating. A sectional or several smaller seating groups can accommodate gatherings. Consider extra stools or benches that tuck away.
- Bedding. Quality, washable bedding and spare sets make turnover easier.
- Kitchen. Equip it for the way you cook, with enough plates and glasses for a full house, but avoid overbuying.
Colours that feel elevated
People often ask what colour makes a house look expensive. There is no definitive answer, and taste varies, but calm, cohesive palettes tend to look polished. Soft whites, warm neutrals, muted greens and blues, and deeper tones used sparingly can all work. Consistency matters more than any specific shade: limit the palette, repeat colours, and vary texture so the scheme does not look flat.
Coastal living room mistakes to avoid
If your vacation home is by the sea, a few common pitfalls come up:
- Theme overload. Anchors, shells, starfish and nautical signs in every corner can feel like a cliché. Choose one or two subtle references.
- All-white with no texture. Pale schemes need layers such as linen, rattan, wood and woven rugs to avoid feeling cold.
- Ignoring salt and sun. Metal finishes, fabrics and wood can weather quickly near the coast, so choose materials suited to the climate.
- Delicate fabrics. Sandy feet and swimwear are likely; pick washable options.
- Heavy furniture. Bulky, dark pieces can undermine the light, relaxed feel.
- Blocking views. Arrange seating to take advantage of the view and natural light.
Styling with the 3-5-7 rule
The 3-5-7 rule is a common styling suggestion to group decorative objects in odd numbers, such as three, five or seven. It is a guideline rather than a requirement. On a console or shelf, try three objects of different heights and textures, such as a driftwood piece, a ceramic bowl and a small lamp, and leave breathing space around them. Keeping decor limited also makes the house easier to clean and reset between guests.
Outdoor spaces and bringing the outdoors in
Many vacation homes are defined by their outdoor areas. Consider a covered seating area, outdoor dining, and a spot for coats, towels and gear near the door. Choose weather-resistant furniture and low-maintenance landscaping. Indoors, large windows, natural materials, and views framed with light curtains help connect inside and out.
Practical touches for an often-empty house
- Keep a simple arrival kit: spare keys, a guide to appliances and local information
- Consider smart locks, thermostats or sensors so you can monitor the property remotely
- Make sure fireplaces, heating and any safety devices are checked regularly by professionals where appropriate
- Store seasonal items, such as winter blankets, in labelled bins. Our guide to fall interior design layering offers ideas for adding warmth when the weather changes, and our article on getting your home ready for spring is a useful reference for seasonal opening checks.
A cautious note on current style
It is hard to name one definitive decorating style for 2026, since sources differ. Themes that keep appearing include natural materials, warm neutrals, and comfortable, lived-in rooms. For a vacation home, timeless choices that suit the location typically age better than strictly trend-led ones.
FAQ
What is the 3-5-7 rule in decorating? It is a guideline to group objects in odd numbers for a balanced look.
What colour makes a house look expensive? Cohesive, restrained palettes with varied textures usually look the most polished. No single colour guarantees it.
What mistakes should I avoid in a coastal living room? Overusing themed decor, skipping texture, choosing fragile fabrics, and ignoring salt and sun exposure.
Should I use white furniture in a vacation home? Only if it is washable or covered with slipcovers. Many designers prefer durable, forgiving fabrics.