After you’ve purchased a vacation home comes the fun part; decorating! The decorating process is very similar to decorating your own home, however, there are a few things to consider, like factoring the location, opting for functional furniture, building a budget and staying consistent. Here’s what you should know about decorating a vacation home before you lift a paintbrush or purchase a new sofa.
1. Build a budget
First thing’s first. Be realistic. Sure, we all have a wishlist, but being honest about your decorating budget will save you from feeling guilty about certain splurges in the future. Figure out a realistic amount of what you plan to spend, then create your decorating plan. This includes determining the vacation home floor plan, adding extras like new floors or wallpaper, as well as light fixtures and other items like artwork. Do your best to shop around and compare similar items in a variety of different stores. You may find a deal or a discount at a retailer you might have second-guessed. It is also important to prioritize your purchases.
2. Factor in your location
Taking time to factor in the location of your vacation home is essential when decorating it, both inside and out. Beachside abodes are almost always complemented by coastal styles while a rustic look works well in mountain cabins. Now, you don’t have to go overboard with a thematic look, however, design experts suggest bringing in colors, textures and other design elements into your vacation home that are found naturally around its location. Consider adding features like an electric fireplace for a cozy feel in the mountains, and in beachy areas an outdoor shower would be a great addition for rinsing off sandy feet. Additionally, you can always take a look at other vacation homes in the surrounding area to see how others have decorated their spaces.
3. Think functional furniture
If your vacation home is on the smaller side, consider maximizing the space by decorating with functional furniture. Instead of an oversized couch, opt for sectionals with built-in storage, that way you can hide everyday items such as throw blankets and decorative pillows when they’re not in use. Some multifunctional furniture items have height-adjustable features that can be used as a coffee table, desk or console table. For your bedrooms, incorporate space-saving storage options such as a bed with drawers underneath. These drawers can hold extra or seasonal clothes, toys, books and more.
4. Consistency is key
Just like your home, your vacation home should be decorated and designed with a consistent theme in mind. Choose a color scheme that flows from room to room, not too bold or opposite from colors used elsewhere in the vacation home. You can do this by following the 10-30-60 rule. This rule applies to the colors used throughout the space. For example, 60 percent of the space may be a neutral gray, 30 percent may be a navy blue and 10 percent may be an accent color such as yellow. Additionally, the decor items in your vacation home should mirror each other. This doesn’t mean that they have to be the same, rather pulled from the same type of aesthetic.
Vacation homes are a great way to have fun with interior design, you can incorporate fun colors and design themes, decorate with playful decor items and much more. How will you decorate your vacation home?