When it comes to vacation home design, the overdone interior elements need not apply. Seashell motifs. Gaudy cabin-style décor. Coastal clichés awash in a predictable blue and white palette.

As with your primary abode, your vacation home also deserve well-thought design decisions. In this article we list five decorative ideas to turn your home away from home into a practical, comforting, yet stylish space.

Multitasking furniture

A vacation home is intended to accommodate other guests apart from its primary dwellers. On that note, it is a good home design idea to have multitasking furniture. Firstly, ensure that you have ample sleeping space—and we’re not just talking about the number of bedrooms nor futons. Stylish bunk beds; a classic Murphy Bed; or even an ottoman like Bo Concept’s Xtra Stool, which folds out into a single bed are all great options, not to mention space-saving solutions, for when you need to sleep guests.

An extendable table is another useful addition to your vacation home. When needed for entertaining or to accommodate activities like arts and crafts with the kids or meal prepping for a family lunch, an extendable table easily expands for more surface area to work with. No need to reach out for unsightly fold out plastic tables.

Hardy furniture and decor

Aesthetically-pleasing vacation home design is useless if your furniture and decor cannot withstand the elements. This is especially true for beach-side vacation homes where the salty air can wreck havoc on pieces ill-suited to such environs.

For example, when choosing pillow cases for your outdoor seating, look for performance fabrics designed for outdoor use. Some examples of these durable fabrics include: olefin, nylon, polyester, and acrylic. Sunbrella, which was developed in the 1960s, is another popular performance fabric that is resilient enough for home exterior use.

When it come so furniture, on the other hand, look for materials that can withstand humidity, sunlight, and salty ocean air. Some excellent options include durable teak, stainless steel, synthetic resins (also known as Poly / HDPE lumber), and aluminum.

Décor that doubles as entertainment

A stunning glass chess set that also serves as tabletop décor. Metallic playing cards like this stunning piece from Tiffany. A marbled Tic Tac Toe set. Keep your guests entertained with items that are functional yet still contributes to the visual interest of your space.

Store items in style

That said, your collection of board games, books, and kids toys can still find their rightful place in your vacation home through proper storage. Look beyond the usual plastic containers and pay special attention to your storage choices. These too can double as décor.  Woven jute boxes make it easy to stow away items when not in use. Wild card items like a powder-coated locker or even a  vintage index card cabinet can also go beyond storing the original items they were intended to house.

Explore design styles

Finally, your vacation home provides an opportunity for you to explore design styles that are different from your main home. If your residence has a more brutalist, modern aesthetic, your beach house, say, can benefit from more natural materials that take inspiration from its environment. Think light wood and rattan furniture, acacia décor, and potted plants that bring the outdoors in.

Also read: How can plants can benefit your mental health. Click here to learn more!

On the other hand, if your primary residence has tropical-inspired interiors, your vacation home could be an opportunity to explore a sleek aesthetic with clean lines, mid-century modern furniture, and a pared down color palette.

Need more help in desigining your vacation house? Inquire with us today at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!