Vacation homes are fun to design, and they definitely have their own aesthetic. These homes are meant to be your escape from stress and everyday life. The decor must be soothing and cozy, no matter whether the home is lakeside, at the beach, or deep in a mountain hideaway. Here are some of my favorite ways to make a vacation home an oasis from your busy world, showcasing spaces I designed at Figure Eight Island in North Carolina and high in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Let the Location Inspire You

In both the mountain house above and the beach house below, you can see that the palettes and textures were definitely inspired by the outdoor settings. The colors of the mountain ranges are repeated in the living room, along with the rock and wood that is abundant in a woodland setting. The colors of sand and surf head indoors in the living room below, with gorgeous blues and neutrals. Bringing the outdoors in will always create a calm and inviting space.

Avoid the Kitsch

We’ve all been in those beach houses that are covered in lighthouses, rope, and seashells. And while I love all of those things, too much can make the interiors seem like a tourist trap rather than a soothing escape. That goes for plaid and bear motifs in mountain homes, too. I prefer to add chic pieces that my clients love or that look collected rather than kitsch. In the mountain home bar above, those vintage snowshoes are great conversation starters. In the beach house below, the sun hats are not just decor. My clients can use them for their beach walks, too.

Let in the Light

No matter what the location, a great vacation home should let in as much natural light as possible. That will always let you take advantage of the view. But it also lets us reset our body clocks and get back to the natural rhythms of day and night. In our work lives, we are always on the go and tend to ignore good sleep and waking patterns. Vacation time lets us relax back into a healthier way of life.

Keep It Cozy

A home can be just as cozy at the beach as it is in the mountains. It’s about texture and details. The bedrooms should have soft throws and pillows, fantastic rugs on the floors, and lamps to soften the evening light. Extra blankets are key because it can be cool at night, even at the beach. And invest in great mattresses and bedding - you need your sleep in a vacation home just as much as you do at home.

The Great Outdoors

Don’t forget those outdoor spaces - that’s where we tend to spend a lot of time on vacation. Just as you do in indoor rooms, you’ll need lots of seating and tables. I also love outdoor dining, so think about where you can place a dining table and chairs, too, for al fresco meals.

It’s a great time of year for trips to both the mountains and the beach. Use these ideas to create fantastic destinations for your family.

And if you need help creating those homes, contact me and my team!

All the best,

Kara

The Perfect Vacation Home Decor

Let the Location Inspire You

Avoid the Kitsch

Let in the Light

Keep It Cozy

The Great Outdoors