When someone buys a vacation home their primary goal should be to create a well-planned place to regularly escape the everyday stresses of life. It should be filled with opportunity for fun, adventure, comfort and relaxation.
If you are considering purchasing a second home, start by evaluating the bones of the home. What can stay and what has to go? Before you discard a piece, ask yourself, can it be re-purposed with a fresh coat of paint and used in another room? For instance, an ugly mirror may be repainted a great lacquer color and be a focal point in a bathroom or bedroom.
Usually a new coat of paint is the least expensive but most impactful way to brighten and freshen up a home. When considering decor needs think about your location. Is it a beach, lake, mountains or desert home? Consider colors of the terrain and incorporate them in your decor. Remove the clutter. No one wants to dust a bunch of nick-knacks while on a relaxing getaway.
Assess the overhead lighting. We love chandeliers at Kat Nelson Designs. It provides a big bang at eye level. A common "decorating error" is only addressing areas below eye level . Consider the space at and above eye-level. It will pay off!
Next, scour your primary home for duplicates of items you may have in storage. But don't use your 2nd home as a dumping ground for old and tired belongings. Again, keeping the primary goal of creating a space that will be used as an instant retreat for a relaxing getaway.
Living Room- When considering how to decorate a living room make sure your furniture is well constructed. It doesn't have to be expensive but it needs to sit well and have durable fabrics. I usually convince my clients with rental property or well-loved homes to purchase upholstery that comes with Sunbrella slipcovers. These can be washed or replaced if ever damaged, without having to dump the entire piece. Provide ottomans to put your feet up....isn't that what it's all about...putting your feet up? Make sure you have at least one well-lit reading nook.
Provide storage for books, videos and games for those rainy afternoons.
Ensure there is at least one piece of original art as a focal point. We love incorporating local artists or local scenery. Too many things on the walls add to the clutter of the overall room. Allow your eye to have resting spaces.
Dining Rooms- Buy the largest table you can fit. Provide a bench and side chairs (arm chairs take up too much space) to supply the perfect meeting place for all to crowd in for games and dinners. Remember outdoor spaces are so important and unfortunately one of the most overlooked areas. Grungy, old furniture sets a negative tone for the house. Your outdoor space should be an extension of the indoor living. Furniture should be stylish and comfortable. Yes, it may need to be replaced every few years if its rental, but you and your guests will appreciate being able to extend their time outdoors during their get-a-way.
Bedrooms/Baths- Buy the best mattresses you can afford. Everyone wants a good night sleep while away on Holiday, including you. White linens and towels are best. Install hooks everywhere and lots of them! Remove towel bars and replace with hooks. Add hooks in side walls of closets. Bathing suits, beach towels, hats. Etc. all need a place to go to keep clutter free. Don't make any room too "childish" for the flexibility of guests both old and young.
Personalizing- make it your own. Make sure you have what personal luxuries you love in the home. Is it a favorite blanket, pillow, or sheets? Candle? I love incorporating a "wall of fame" My good friend, Jessica, did this best at her beach home. Take pictures of your family and friends over the years and print them (yes, print them!) and frame them in similar frames over a large visible wall. The wall tells a beautiful story over years in the home.
Please contact Kat Nelson Designs for your next second home project. We are able to manage everything from construction/renovation, furnishings, to sheets and towels. Of course, if you are interested in info on some of our featured properties, please let us know. We'd be happy to provide the owner contact info. ( Please see Featured Projects for examples of some of the suggestions in Need To Know.)