Experts say that COVID-19 is here to stay — albeit an endemic as opposed to a pandemic. The way we live and travel may be changed for the better, and we need to find ways to elevate our home living now because we might not be able to travel as much as we want to for the foreseeable future.
If you want your home to feel like an escape from the stresses of the world, like the relaxing and stunning Airbnb rentals and vacation houses you dream about when you plan your vacation, here are some tricks you can try.
Consider the location of your home.
If your house is by the beach or some other type of serene body of water, then you’ve already won half the battle. Every traveler knows that going on vacation is an immersive experience, so the location of your home will play a big part because every location or state sets various types of expectations. If you’re in a more tropical state, then you might want to capitalize on the warmth by giving emphasis on sunbathing areas and investing in your own pool.
If you’re in a state that tends to be cool all year-round and has harsh winters, then cozy nights spent by the fire will be the priority. Either way, you can’t ignore your location’s natural gifts and blessings, and your vacation home’s design and decor will just have to adjust to them.
Vacation homes can also work in more densely populated cities; just make sure to prioritize privacy through the use of strategic landscaping and fencing. A vacation home must feel like an escape from the real world, and the sounds and chaos of traffic outside can easily take you out of that.
Prioritize openness and common areas.
The pandemic brought on debates about the benefits of an open floor plan against the traditional floor plan, and it was a discussion worth having since we live in a time when making space for social distancing is a must. However, we also can’t deny that there is something about an open floor plan that feels more modern, freeing, and luxurious, especially if you prioritize plenty of seating areas for your big family or multiple guests in the future.
This can be achieved through sectional sofas that can fit a lot of people, as well as bar seating in your kitchen so that you can entertain guests or your family members even while prepping a nice meal for them. You can use a gorgeous fireplace as the center of your living room to instantly add a touch of warmth and character to your space. If you must design around a big screen, consider placing it above a console, in a built-in, or on a dark wall. You can also disguise it as a piece of artwork by placing a frame around it.
Incorporate touches of luxury.
If we’re being honest, one of the biggest reasons we go on vacations is to experience touches of luxury since we never get to do so at home. But with the right furniture and fixtures, there’s no reason why your home can’t be a place of comfort and luxury, like a grand escape you never want to leave.
Make sure to build a room around specific materials like granite, marble, and even real woods. The flooring will also play a big part, and depending on what look you’re going for, like hybrid flooring, which combines the best characteristics of vinyl and laminate; hardwood floors, which are a classic for a reason; ceramic tiles, which can provide you with plenty of options; marble, which automatically elevates the look of any room; and many others.
These ultra-luxe options are not just limited to hotels or commercial flooring anymore; if you want your home to feel and look like a vacation home, gorgeous yet durable flooring is a must. Bathroom fixtures can also play a big role in giving your home a luxury upgrade.
Choose elegant and understated themes.
When we say theme, we don’t mean overdone themes or ideas. They can work in a nursery or a kid’s room, but not for an elegant vacation house. If you must go with a theme, choose serene color palettes and decor that’s easy on the eyes. Resist the temptation to go full ham on overdone themes like safari or surfing to avoid cheapening the look.
Our homes are the best place to invest right now. Give yourself permission to enjoy the place you will be staying at for a long time.