In today’s competitive holiday market, guests choose comfort and stylish properties. They have gone beyond the traditional and impersonal hotel stay. They want the feel of home.
When a client is looking for holiday properties to stay in with their friends and family, they look out for properties that have a light modern style. Their first impression will without a doubt, be through the photos that are posted and how your house looks like. If they like what they see, they will most likely inquire on availability.
If you already own a holiday home that needs some updating/ simple touch-up or in the process of buying one soon, think about how you will want it decorated and furnished. Remember, this will have a major impact between having repeat guests and increasing your rental income – or not.
We realize that for some, this can be a difficult task, but home styling can also be lots of fun!
Where to begin…
Our advice is that you first think about the current look that your own holiday home has and how you would like it changed. Next, look at photos of some more recent and popular holiday houses and what their décor looks like.
The trend today is white-on-white interiors. Why? Because it makes your holiday home look summery, simple, more spacious and with a crisp clean look.
Let’s start out by each division…
Kitchens: small details go a long way
Kitchen – Most houses today have kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling. If your house has lower cabinets, however, place a few scattered traditional coloured ceramics on top to create an impact, but don’t clutter. Just enough to catch the eye. On counters, place one or two (not too big) baskets with some flowers/plants or fresh fruit to give it a warm welcome look.
Bright living rooms create a cosy ambience
Living room – If your curtains are heavy, try substituting these with some that are lightweight and in white. Add ceiling rails (this type of rail will make the wall seem taller). White curtains make any window seem softer and provides a touch of privacy to any room. It’s enough to lift any ambience and space. Place some green plants with eye catching pots (in natural fiber, looks great and are trendy!) by a large window or if your window is not big enough, just below it.
If your furniture is darker, add a few accents of neutral furniture - an elegant but comfortable cream chaise-longue with some bright coloured cushions (don’t be afraid to mix geometrics with florals) and an equally light coloured armchair facing the chaise-longue, or near its’ side with a small but stylish side table. It will create a cozy area where friends and family can easily gather and talk. It’s also functional as it adds seating. Adding a soft coloured lamp nearby creates the final evening ambience. By placing some white flowers and books on the coffee table (and throughout the house), the ambience becomes lighter and comfortable.
Replace the older looking wall pictures, with some fun neutral coloured pictures – sand, creams, greens and practically all different shades of blues. Walls will seem refreshed.
Bedrooms that will “wow” your guests
Bedroom(s) – For the master bedroom, try neutral warm colours - soft yellows, stone and greens. No matter what type of furniture you already have, these shades blend in beautifully with any style and are an invitation to a restful and relaxed sleep. If you’re on a budget and prefer not to change the furniture, simply substitute the decorative throws and cushions. Add a splash of any neutral colour above – can be paint or an attractive patterned wallpaper, on the wall behind the headboard to give the room that WOW look. A long cream coloured rug coming out from underneath the bed, adds comfort. If possible, upgrade your side table lamps to a simple creamy coloured with soft light. Place an armchair by the window so that you have a reading area with natural sunlight. Again, we suggest having white lightweight curtains in here as well.
Inside the other bedroom(s), if possible, always have 2 individual beds that can be pushed together when necessary. A long, padded headboard that shares both beds and a stylish but simple, side table in between these. Choose an elegant side lamp with a soft light. The decorative throws and cushions should again be in a soft neutral colour and a large rug that shares both beds. Alternatively, one single brighter coloured rug in between. Place an equally bright coloured shelf on the opposite wall which can be used for additional storage by adding some natural fibre boxes. A corner full length foot mirror will add depth and make your guest or family member feel that you’ve thought of everything for their comfort!
Bathrooms with style
Bathroom(s) – Just by adding a colourful shelve or a bright small corner stool, your bathroom will look different and functional. For bathrooms where there is lack of storage space, this can be a blessing! Placing some nautical/rope/natural fibre accessories (goes great with a beach décor!) will also make the bathroom seem cheerful. If there’s enough wall space, hanging a long mirror will bring light and depth into this area.
Even if your holiday home is only used during a short period of time, small and inexpensive changes can make a huge difference!
Have fun!
Comments