Design Your Ideal Vacation Home
So you’re buying, inheriting, or rehabbing a vacation home, and you’d like to make it your own. As a designer of many years and many homes, read on for my top tips on key questions to ask yourself to create the vacation home of your dreams.
Vision and Functionality
- What is the feeling you want for your vacation home? Relaxing? Fun and playful? Luxurious? Consider gathering keywords or inspirational photos onto a mood board to help guide your choices.
- Who will use your vacation home? Just you and your partner? Extended family? Multigenerational groups? Will you AirBnB or VRBO when you’re not there? Factor in age ranges and accessibility needs.
- How often will you be using it? Weekend getaways or longer stays will influence furniture and fabric choices for durability.
- What activities will you do there? Entertaining? Cooking elaborate meals? Relaxing by the pool reading a book? Design the space to support these activities.
- How much maintenance are you comfortable with? Leather furniture looks good, but is it ideal if the house is empty much of the year, or being rented out?
Budget and Logistics
- Have you set a realistic budget for the entire project? This includes designer fees, furniture, decor, and any potential renovations.
- Are there existing pieces of furniture or decor you want to incorporate? Tell me about these so I can integrate them into your design.
- How long is the project timeline? Influenced by the designer’s availability, lead time for furniture, and any potential construction. This is something I can really help with, because I’m knowledgeable about lead times, and I often have relationships that can help move the process along.
- Will you be managing the project remotely or locally? If remote, discuss how the designer will handle communication and onsite needs. I’m available to meet remotely or socially distanced, in person.
Location and Sustainability
- What is the climate at your vacation home? This affects material choices for furniture, flooring, and window treatments.
- Does the location have any design considerations? Beachfront property might need rust-resistant furniture or special flooring, for example.
- Are there local artisans or sustainable materials you’d like to incorporate? Supporting local businesses and eco-friendly choices can enhance your vacation home’s character.
By reflecting on these questions before meeting with an interior designer, you’ll have a clearer vision for your dream vacation home and a smoother collaboration with your pro.
Kimball Starr designs for first and second homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a remote or socially-distant in-person consultation.
