There’s something special about a summer vacation. The moment you arrive at your Airbnb or VRBO, it’s like stepping into another version of life — one that’s simpler, calmer, and just… better. You walk into a beautifully curated space, drop your bags, and instantly feel at ease. The furniture is thoughtfully chosen, the lighting is warm and inviting, and the outdoor space feels like a little slice of paradise.
But then vacation ends. You return home, and suddenly your everyday surroundings don’t feel quite as inspiring. You find yourself missing the natural textures, the flow of the space, the peaceful colors — and you start to wonder, why can’t my home feel like that all the time?
The good news is: it can. You don’t need to wait for another trip to feel that sense of ease. Now is the perfect time to remodel your space and bring your vacation home with you.
Start with the Feel of Summer Vacation, Not Just the Look
Think about what you loved most about your vacation home. Was it the abundance of natural light? The open-concept kitchen? The calming color palette? The oversized deck with lounge seating?
Start by making a list of what made that space feel special to you. Remodeling is not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that feels the way you want to feel every day.
1. Open Up Your Living Space
Most vacation homes lean into open, airy layouts that make gathering easy. If your current layout feels cramped or closed off, consider knocking down non-load-bearing walls to open up the flow between your kitchen, dining, and living areas. An open floor plan encourages connection, allows for more natural light, and makes your home feel instantly more inviting.
2. Incorporate Natural Materials and Textures
Vacation rentals often rely on natural textures — think wood beams, linen curtains, jute rugs, and rattan accents — to create a calm, earthy vibe. Incorporating these into your home can completely change the tone of your space. Swap out heavy drapes for light, breezy fabrics. Choose wood or wood-look flooring, or add accent pieces made from natural materials like bamboo, leather, or stone.
3. Upgrade Your Bathroom into a Spa Retreat
Vacation bathrooms are often one of the biggest highlights — rainfall showers, soaking tubs, soft lighting, and plush towels. Turn your bathroom into a retreat with updated tile work, better lighting, and luxurious fixtures. Heated floors, a frameless glass shower, or even just a deep soaking tub can make your daily routine feel more like a getaway.
4. Bring the Outdoors In
Whether it was morning coffee on the patio or evenings around a fire pit, outdoor spaces often play a huge role in your vacation experience. Think about how you can replicate that. Could you add French doors that open onto a deck? Install a retractable screen for your porch? Create an outdoor kitchen, string up bistro lights, or add a pergola with lounge seating?
Even if you’re working with a small space, simple upgrades like potted plants, a water feature, or new patio furniture can make your backyard feel like a true extension of your home.
5. Calm Color Palettes Make a Big Impact
Neutral, coastal, or earthy palettes dominate in vacation homes for a reason — they’re relaxing. Bring that same serenity into your own home by repainting walls in soft whites, light grays, calming blues, or muted greens. Consider natural wood finishes instead of glossy cabinets, or matte black hardware for a modern, grounded feel.
6. Focus on Function and Comfort
One thing vacation homes do well is eliminate clutter. Every item has a purpose, and there’s often plenty of storage tucked away. Now’s a great time to invest in built-ins, functional furniture (like storage benches or ottomans), and better closet systems. Focus on creating a space that’s easy to maintain, with comfort built in at every turn.
Your Vacation Vibe, All Year Long
Remodeling your home to reflect the best parts of your vacation experience isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that supports how you want to feel. Whether that’s more relaxed, more connected, or more inspired, your home should reflect that.
You don’t have to wait for summer to feel like you’re on vacation. With the right remodeling choices, you can bring the vibe, style, and comfort of your favorite getaway into your everyday life.
So if you’ve been dreaming of a space that feels like your favorite summer vacation — now’s the time to make it happen.
