What if spending time in your home felt a little less mundane and more of a “living your best life” in [insert dreamy destination]? It’s possible, and it doesn’t require pouring tons of cash into a big renovation. Little details can add up quickly, transforming your home into a sanctuary-like retreat that gives even the best five-star resorts a run for their money. Here, interior designers share the home feature updates that can make every summer day feel like a vacation right in your own home.
Meet Our Expert
Cheryl Eisen, interior designer and CEO of IMG NYC in New York City
Related: Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Budget-Friendly Micro-Renos Over Major Remodels Right Now
01 of 07
Natural Materials
Credit: Becca Beers / Ashley Ayer Interiors
Organic, lightweight, and airy textures are favorite choices for resorts and otherwise idyllic destinations. Best of all, you can dial this up or down depending on your budget and the project, says interior designer Ashley Ayer. For example, lightweight drapery billowing against sun-drenched windowpanes, linen throw pillows or bedding, and sculptural wood or rattan decorative items and furniture.
“I always choose lighter colors when creating this serene, resort-like feel for a space,” Ayer says. “Colors that resemble water and beach-like accents will add to the overall feel you are trying to achieve.”
02 of 07
Outdoor Lounging Area
Credit: IMG NYC / Cheryl Eisen
Whether it’s an intimate off-the-bedroom retreat or a poolside hangout for a group, creating a dedicated lounging area can evoke a resort-like feel.
“The formula is simple, but specific,” says Cheryl Eisen, interior designer and CEO of IMG NYC. “A pair (or more) of matching chaise lounges, a statement umbrella for shade, potted topiaries flanking the space for structure and greenery, and a few monogrammed or hotel-style pillows to finish it off.”
It’s the styling more than the square footage that creates the feeling, she adds. This approach can work in a small nook or a sprawling pool deck.
03 of 07
Light-Filled Interiors
Credit: IMG NYC / Cheryl Eisen
Utilizing natural light is a rule right out of the resort playbook. The key, Ayer says, is to use light-filtering textures and light-maximizing materials where you can. Think sheer curtains, floor-to-ceiling windows, large French doors, oversized mirrors that pull natural light deeper into the space, and glass accents that allow sunlight to bounce around the room. “This is how you get that relaxing feeling you’re trying to achieve,” she says.
04 of 07
Oversized Bathtub
Credit: Getty Images
There’s something about a vacation bath ritual that feels so good every time. And that something is probably the oversized bathtub. It beckons you the second you walk through those hotel doors and invites you to linger longer, soak tired muscles, melt away tension, and enjoy some quiet solitude. If a new bathtub isn’t in the budget, then consider a simple bathroom makeover that creates a more inviting, serene space. Fresh plants, earthy details, natural light, and fluffy bath towels all help the cause.
05 of 07
Al Fresco Dining
Credit: IMG NYC / Cheryl Eisen
One of the hallmarks of any vacation destination is the fusion of indoor-outdoor space. “Nothing says vacation quite like a comfortable outdoor space that feels like a luxury resort,” says Jennifer Cataldo, interior designer and founder of Maison Cataldo. One of the best ways to take advantage of the great outdoors is to set up an al fresco dining area.
Consider the ground first. Grass, gravel, concrete, and pavers are all options. From there, add a table, comfortable chairs, and lighting (string lights or a light fixture will do). Cataldo says, “Prioritize comfort over aesthetics alone. Resort spaces are successful because they invite people to linger, so invest in cushions and seating that are genuinely comfortable.”
06 of 07
Wellness Circuit
Credit: Getty Images
If there’s one thing you can count on during the most relaxing vacations, it’s a wellness feature or two that invite you to come, sit, and take a load off. Maybe it’s an indoor sauna that lets you sweat it all out. Or perhaps it’s a cold plunge that sends a jolt of energy through your veins. Another favorite is an outdoor shower or bathtub. Dyckman says, “This can be as simple or as custom as someone wants to make it.”
07 of 07
Outdoor Kitchen
Credit: Archer Shoot / Melissa Dyckman Interiors
This is a bigger renovation, but the payoff translates to ample time spent outdoors, that unmistakable vacation energy, and often increased home value. “An outdoor kitchen creates a natural place to gather, cook, entertain, and enjoy being outside without constantly running back into the house,” says interior designer Melissa Dyckman.
She says that a smaller, more simplified outdoor kitchen can start around $5,000 to $10,000, especially if you’re working near existing utilities. Custom outdoor kitchens complete with built-in appliances, stone or tile finishes, plumbing, lighting and weather-resistant cabinetry can easily range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more.
Read the original article on Real Simple