How to Make Your Home Feel Like You’re on Vacation

Written by: Nicole Arnold - Nicole Arnold Interiors

Vacation may be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the benefits of vacation life when you’re at home. There are plenty of design tips and tricks that will help you create a “vacation getaway” in the comfort of your own home. From “living” wallpaper to a spa-like bathroom, as well as soothing seaside color palettes and textures.

When this post originally published in 2018, we couldn't fathom the changes and craziness that COVID-19 brought our way, but now more than ever we need some good interior design tips/inspiration and some other fun activities while we're being safe and enjoying more time with our families.

Drift Away at Home

I love to use natural textures when designing homes. Driftwood is a great option for home accessories, and creates a vacation vibe when paired with natural wood furniture pieces or wood flooring. When it comes to accents, think light and organic with elements like wicker chairs and tables, or even a bamboo chandelier. Plus, an authentic East Coast vacation always incorporates nubby textures. I love to incorporate them in pillows, throw rugs or as an accent wall. Keep the room East Coast fresh with white accents, basketry influences and light wood furniture.

Keep Drifting Outdoors

Don't just stop drifting away to the beach indoors. You can take those East Coast vibes outdoors to your patio space. Incorporate the colors and textures of the Driftwood into our outdoor furniture - wicker is perfect for that. Adding outdoor seating or some Adirondack chairs will have you feeling the cool ocean breeze of the Maine coastline while practicing your finest Boston accent.

Try “Living Wallpaper”

You can create a stunning “natural wall” with traditional wallpaper in botanical prints, or get creative by hanging plants in front of a white wall and adding additional plants on shelving and potted on the floor. Then, keep the rest of the room simple with natural hues of white, green and khaki. Speaking of an earthy escape, the color green has proven to be a Zen and calming color that reminds us of all things natural. I love green walls — in a variety of hues from the lightest mint to a major pop of vivid Greenery (Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018). Green also pairs well with various brown wood tones and, of course, bright white.

Care for Your Indoor Plants

Bringing in some oversized plants into your home incorporates the green/natural colors mentioned earlier and can create that "fancy resort" feeling you've grown to enjoy on vacations. Caring for those plants doesn't have to be hard through. Learn more from this comprehensive Indoor Plant Care Guide.

Soak It In

Does anything say vacation more than a spa-like bathroom? Think floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a free-standing soaking tub, a rain shower head and plenty of plants. I even love adding a plant in the shower — maybe a succulent or a fern — for an extra dose of tropical chic. To bring this spa theme full circle, trade in your hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash bottles for a set of beautifully designed and refillable bottles that match the décor of your space.

Relax at Home at Your Spa

Creating a spa like space in your home is easier said than done. We can certainly guide you with a virtual consultation to show you just how to design and create that experience. In the meantime, a few simple masques or bath salts, a glass of wine, some soothing music, and an eye mask can help you envision that you're at some luxurious spa while on vacation. Learn more about how to make your own At Home Masques & Bath Salt Recipes.

Create a Seaside Escape at Home

You can create a tranquil seaside escape in any room of your home. For the living room, try a new hue of blue upholstered furniture for an unexpected update. Keep the blue tone calm and relaxing, like cerulean, then accessorize with other calming colors and prints (think light and soothing watercolors). Your bathroom can also feel like a trip to the ocean with a deep soaking tub, turquoise tiles and, of course, tranquil blue walls. Simple wood and white accents — as well as some coral, sand dollars or driftwood — help create your own beachy escape.

Bring the Beach to Your Pool

If you have a pool in your backyard bring those vacation beach vibes to your house by dining at the beach. Score some tiki torches and some fun calypso music and enjoy your own little evening beach experience at home. Break out the grill to make this delicious looking Barbecued Chicken Pizza, enjoy some summer sun, and get to feeling those beach vibes!