How to Create a Bold Escape–Because your second home shouldn’t feel like a hand-me-down
Many second homeowners “just want to get away” but don’t put much thought into their vacation home interior design. There’s a moment many of these homeowners experience—somewhere between unpacking the beach towels and pouring the first glass of wine—when they look around and think:
“Why does this still feel like grandma’s beach cottage?”
You know the look: yellowing pine paneling, lace curtains, glass fish lamps, and furniture that’s more hand-me-down than high-end. Despite your best intentions, your vacation property still feels more like a rental than a retreat.
That’s where thoughtful vacation home interior design makes all the difference.
Why Vacation Home Interior Design Needs a Different Approach
Designing a second home isn’t the same as decorating your primary residence. Vacation homes are about feeling—not function. They’re where memories are made, rituals are born, and relaxation is the whole point.
Your vacation space should reflect that. It should spark joy the moment you walk through the door—not stress about what still needs updating. Take a cue from this beautifully designed Montecito getaway—light, livable, and layered in a way that honors place and purpose.
And yet, so many homes in coastal and lakefront areas are stuck in builder-basic mode: safe choices, bland finishes, and interiors that feel like they came from the clearance section of a beach-themed catalog.
Common Signs You Need a Vacation Home Interior Design Refresh
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to update, take a look around. You may be overdue for a refresh if:
- Your walls are still beige or soft yellow, and not in a chic way
- There’s an anchor, seashell, or “Beach Life” sign in every room
- Your lighting is overhead-only, and half the bulbs are cold white
- Your furniture doesn’t fit the scale of the room (hello, mini twin beds)
- You haven’t made any updates since you bought the home—or inherited it
These symptoms are clear indicators that your vacation home interior design no longer aligns with your style or the way you use the space.
From Builder-Basic to Bold: What Vacation Home Interior Design Should Look Like
Let’s reimagine the possibilities. Here’s a quick before-and-after visual to help you picture the transformation:
Before:
- Yellowing pine paneling
- Brown microfiber sectional that dominates the space
- Mass-produced coastal “art” sets
- Track lighting or overheads only
- Lace curtains and glass fish lamps
After:
- Painted wood or light, natural paneling
- A sculptural, colorful sofa that brings energy to the space
- Collected artwork that tells a story (not just matches a theme)
- Layered lighting: sconces, table lamps, and dimmers
- Crisp woven shades or tailored drapery in natural fibers
Key Elements of Great Vacation Home Interior Design
Ready to break out of the beige? Here are five core elements to focus on:
1. Start With a Bold Point of View.
Every well-designed getaway starts with a vibe. Whether it’s mid-century surf shack or Mediterranean boho, your aesthetic should inform every choice.
2. Upgrade the Materials, Even in Small Ways
You don’t have to gut everything. Swap in brass hardware, a new backsplash, or statement lighting to elevate the whole feel.
3. Go Beyond the Obvious “Coastal” Theme
Ditch the rope knots and sea creatures. Instead, use color, texture, and natural materials to reference the coast in an elevated, less literal way.
4. Prioritize Comfort and Function for Hosting
Vacation homes are made for gathering. Think flexible seating, guest-ready bedrooms, and durable yet beautiful finishes that hold up to sandy feet and red wine.
5. Embrace Color—Strategically
This is the perfect space to take risks. From painted ceilings to patterned rugs, vacation homes are ideal for bolder, mood-enhancing design moves.
The best vacation home interior design doesn’t try to be everything—it chooses a direction and commits to it with confidence. If you want to ditch the rope and fish kitsch but still keep a beachy feel, check out this coastal tile primer from Fireclay for subtle yet impactful inspiration
This light-drenched retreat with a built-in window bench, playful pillows, and a swing chair makes for lazy lake days. Proof that kid-friendly can still be design-forward.
Let Your Vacation Home Feel Like the Getaway It’s Meant to Be
A well-designed vacation home feels effortless. It invites you in, helps you breathe easier, and supports the lifestyle you actually want when you’re there.
That’s what we do at Indigo Ink Interiors—transform second homes from builder-basic or hand-me-down into unforgettable retreats. Spaces that reflect your personality, respect your lifestyle, and still feel fun enough to wear sandals in the kitchen.
The Lowdown: Our TL;DR
- Vacation homes need a different design approach than your primary home
- Builder-basic interiors often lack soul, scale, and personal relevance
- Vacation home interior design should balance function, personality, and a strong visual point of view
- Strategic upgrades—lighting, furniture, artwork—can completely shift the vibe
- Ditch the kitsch and design with intention, color, and comfort in mind
So the next time you walk into your lake house—past the dated wood paneling, the kitschy lake signs, and the seashell-shaped light switch covers—don’t settle for a space that feels like a time capsule or a hand-me-down.
Instead of thinking “we should really do something with this place,” we want you to think:
“This feels like the elevated escape we’ve been craving.”
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